Bar Design Steps
STEP NINE: BACK BAR UPPER AREA
The classic arrangement is a large central mirror with cabinets to the left and right. Here are several things to consider in designing this area:
A. Do you want a television in this area? Centered in the bar, or at the side? (See Carney, Erlain and Harbaugh, for examples.)
B. Center mirror? Arched? Corbels? (See Eppley)
C. Do you want the upper cabinets open (no doors)? (Heinz, Jones, Santilli, Whitford, Corsi)
D. Plain glass doors? (Day, Eppley)
E. Mullioned glass doors? (Castillos, Carneys, Wolf)
F. Stained glass backs, with back-lighting? (Jones, Wolf)
G. Mirrored cabinet backs? (Mirrors create surprise views and serve to amplify the available space.) (Jones, Erlain, Heinz, Petrick)
H. Wooden backs? (Corsi, Whitford, Santilli, Shepard)
I. Wine bottles’ storage? Lattice racks (drawing) or cleated shelves (Wolf, Jones, Whitford)?
J. Stemware racks? (Jones, Izenas)
K. Glassware shelves? (Jones, Corsi)
L. Shelves between cabinets, to reduce cost? (Jones, Erlain)
M. Glass cabinet sides? (Carney, Levine, Wolf)
N. Lockable liquor storage required? Above countertop level? Below countertop level?
O. Bottle tiers at center mirror? Mirrored tiers? Hidden Bottle Lighting? (Carney)