Bar

• The first step to creating a small basement bar is obviously the bar itself. If you are looking for a small, simple piece, there's no need to go to a great expense for a functional bar. Consider using a kitchen island for your basement bar or building your own bar in a simple, rectangular shape. The most important features are cabinets beneath the bar for storage, and a nice countertop for serving drinks. A mini-fridge or wine cooler beneath the bar may be enough to meet your needs. If you plan to serve a lot of beer, a kegerator may be another good investment for your bar.
  
  

Seating

• Most basement bars provide the majority of seating in the form of stools on the opposite side of the bar. The size of your bar will determine how many stools you can comfortably place here. For a small basement bar, you may be limited to just two stools. If you prefer to use your countertop more for serving drinks than as a place to sit, you may not want to use any stools at all. Providing two or three tables set up around the bar can serve as seating just as well. Depending on the layout of your basement, you may even have couches and recliners clustered around the television, which will be where most of your guests end up sitting anyway. This type of set-up makes seating at the bar much less important.
  
  

Supplies

• Once you have set up a functional bar with plenty of seating for your guests, you will need to stock it properly. The specific items that you will need at your bar will vary greatly with the types of drinks that you plan to serve. If you are only serving beer, having a kegerator and plenty of beer mugs on hand will do fine. For mixed drinks, you will need liquor, drink mixes, ice and the appropriate glassware. Margarita glasses, martini glasses, wine glasses and shot glasses are a good place to start. A rack suspended from the ceiling above the bar can keep these handy. If you are unfamiliar with preparing mixed drinks, a simple bartender's guide can be a handy resource behind the bar.