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38 Coffee Bar Ideas to Perfect Your Morning Brew

Steal design inspiration for your small kitchen or home office.

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coffee bar ideas
Sara Liggoria-Tramp

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There's power in a great cup of coffee, and you don't need to visit your local cafe to have one. Turn a small space in your home into a fully functional coffee station, complete with coffee machines and essentials like grounds, syrups and coffee mugs. Whether it's a built-in coffee cabinet, rolling bar cart or dedicated space in your kitchen pantry, we've rounded up creative coffee bar ideas that prove you don't need a luxe setup to craft a delicious cup of joe.

Transform an awkward alcove into a streamlined coffee bar, designate space on the kitchen counter or bring in a piece of furniture to build a cozy coffee station. Regardless if you're planning a kitchen renovation or hunting for an affordable upcycling idea, we've included beautiful coffee bars for every budget. Think everything from hanging shelves and painting a vintage table to installing a rail system to store coffee accessories.

We've included decorating inspiration for modern, contemporary and rustic interiors, so you're sure to find a coffee bar design that pairs with your style. As for small kitchens, there's clever organization ideas like hanging mug displays, relying on food storage canisters and hiding clutter behind a sink skirt. If you don't have a coffee bar at home, you'll definitely want one by time you finishing scrolling!

1

Carve Out a Small Space

white coffee bar area
Polina Pigulevsky Photography

Turn an awkward arched alcove into a sleek coffee station, just as designer Whitney Spinks of 27 South Home Group does here with bright white cabinetry and glossy subway tile. Natural wood shelves add a bit of warmth.

2

Install a Rail System

kitchen with bar cabinet area
Sara Liggoria-Tramp

From measuring spoons to a matcha whisk, this stylish rail system offers the perfect way to store coffee and tea accoutrements. A walnut wood cabinet holds designer Emily Bowser's dishware below and houses her matcha maker, French press and coffee grinder up top.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

RELATED: Best Coffee Accessories to Buy, According to Kitchen Experts

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3

Hang a Cabinet Skirt

a wooden coffee cart with a shelf and a plant on it
Most Lovely Things

Revamp a bar cart by hanging a sink skirt or hemmed fabric curtain, creating a hidden space to conceal large coffee machines, glassware or bags of beans.

See more at Most Lovely Things »

4

Set Aside Space in a Butler's Pantry

designer kasey fitzgerald small and bright pantry space with prep sink
ALLISON CORONA

A butler's pantry is used for storage, food prep and cleanup, but it can also be the ideal place to craft your morning brew. Take note from designer Kasey Fitzgerald and include a prep sink, so you can easily fill your coffee maker with water.

RELATED: Modern Butler's Pantry Ideas That Are Worth Recreating

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5

Stock Up a Bar Cart

white rolling cart
A Beautiful Mess

Whether you're designing a coffee bar for the home or office, stock up essentials for every preference. This office coffee cart includes machines for coffee, espresso and French press coffee, as well as a variety of sweeteners and syrups.

See more at A Beautiful Mess »

SHOP BAR CART

6

Build a Custom Shelf

coffee bar idea, blue cabinets and open shelving
Design by Velinda Hellen; Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

Not only does this wood shelf with cane webbing add warmth and texture to this modern kitchen, it's a convenient spot to store coffee must-haves. Reserve space on the counter for your pour-over coffee maker, then keep mugs and a grinder above.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

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7

Hide Away Essentials

microwave and coffee maker hidden in a cabinet in a home kitchen designed by andi morse of morse design
Heidi Harris

Take note from Andi Morse of Morse Design and build shelving to conceal appliances — like the microwave and coffee maker — inside a kitchen cabinet. Your countertops look much cleaner!

RELATED: Types of Coffee Makers and How to Find the Best One for You

8

Upcycle a Dated Sideboard

diy coffee station
The Home I Create

This blogger gives a white sideboard a makeover by spray painting it — along with the hardware — black. Now, this black coffee station creates contrast in a white interior.

See more at The Home I Create »

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9

Delegate Counter Space

a kitchen with coffee station
Polina Pigulevsky Photography

You don't need a large or fancy set up, just as long you dedicate a space for brewing your cup of joe. Take inspiration from designers Natalie Beach and Chuck Womack Kitchen Envy and tuck large coffee machines under floating shelves.

10

Swap Decor Seasonally

fall coffee bar
Sarah Joy Blog

Let your coffee station make a seasonal statement. Think florals for spring/summer, pumpkins for fall and evergreens for winter. Invest in a wooden mug tree and change the mugs on display every few months.

See more at Sarah Joy Blog »

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11

Source Vintage Furniture

a coffee bar with plant
Tatertots and Jello

Refinish a thrifted drop leaf table or rolling cart to use as a coffee cart. Two spacious shelves below offer additional storage for snacks and drinks, while the folding leaves provide extra surface space when extended.

See more Tatertots and Jello »

RELATED: Best Drop Leaf Tables to Maximize a Small Dining Space

12

Build a Beverage Nook

coffee bar ideas, green and gold
Margaret Rajic

Inspired by the timelessness of English kitchens, designer Kate Marker dreamed up this gorgeous pantry cabinet. Open the stately doors to reveal a mug collection, then use the Native Trails Malibu sink to easily prep your morning coffee.

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13

Mix Cabinet Colors

coffee bar ideas light blue cabinetry with coffee cabinet
Christopher Stark

Whereas the rest of this modern kitchen has pastel blue cabinets, the coffee bar cabinet stands out with wood cabinetry and glass panels. Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors fills the see-through cabinet with modern white mugs and a stunning espresso machine.

14

Display Mugs Using Hooks

coffee bar table with hanging mugs
@forthehome

Located in the corner of a home office, this antique console table houses a high-tech coffee maker, alongside a trendy lamp and lush houseplant. Above, Christine Higgs of @forthehome uses gold rods with S-hooks to hang coffee mugs, utensils, tea towels and a few decorative items.

SHOP S-HOOKS

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15

Designate a Space in the Kitchen

white kitchen coffee bar prep area
Abigail Jackson Photography

Whether you have a spacious kitchen or separate butler's pantry, reserve a dedicated area for coffee supplies. Liz Goldberg, founder of CAROLYNLEONA, also adds a wine fridge, so this setup can effortlessly transition from day to night.

16

Consider a Bold Backsplash

coffee bar ideas
David Patterson

Take inspiration from Unscripted Interior Design and turn your coffee area into a design statement by going bold with the backsplash and countertop. If you have the space, a small round sink makes coffee prep that much easier.

RELATED: Stylish Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for Every Style and Budget

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17

Bring the Coffee Bar Into the Office

home office ideas
Christopher Dibble

Thanks to a hidden coffee station inside this built-in desk, you won't even need to leave the office to make yourself a cup of afternoon coffee. With a sophisticated cabinet color, interior designer Krisanna Sanders of Recast Homes ensures your guests will have no idea what's inside.

RELATED: Home Office Ideas to Bring Style and Function to Any Layout

18

Convert a Closet

coffee bar ideas with wallpaper and curtain
Laurey Glenn

Here, interior designer Ashley Gilbreath converted a closet into a stylish coffee bar. The built-in shelves are perfect for storing mugs, stirrers and coffee grounds, while the decorative curtain helps hide storage and extra supplies.

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19

Tuck Everything Away

light wood coffee cabinet
Sara Tramp-Ligorria

Hidden behind beautiful Ross Alan reclaimed lumber cladding, this coffee and tea bar is equipped with a collection of mugs, a tea pot, cold brew maker and most notability, a coffee maker. The doors tuck in, so you can put away your coffee station when the afternoon rolls around.

See more at Style by Emily Henderson »

20

Add Floating Shelves

Coffee Bar Ideas - Modern Coffee Bar
Love Create Celebrate

Paired with a geometric accent wall, two rustic wood shelves store coffee mugs and canisters filled with coffee grounds. Don't forget to layer in coffee-themed decor and a few houseplants to complete the aesthetic.

See more at Love Create Celebrate »

SHOP FLOATING SHELVES

Headshot of Alyssa Gautieri
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

Headshot of Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

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