10 DIY Coffee Bar Essentials to Make Barista-Worthy Drinks at Home

Half asleep, you begin your mornings rifling through your kitchen, searching for everything you need to make your morning cup of joe. Imagine if, instead, you had a dedicated coffee (or tea) bar with all your essentials in one place. Read on to learn everything you need to set up your very own coffee bar at home.

1. A Designated Area

 House your coffee bar near a sink and a trash can, making it easy to get water and throw away used filters and coffee grounds. If you would like to add a sink, the typical cost ranges from $220 to $600. In an ideal world, your coffee station would also include a cabinet beneath, large enough for a small trash can and a few other tools.

2. A Roomy Surface

Use a portion of your kitchen countertop, the area around a wall-mounted built-in coffee machine, or a butler’s pantry as the base for your station. You can also designate a freestanding piece of furniture, such as a cart, buffet, dresser, bookshelf, or old kitchen island as your coffee bar.

Whichever surface you pick, make sure the counter space is large enough to hold your coffee maker (whether a drip model, single-serve or espresso machine, French press, or pour-over set-up), coffee grinder, milk frother, and electric kettle.

If you use your kitchen counter, consider asking a local carpenter to build you an appliance garage. This space would include a section of countertop and shelving on top, along with a door, to hide your equipment.

3. Electrical Outlets

 Include enough outlets to power all the electronics you need to make your favorite drinks. Remember that unless you’re sipping on black coffee, you’ll often use more than one outlet at once. You’ll want to be able to froth milk and make espresso at the same time.

4. A Refrigerated Drawer

 Include a refrigerated drawer or mini-fridge to keep milk, creamer, and mix-ins for iced drinks cool. This small appliance is a smart addition when your coffee station is far from your main fridge. 

5. Shelves

Repurpose unused wall space and install shelves above to hold mugs, coffee, filters, and more. Since this storage will be open, keep these items to a minimum and make sure they coordinate visually. Consider a matching set of white mugs or display-worthy teacups. 

6. Appliances and Tools

 Compile all the electronics and tools you’ll need for making your ultimate cup. Besides your preferred coffee maker and coffee grinder, consider stocking your space with a milk frother and electric kettle. If your coffee bar is exposed, keep these items to a minimum. 

7. Coffee and Tea

Now it’s time to talk about caffeine! Store coffee beans and tea leaves in opaque labeled canisters. If you have a single-serve coffee machine, think about buying a holder for pods. Place tea bags in a clear make-up organizer or tea chest.

8. Add-Ins

Don’t forget creamers, a sugar bowl, cinnamon, nutmeg, unsweetened cocoa powder, syrups, and anything else you need to create a delicious sip. You can also store spices, coffee stirrers, and other small items in a lazy Susan for easy access. 

For a clean look, use the same type of storage container for all your spices or syrups. 

9. Cleaning Items

Keep a selection of napkins, dish soap, paper towels, rags, and anything else you’ll need in case of coffee spillage. Because let’s face it—accidents are bound to happen, especially before you’ve had your first sip of coffee.

10. Decor

To perk up your space, start by assessing the overall style of your kitchen. If your home is sleek and modern, you’ll most likely want to reduce clutter—including design accessories.

On the other hand, if you have a cottage-style kitchen, you might want to add more decorative items. Provide some greenery with a plant or two and some personality with small pieces of art. Think about springing for designer mugs or cups and saucers.

For a coffee bar that evokes your local java joint, try painting the wall behind your set-up with chalkboard paint. Channel your inner artist and write up your own coffee or tea menu. 

Set out a basket of pastries, and you just might find yourself skipping the coffee shop in favor of your home.