How to Set Up a Coffee Bar You Love

Enjoy your coffee with a personalized station featuring coffee accessories you’ll love for a more elevated experience. With complementing designs and personalized touches, you can make a coffee setup that’s truly yours. Coffee essentials, like your favorite mugs, stylish canisters, and selected kitchen accessories, can make your coffee bar as functional as it is inviting. 

What is an At-Home Coffee Bar?

An at-home coffee bar is a dedicated space in your home for brewing coffee that should enhance that first sip feeling in the morning. When done right, it brings style, organization, and convenience to your morning routine. 

 

Your coffee bar setup should create a personalized station that reflects your style and coffee preferences, keeping your essentials within easy reach. Whether you prefer a minimalist coffee setup with the basics (coffee mugs, sugar, and stirring spoons) or enjoy your coffee station stocked with your favorite coffee specialty drink ingredients, an at-home coffee bar elevates an everyday ritual into a moment of intentional enjoyment. 

Your coffee bar doesn’t have to be anything extravagant; it should be designed to fit your needs and preferences. Create your coffee bar as big or as small as you like, using available counter space or a breakfast nook, sideboard, bar cart, or other space in your dining room or kitchen. You can transform {almost} any space into an at-home coffee bar. 

 

How to Set Up Your Coffee Bar

There’s no wrong way to set up your coffee bar. The focus of a home coffee setup should be infusing your personality and style into a space that makes enjoying your coffee a bit easier. 

1. Choose your Coffee Bar Location

The first step in setting up your home coffee bar is to choose where you want it. You’ll want to clear off the space and clean it up so you have a blank canvas to work with.

 

 

 

Where Should You Create Your Coffee Setup at Home?

• Kitchen 
• Breakfast Nook 
• Dining Room 

Pro tip: Make sure the spot is easy to access and has enough space to hold your coffee necessities, including your machine or French press, coffee mugs, and other accessories for your perfect cup. 

2. Gather Your Coffee Essentials

Everyone’s list of coffee must-haves is unique, and if you live with other coffee drinkers, consider their list when creating the space. We start with placing the coffee machine; this is most likely your largest item in the space, so it’s easy to organize around this essential. 

Next, place your coffee mugs on a display rack or stack them neatly. If you’re considering placement, we prefer directly next to your coffee machine for convenience when we’re a bit sleepy. If you prefer an insulated and lidded coffee cup, add that one to your coffee bar. If you have a large coffee cup collection, don't worry; all of your coffee mugs don’t need to be incorporated into your coffee bar.  

 

 

Then, organize your coffee beans, grounds, or pods in containers or canisters to keep them fresh while adding a stylish touch. A small tray can be added to keep the space tidy and works as a decorative accent. Make sure you have all your favorite coffee essentials, like creamer, sugar, or even flavored syrup. 

Pick an At-Home Coffee Brew Method

Your coffee station setup can vary greatly depending on your coffee brewing choice. Each type of home coffee maker brings its own function, aesthetic, and needs. For instance, if you have a drip coffee maker, you need coffee grounds nearby. A single-serve machine like a Keurig or Nespresso requires coffee pods and mugs within arm’s reach. 

There are plenty of coffee makers that fit your preferred brewing method:

• Percolator coffee maker
• Drip coffee maker
• French press
• Espresso maker
• Single-serve traditional coffee maker
• Single-serve espresso coffee maker 

Coffee Bar Necessities

Your coffee bar isn’t limited to your coffee; it should also include the ingredients you need to make your perfect cup. If you are offering specific coffee drinks for a gathering, you should also consider any supplies for the coffee recipe. If you are limited by space when designing your coffee bar setup, prioritize the essentials that are most used.  

3. Consider What You’d Like Readily Available at Your Coffee Bar

 

 

• Coffee – It is a coffee bar, after all. Whether you prefer coffee pods or ground coffee, it’s important to have the supplies necessary for making your favorite cup of Joe. Pro tip: Make sure to have decaf on hand if you’re having an evening gathering where you’ll offer coffee.
• Sugar – We consider sugar essential; it is the most common additive to coffee beverages. Plain white granulated sugar is the most popular choice, but you can also consider other sweeteners like brown sugar, Stevia, Splenda, and even honey.
• Creamer – There are many options available for creamer, from cold liquid creamers to powdered or even individual creamers that are shelf stable. When choosing yours, you’ll want to consider what’s most convenient and what fits in the space. If you use individual creamers, we recommend having a trash can nearby so it’s easy to dispose of all the little cups. 
• Tea bags – Is coffee not a favorite for everyone in your home? We recommend having a few options for tea on hand {yes, even as part of your coffee bar}. You may go with black tea or flavored teas. More popular flavored teas include classic green tea, peppermint tea, and Earl Grey.
• Flavor syrups and sauces – Elevate your coffee with flavored syrups. The most popular flavors used in coffee shops are vanilla, chocolate, hazelnut, and caramel. If hosting a themed party, you can select coffee syrups and sauces that pair well with the theme and menu. 

Serveware for Your Coffee Bar

After you know what you want at your coffee bar, you can choose the right serveware for the space:

Storage Must-Haves for Your Coffee Bar

Storage is essential for any functional space, and a coffee setup is no exception. Consider any necessary storage for items like stirrers, utensils, coffee pods, or tea bags.

Canisters offer the added benefit of stylishly concealing what’s inside with a lid to keep items fresh or safe from dust. If you have coffee grounds or other items that need a rubber seal for freshness, jars are the way to go. Mix and match your storage solutions based on the size of items you need to store. 

 

Signature White Round Lollipop Jar with Lid 2 Piece Set	Iris Blue Canisters, Set of 2

Stylish Serving Trays

Keep your coffee bar essentials contained, or make serving after-dinner coffee effortless by including a serving tray in your setup. Choose the right serving platter for the space and consider the size, function, and design that’s right for your coffee bar.

 

Crew 18 Handled Traditional Tray	Ecru Quatrefoil Handled Tray

Cream and Sugar Set

Keep your coffee essentials like sugar and creamer close by {or on} your coffee bar. A coordinating cream and sugar set can bring together your coffee bar. For something neutral, we recommend the Signature White Ruffle Cream and Sugar Set, or for a serveware accent, you’ll love the Iris Blue Drop Ruffle Cream and Sugar Set.

Iris Blue Drop Ruffle Cream and Sugar Set	Signature White Ruffle Cream and Sugar Set

Cloth Cocktail Napkins

 

Add style and functionality to your coffee bar when you accessorize with cocktail napkins. Select cloth napkins that coordinate with your home décor, serveware, or the theme of your gathering. Adding linen cocktail napkins is a practical addition as they’re perfect for quick cleanups, catching any drips or spills, and providing a neat way to serve your coffee. They can also be great for holding a breakfast pastry paired with your coffee.

The Iris Blue Burst Round Cocktail Napkins are a perfect burst of color to pair with your coffee bar for everyday use. For a holiday gathering, carry your theme through the whole house when you include a festive set at your coffee bar. 

 

Iris Blue Burst Round Cocktail Napkins	Flying Santa Cocktail Napkins

 

Selecting Your Mugs

Of course, as part of your coffee bar setup, you’ll want to have your mugs easily accessible. Select mugs that fit your style and coffee needs. A cohesive look will bring the space together and elevate your station. 

Mug Styles to Consider

 

Signature White Footed Mug – Features an attached saucer for catching spills in our Signature White neutral hue with white and cream hand-painted brushstrokes.	Iris Blue Sprout Mug – Inspired by a blossoming flour, this mug features a generous size and will complement your space with blue hues and a classic style.	Deco Gold Scallop Mug – Add a modern touch to your coffee setup with our mug featuring a clean white base and gold metallic handle.

 

Decorate your Coffee Bar

We love adding decorative touches to our coffee bar to make it feel like our own. If you have a green thumb, consider adding a small plant like an orchid, or choose a favorite print and frame it as a heartfelt addition to your coffee bar. 

Make Your Coffee Bar Festive for the Seasons

Home décor accents can be added to your coffee bar with festive accents for the season. A simple swap of the serving platter or a seasonal cocktail napkin addition can complete your coffee bar’s decorative touches. 

Styling Your Coffee Bar for Valentine’s Day 

Adding a touch of festive Valentine’s décor to your coffee bar area can add a reminder of love to the space:

• XOXO Mug – Large pink and red mugs with an X and O design are sure to say “I love you” during the holiday of love. The interior features a cheerful pop of red for a sweet reminder of the holiday with each sip. 
• Blush Layered Diamond Mug – Set up your coffee bar with this blush mug set, or create a mix-and-match look when you pair them with the XOXO Mugs. With a 16 oz capacity, you’ll love the generous size and large, comfortable handle. 
• Stamp of Love Cocktail Napkins – Update your coffee cart linens to keep things clean and add a seasonal touch to the setup. These napkins feature a scalloped stamp edge with a pink heart and “sending you love” message. 

Easter Coffee Bar Décor

Whether you’re hosting Easter and want to prepare a coffee bar for guests, or you simply want to add to your décor, enhance your setup with our favorite Easter dishes and serveware:

• Speckled Rabbit Mugs – These mugs make a festive addition to your coffee bar and bring a sense of Springtime to your setup. Swap your everyday mugs for these at your coffee bar to lean into spring. 
• Sage Speckled Rabbit Round Platter – The round platter matches the mugs exactly, creating an even more cohesive look at your coffee bar. It’s perfect for holding your coffee bar items or for using as a serving tray when you have company over. 
• The Rabbit Covered Bowl – This neutral white covered bowl is shaped like a rabbit for a decorative Easter touch to your coffee setup. We love using it to hold coffee pods, sugar packs, and the like. 

Christmas Mugs and Coffee Accessories

Change out your flavors and coffee bar décor for the holiday season. With simple swaps of your mugs and serveware, your coffee bar will be festive for Christmastime:

• Christmas in the Village Mugs – Change out your everyday cups for these merry mugs as you lean into the cheer of the Christmas season. This is an easy way to add a seasonal item that you’ll use daily.
• O Holy Night Appetizer Bowl – This bowl is perfect for holding coffee pods or other coffee essentials. 
• Balsam and Berry Ruffle Cream and Sugar Set – This set features red accents paired with our Balsam and Berry print and ruffle edges for a unique touch to any coffee setup. 
• Christmas in the Village Tray – A tray can be a functional and stylish addition as it keeps the coffee bar space clean as you prepare your drink. This tray features Santa on his sleigh behind his reindeer and metallic gold accents.

 

Creating a personalized coffee station at home allows you to make a space that is truly yours. A coffee bar can enhance your aesthetic appeal while offering functionality around your coffee preferences. Enjoy your morning (or afternoon) coffee ritual conveniently in a space designed just for you, with pieces that reflect your unique style and coffee needs.