Leave No Corner Unused with a Narrow Tall Bar Cabinet
Whether you're working with a small apartment kitchen or designing a compact home bar, finding storage solutions for your space can be a tricky balancing act. You want to make the most of every nook and cranny for functionality, while maintaining a sense of style. This is where a tall narrow bar cabinet can be a game changer.
With their slender silhouette and soaring height, these specialized cabinets are designed to tuck neatly into wasted corners and narrow gaps. Taking advantage of vertical real estate, a tall bar cabinet transforms overlooked spots into prime storage territory. Keep reading to learn how embracing the power of tall and narrow can help you organize your barware with flair.
What is a Tall Narrow Bar Cabinet?
Unlike wide, sprawling bar cabinets, a tall narrow piece has compact dimensions with an elongated shape. These cabinets are significantly taller than they are wide, often with a width of just 15-20 inches and heights over 70 inches.
This unique orientation serves several purposes. First, it allows the cabinet to be tucked into narrow crevices where a standard cabinet couldn't fit. Common placements include in the corner of a room, in the gap between cabinets, or against an underutilized wall. This makes use of dead space that would otherwise go wasted.
Secondly, the narrow footprint avoids dominating the room visually. The slim silhouette maintains a lightweight, airy aesthetic. Finally, the greater height unlocks more usable storage space. More shelves stacked vertically mean more room for bottles, glasses, and accessories.
Benefits of a Tall Narrow Design
The slender and soaring form factor of these cabinets comes with some excellent advantages:
- Fits in tight corners and gaps
- Creates a unique, minimalist look
- Increases storage capacity through height
- Adds visual interest with an unconventional shape
For small home bars and kitchens, these benefits enable you to get creative with awkward spaces while keeping items organized and aesthetics sleek. The days of cramming barware into ill-fitting cabinets or letting it clutter countertops are over.
Maximizing Your Storage Options
To truly capitalize on the expanded storage potential of a tall narrow cabinet, consider these design elements:
Adjustable Shelving
Look for a model with height-adjustable shelves. This allows you to customize the interior to fit items of various sizes, from cocktail glasses and wine bottles to decanters and mixers. Space shelves closely for compact storage or increase clearance between shelves for larger items.
Glass Shelving
Glass shelves create a sense of openness so contents remain visible. The transparency gives the cabinet an airier, less imposing feel in your space. Glass also makes a stylish material choice.
Specialized Features
Some cabinets incorporate racks, holders, and compartments to accommodate barware. Wine glass racks keep stems safe. Built-in compartments neatly organize tools. Look for a model with features suited for your collection.
Doors vs. Open
Bar cabinets come in enclosed or open-faced versions. Doors provide a tidier, concealed look and protect contents from dust. Open shelving enables easy access and attractive display of beautiful glassware or liquor bottles. Choose based on your needs and style preferences.
Materials and Styles to Suit Your Space
Another benefit of tall slender cabinets is the wide range of finishes and designs available to match your existing decor. Consider these material and style options:
Wood
Wood finishes like oak, walnut, and maple provide a classic, warm look. Carved details contribute visual interest. Painted wood offers colorful customization.
Metal
Metals like stainless steel, brass, and powder-coated aluminum bring an industrial, modern vibe. The sleek metallic surfaces complement contemporary bars.
Glass
Glass-front cabinets maintain visibility of contents while adding a transparent, light look. Glass shelves also contribute an airy aesthetic.
Freestanding vs Built-In
Freestanding versions can be positioned anywhere and relocated as needed. Built-in cabinets are custom-fitted to integrate seamlessly with existing cabinetry for a unified look.
Modern to Traditional
From minimalist to ornate, today's selection includes mid-century modern, industrial, rustic, and retro options to blend with your current furnishings and architecture.
With so many choices, it's easy to find the perfect style for your home bar or kitchen.
Organizing Your Bar Essentials
The most rewarding part of installing a tall bar cabinet is finally getting to organize all those barware pieces and spirits into their rightful homes. Here are some tips for designating cabinet space:
Glassware
Group glassware together by type, with separate shelves for wine glasses, beer mugs, cocktail glasses, and other specialty drinkware. This keeps similar glasses together for easy selection.
Liquor and Wine
Reserve a shelf or divided compartment just for storing liquor and wine bottles upright. Having go-to spirits on hand for mixing cocktails is essential.
Mixers and Garnishes
Don't forget to leave room for bartending staples like bitters, citrus, cherries, olives, simple syrups, and sodas. Keep these within reach above or next to your liquor selection.
Bar Tools
Carve out real estate for vital bar tools like shakers, strainers, jiggers, muddlers, and cutting boards. Bonus points for built-in slots or drawers to hold tools in place.
Special Storage
Use adjustable shelves to accommodate larger items like ice buckets and oversized decanters. Place delicate glassware on higher shelves away from action. Customize storage zones as needed.
Take time to thoughtfully organize your cabinet. You'll be rewarded with a streamlined, professional-looking home bar every time you mix a cocktail.
Buying Considerations
Ready to start shopping? Keep these factors in mind:
Measure Twice
Carefully measure the space where you plan to install the cabinet. Note ceiling height, width, depth, and any obstructions. This ensures proper sizing.
Storage Needs
Estimate how many bottles, glasses, and tools you need to store. This determines ideal shelf capacity and dimensions. Err on the larger side.
Weight Capacity
Shelf weight limits can range widely by material. Ensure the cabinet can safely hold the contents you intend to load it with.
Quality Materials
Opt for solid wood, durable finishes, and quality hardware. Well-constructed cabinets withstand frequent use and last for years.
Set a Budget
Tall bar cabinets span a wide range of price points. Set realistic expectations based on your budget. Quality options exist at lower price tiers.
Doing upfront planning makes for smooth installation and better long-term satisfaction.
Highlighting Brands and Retailers
Wondering where to buy? Here are some top sources to explore:
Crate and Barrel
This home retailer offers contemporary bar cabinets in wood, metal, and glass options starting around $700.
Restoration Hardware
Known for modern and vintage-inspired designs, RH sells high-end bar cabinets ranging from $2,000-$10,000.
Pottery Barn
Rustic, farmhouse styles abound in Pottery Barn's selection of tall bar cabinets and hutches.
Custom Creators
Work with specialty cabinet makers to custom-build a bar cabinet suited for your space and storage needs.
Vintage Finds
Search flea markets and online antique shops for unique vintage bar cabinets brimming with character.
Big-box furniture stores, online specialty retailers, and custom fabrication offer plenty of stylish options for your home bar.
Style Ideas and Inspiration
Looking for decor inspiration? Consider these attractive tall narrow bar cabinet styles:
Modern Industrial
Exposed metal framework, minimalist hardware, and sleek lines create an urban loft vibe. Mix with exposed brick or concrete.
Farmhouse Chic
Weathered wood finishes, glass-front doors, and vintage accents give off cozy, countryside charm in a modern kitchen or bar.
Bold Color Statement
Make the cabinet a focal point with dramatic colors like navy blue, emerald green, or even a glossy lacquer red. Let it contrast with neutral walls.
Refined Glass Cabinet
Etched glass doors reveal hints of contents inside while maintaining an elegant, transparent look. Sleek metal frames provide support.
Whether your aesthetic is urban modern, rustic retreat, or classic sophistication, a tall narrow cabinet brings stylish storage to your space.
If you're struggling with cluttered counters, overstuffed cabinets, and disorganized barware, a tall slender bar cabinet presents the ideal solution. Taking advantage of wasted vertical space, these specialized cabinets maximize storage capacity with a minimized footprint. Strategic shelves and compartments enable you to neatly organize spirits, tools, glassware, and accessories.
You're sure to find a look that meshes with your home. Bring order and elegance to your bar area by embracing the power of tall and narrow. Cheers to better bar storage!