David Artsmith  -  A bar is a social space, designed to bring people together to enjoy a beverage at the end of the day. Whether it is the local pub down the street, or a tiny corner you carved out of your basement, the bar is meant to be shared and enjoyed with others. When creating the atmosphere in a bar that should be your primary concern. You want to develop a space which encourages interaction in an open and affable manner.

The basis of the tavern, is its bar, and this should be the first thing you select. This is the name piece of the room, and it will most certainly be the central aspect of any bar. You don't always want the largest bar, sometimes having more floor space can allow you to create a more comfortable environment. It should be a balancing act, weighing the actual physical size of the piece against the floor room that you have. While sitting at the bar may be the purpose of the room, you also want a sense of flow that makes people feel like they can easily move into and out of the space, without being crowded by oversized furnishings.

Seating is another important element in the space. Bar stools come in a wide variety of designs, from standard swivels, to elaborate high backed mounts. You should try and choose something which matches the style of the bar itself. Match up materials such as the color of hardwoods, and try to ensure that cushioning colors flow naturally with the inherent feeling of the space.

Once you have the bare bones architecture of the room installed, it is time to go for accessories. Everything from a wine rack, to drink coasters, needs to be purchased to flesh out the bar experience. You can purchase spouts, nozzles, mixers, wine openers, and a variety of other objects to help make your bar more functional. However, it is best to purchase these items all at once, so that you can make sure that they match one another in style, material, and color.

You should also pay attention to the decorative atmosphere outside of the immediate bar area. The walls, and the surrounding room all contribute to the eventual feel of the bar itself. You can purchase novelty signs, intriguing wall clocks, and interesting art pieces to dress up this area. A television, or some other media device is also a good option for this space.

When decorating a bar, whether in your home, or in a restaurant, it is important to remember that this is supposed to be a social setting. You want to create an atmosphere which is comfortable and friendly. Provide interesting objects that will start conversations. Create a fun, and uplifting environment, and pretty soon your patrons and friends will be one and the same.