Step back in time with home vintage bars. Discover how to create a charming and nostalgic atmosphere with vintage furniture and decor that you can copy today.
Serving Up Old School
Vintage bars and styling are a popular choice for those looking to create a nostalgic and charming atmosphere in their home or establishment.
Whether you’re setting up a home bar or revamping a commercial bar, incorporating vintage elements can add character and a sense of history to the space.
10 Vintage Bars We Love
Click on title names and photos to see details.
Kaitie Moyer | Vintage Bar Cabinet
Rustic charm meets elegance with this vintage bar cabinet, which features an antique portrait hanging on the wall and wall lighting. It’s swoon-worthy!
The China Cabinet Project | Design Crush
Black looks so classic in Kelly’s dining room. See how this vintage china cabinet, which had been in her grandparents’ basement for 40 years, went to be her new home vintage bar.
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Après Ski Theme Party Vintage-Inspired Host ideas post.
Wilmette Tudor Project Reveal- The Dish On Custom Furniture
See the transformation of this old furniture piece into a gorgeous, handsome green bar cabinet. Would you believe it used to be a TV hutch?
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this DIY Ice Bucket: How to Make Chic Floral Party Buckets post.
Totally Hip Take on the Bar Cart | Rue Magazine
An old trunk transformed; what a fabulous idea!
Pro Tip
You may also be inspired by the Antique Trunk Restoration Made Easy post.
Designing Your Perfect In-Home Vintage Bars
Anything that you can store and display can be used as the basis for your bar like this vintage television set hollowed out to create vintage bars.
Vintage Suitcase Turned Portable Suitcase Bar | More Than Thursdays
Oh my goodness, is this the cutest idea ever? The trend for creating an antique bar in your home is to design and style your own using old furniture pieces from even small suitcases like this. Adorable idea!
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Styling a Vintage Suitcase – A DIY Project post.
How to Turn a Bookcase into a Retro Cocktail Cabinet
This bookcase project turned out so beautifully, lights and all! For this project, an old bookcase with glass shelves was found, and with a bit of imagination, it was turned into a dreamy mid-century cocktail unit.
Pro Tip
See this Fabulous Vintage Hutch Makeover for more inspiration.
Upcycled Radio Cabinet | Pondered Primed Perfected
This old 1930s Sears Roebuck AM Radio Console is restored into a vintage home bar with built-in stemware hangers, wine bottle storage, and plenty of room for all the extra bar accessories and beverages.
Set Up a Vintage Home Bar | Celebration at Home
Go shabby chic with an old armoire like this one. With all the compartments in an armoire, it’s the perfect piece of furniture to turn into a home bar. Your guests would never guess what’s behind those closed doors!
Give Lockers a New Life | Sf Girl
How about a thrifted set of lockers? Unfortunately, there is not a direct link to see more of this unique design, yet it’s fabulous and worth highlighting.
Pro Tip
You may also enjoy this Antique Bar Cart: 15 Eclectic Ways to Vintage Style post.
Most Common Questions About Vintage Bars
What is behind a vintage bar?
Behind a vintage bar, you’ll typically find a well-stocked back bar with antique or retro-style liquor bottles, classic glassware, and bar tools like jiggers, shakers, and strainers. Many vintage bars also feature ornate wooden shelving, mirrored backdrops, and nostalgic decor such as old advertisements, neon signs, or Art Deco accents, all contributing to the timeless ambiance.
How do you decorate a retro bar?
To decorate a retro bar, incorporate vintage-inspired elements like mid-century barstools, a sleek chrome or wooden bar cart, and neon or marquee signage for a nostalgic touch. Use classic cocktail glassware, antique decanters, and retro barware, along with period-specific decor like tiki accents, vinyl records, or Art Deco patterns to enhance the old-school vibe.
What is a retro home bar?
A retro home bar is a dedicated space designed to capture the nostalgic charm of past decades, often inspired by mid-century, Art Deco, or 1970s lounge aesthetics. It typically includes vintage-style bar furniture, classic glassware, retro signage, and period-specific decor, creating a stylish and functional spot for mixing and enjoying cocktails at home.
What are the different types of home bar?
There are several types of home bars, each catering to different styles and spaces. A built-in bar is a permanent fixture with cabinetry, countertops, and storage, often integrated into a living or dining area. A bar cart is a versatile and mobile option, perfect for small spaces, while a wet bar includes a sink for added functionality. Other options include a speakeasy-style bar with a hidden, vintage-inspired design, a basement bar for a dedicated entertainment space, and a wall-mounted or floating bar for a minimalist approach.
What is a good vintage tiki bar?
A good vintage tiki bar embraces the classic Polynesian-inspired aesthetic of mid-century tiki culture, featuring bamboo or rattan furniture, carved wooden tiki statues, and thatched or woven grass accents. Iconic examples include Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber, which set the standard with tropical cocktails like Mai Tais and Zombies, exotic decor, and a laid-back island atmosphere.
Vintage bars bring timeless charm and character to any space, whether it’s a cozy home bar, a stylish retro lounge, or a nostalgic tiki retreat.
By incorporating classic decor, antique barware, and a thoughtfully curated selection of cocktails, you can create an inviting atmosphere that captures the elegance and fun of a bygone era.
Whether you’re drawn to the sophistication of an Art Deco bar or the playful vibes of a mid-century tiki setup, a vintage bar is the perfect way to add history, personality, and flair to your entertaining space.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]
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This was such a fun blog post, Ann. I think my favorite is that vintage TV bar.