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The idea of having your very own bar at home is attractive to many people. While it's great to head out to a pub, restaurant or bar once in a while, what better way to relax and unwind after a long day than kicking back and settling down at home in front of your own bar with a Mai Tai or ice-cold beer? You don't need to get dressed up, you don't need to worry about taxis or designated drivers, and last orders aren't going to be a problem! Home bars are also excellent for entertaining guests, providing a handy focal point from where to serve alcohol or soft drinks along with food or snacks. If you're considering whether to install an in-home bar there are two basic choices: a wet bar or a dry bar. What's The Difference?Essentially, wet bars have running water and a sink, so they require plumbing. Dry bars don't have a sink or taps, so there's no need for extra plumbing to run a water line where it's needed, which makes them a generally cheaper option. While wet bars have their advantages, saving you the trouble of taking piles of glasses or dishes to the kitchen, they are a permanent fixture that can't be moved. Once it's in place, that's where it stays. A dry bar, on the other hand, can potentially be portable. Some are even set on wheels, allowing you to relocate them to wherever the party is! Let's be clear, these are different compared to your drinks cabinets. We're not talking about a sideboard stacked with bottles and glasses or a globe that hides liquor. No, these are properly made bars that really look the part. Standing Black Trunk Drinks Cabinet What Does A Dry Bar Include?The idea is to have all the accoutrements of a traditional home bar but generally on a smaller scale, although some examples rival the real thing! So, you'll have counter space on top for placing glasses and bottles, and maybe some dishes with snacks. There'll also be shelves, cabinets, and a mini-fridge for white wine, beer and soda cans. Some people like to have a microwave oven for heating food, maybe a coffee machine or a kettle for hot drinks, and a blender for whizzing up smoothies and ingredients for cocktails. Don't forget extra space for napkins, wine racks, and cabinets for all the barware you might need. You might even want to install a sound system to add to the ambience, and maybe even a TV for those special sporting events! Essentially, they can be as big and elaborate or small and uncomplicated as you want them to be. It comes down to the amount of space you have as well as your budget. Why Have An In-Home Bar?We already alluded to the fact that it's a convenient means of creating an entertainment area and a space for chilling out. If you like to entertain, a dry bar provides an ideal central location from which to prepare drinks and make sure your guests are having a good time. And when you want to shut yourself away from the bustle and noise of the outside world, heading off to your bar for a drink is the perfect way to relax without leaving your house. They are a great place to socialise or enjoy quality time with the family, and the drinks are a lot cheaper! Wet Bar Vs Dry Bar: Which Is Best?That really depends on you! We've explained the difference, so you need to consider the benefits of each type. Let's bullet-point the pros and cons to help you out: Wet Bars
Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/ Dry Bars
What Style Can I Have?Way back in the past, most people built their own bars, with varying degrees of success, it has to be said. To keep costs down, many people built their own bars using cheap materials, including wood-effect panelling, which didn't always look too great. Still, they seemed happy enough with the results, and tastes have changed over the years, so who are we to judge? Thankfully, both the range and quality of available materials have improved, making the results much more pleasing. However, this really depends on your prowess when it comes to DIY! For those who aren't happy with the idea of getting covered in sawdust and handling potentially deadly power tools, help is at hand: you can buy purpose-made dry bars that come complete or you can have them installed professionally. And they look amazing! Mahogany, walnut and oak finished bars are among the most popular and make great choices! Here are some ideas for your own dry bar at home: Indoor Dry BarIf you're lucky enough to have a spare reception room, you can create the perfect space for relaxing and entertaining with a dry bar at one end. Alternatively, a small bar in your dining room or living room could be a great addition, if handled tastefully. Outdoor Dry BarThe growing popularity of kitchens in covered outdoor spaces has fuelled a rise in dry bars (and wet bars) in decked areas, patios and gardens. Some are modest in size, while others resemble beachside tavernas of Greece or Spain. Either way, it's an excellent use of space, creating a sense of fun and frivolity that we all need in our lives. Garage Dry BarLet's be honest: how many of us actually use the garage for anything other than storing old junk? Why not put it to better use by converting it into a chill-out room complete with a dry bar? Lots of people have done so already, gaining an extra room in which to unwind. Basement Dry BarThese became massively popular across America in the 1950s, and have experienced a revival in recent years. Obviously, here in the UK not many properties built in the last half-century actually have basements, which is something of an obstacle! However, for those with basements, converting it to a dry bar is a brilliant use of the space and will add value to your home. Of course, a wet bar may add more value (especially if you include a bathroom) but is much more expensive. Man Cave Dry BarWhether in a shed at the bottom of the garden or a room over the garage, a man cave is the ultimate getaway space for many hard-working males. But why should men have all the fun? A more recent term has emerged: the she shed, for equally hard-working ladies! So, you can set up your dry bar and enjoy a lads' or ladies' night in. While there's nothing wrong with a night out, there's a lot to be said for getting a small group of friends together for a private party. Iron and Mango Wood Vintage Bike Bar Spa/Hot Tub Dry BarFor the ultimate pamper session, you can't beat soaking in a hot tub with a pina colada or a chilled bottle of lager. Imagine: music is playing in the background, the fairy lights are twinkling, and you're sipping your drink as you enjoy a laugh with your loved ones, watching the sun go down. Pure bliss! Should I Get A Dry Bar?Wet bar or dry bar, the choice is yours. But both are a great investment. As we noted earlier, a wet bar costs more but has its advantages. Nevertheless, a dry bar is well worth the money, especially in the long term. Society is changing, partly in response to factors like the recent pandemic, and we are spending more time at home for work and leisure. Sadly, costs are rising rapidly, meaning that socialising away from home is hugely expensive. A dry bar provides a safe space for relaxing and entertaining, and it could save you a lot of money! The following post What Is A Dry Bar? See more on: Homes Direct 365 Limited from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-is-a-dry-bar/ via Blogger What Is A Dry Bar?
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Essentially, a wet bar is a space set aside for preparing and serving alcoholic drinks, usually in your house. This might be for your own private use, but most wet bars are used for entertainment purposes when people have friends and family around. So, you might be wondering, what makes it a wet bar? Also, what's the difference between these and dry bars? Happily, you're in the right place to find all the information you need about home bars! Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/98586679333124428/ Why Wet Bar?First, let's deal with the basics: it's called a wet bar because it has running water and a sink. That's pretty straightforward, isn't it? On the flip side, a dry bar doesn't have a sink or require any plumbing, it's simply a counter for preparing drinks. But let's examine this further to see why the distinction between wet and dry bars is so important. Benefits Of A Wet BarThe fundamental difference is that a sink with running water allows you to stay at the heart of things while entertaining guests. Imagine you're hosting a cocktail party and it's in full swing. Your guests need a top-up, but the glasses are in need of washing. As it's unlikely that they'll all finish their drinks at the same time, you find yourself going back and forth all evening, dashing from the kitchen sink to the dining room or patio or wherever your party is happening. Don't Miss OutWith a wet bar, you're able to stay in place as the perfect host as you prepare drinks, and you won't be missing out on the fun! Also, a sink is handy for those inevitable spills that are going to happen. There's always one person you can rely on to knock over drinks or drop food on the floor! Another bonus of wet bars is that the sink can double as an extra ice bucket if necessary. What Else Is Included In A Wet Bar?We know that a wet bar includes a sink, but clearly, that's not all! Most home bars have these elements:
Of course, it depends on how much room you have as to what you can fit in, but wet bars can be as big or as small as you want them to be. At the very least, you'll need a counter, storage space and a mini fridge. Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/goVkUb6wVuk Where Can I Put My Wet Bar?Basically, you can locate it anywhere you like, as long as you can arrange for the plumbing to be installed. Obviously, this will add to the cost. The home bar became popular from the late 1960s onwards (although some people had them well before this, usually the rich and famous) as people had more leisure time and started to become more daring with home decor and interior design. By the 1970s and 80s, many homeowners across the UK had installed a bar space of some description, although it's fair to say that tastes and fashions have changed drastically since those times! Changing LifestylesMost people placed home bars in the living room or dining room back then, as this was where entertainment took place. We're more adventurous today, using a man cave, or a finished basement. Basement 'pubs' were all the rage in the 1970s and 80s, and have become incredibly popular again recently, as homeowners make the most of the space with a new-found appreciation of their homes. Wet bars make sense here, as nobody wants to keep going up and down the stairs! Some people also have game rooms with a bar, which is an excellent space for entertaining, get some much-needed R&R, or simply hang out with your loved ones. Alternatively, you could place your bar close by a hot tub or spa. The Outdoor LifeHowever, in recent years, more people are taken with the idea of connecting the inside of their homes to the outside, often using patio or bifold doors. It seems that we love the alfresco life - when the Great British Weather allows! Even so, many people are creating wet bars outdoors, which is a great use of space and means you aren't as restricted when it comes to the size of your bar. The main factors when considering the location of your wet bar are as follows:
Once you've figured these out, you're ready to go ahead. What Style Can I Have?We're all different, and what appeals to one person will be shocking to another. With this in mind, your wet bar can be as elaborate or as plain and simple as you wish. Let your imagination run wild! Ideas for inspiration:
Effectively, the possibilities are endless. It all depends on your personal taste! You can enhance any of these with ambient lighting and a sound system for the best effect. How Do I Get My Own Wet Bar?Both wet bars and dry bars are a great addition to any home. They provide a place from which to entertain and prepare drinks and serve food, either for you and your family or for any events you may organise. If you want to install a wet bar in your own home, there are several options open to you. The first, and cheapest option is to build one yourself, for a couple of hundred pounds. The success of this project depends on your DIY skills. Alternatively, there are companies that sell off-the-shelf wet bars, or even bespoke designs. The total cost will depend on the size and what equipment is included. The good news is that they are very affordable, and that's something that you can raise a glass and drink to! What Is A Wet Bar? was originally seen on Homes Direct 365 Shabby Chic from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-is-a-wet-bar/ via Blogger What Is A Wet Bar? There's something about antique furniture that appeals to us. Maybe it's the quality of the craftsmanship or the beautiful finish of the wood. Maybe it's the nostalgic styles that evoke times past, the fact that it's pre-loved, or even that it provides a connection with periods of history where things seemed simpler somehow. Perhaps it's all of these and more. Whatever the reasons, antique furniture is as popular as ever, as enthusiasts strive to claim a beautiful and tangible piece of history for themselves in these increasingly confusing and uncertain times. If you have an antique piece of your own and you've been wondering which era it dates from, we've got some pointers to guide you. Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/victorian-furniture-luxury-vintage-940933/ Identifying Furniture StylesOne of the best ways of discovering which period your furniture belongs to is by comparing its style to other examples. Furniture designs have changed dramatically in style over the years, and it's not always easy to know which style dates from when. So, when a furniture style is referred to as Queen Anne or Gothic revival, what does it actually mean? Tall Back Upholstered Dining Chair with Queen Anne Style Legs Here is an overview of this timeline with some of the furniture styles presented during these periods, linked to the reigns of British monarchs: Elizabethan EraElizabethan furniture is extremely rare, so it's very unlikely that you have any at home! Most pieces are part of exclusive collections in museums or grand stately homes. This period dates between 1558 and 1603 when Elizabeth I was on the throne and furniture from this time is regarded as Primitive style. During this time, English furniture makers were heavily influenced by Renaissance and Gothic styles from Europe, resulting in more ornamented pieces. Key features:
Gold Antique French Style Throne Chair Jacobean EraThis period runs from 1603 to 1649, taking in the reigns of James I and Charles I, although the latter half is sometimes called Carolean. Key features:
Cromwellian (Commonwealth) EraEngland's Republican experiment lasted from 1649 to 1660, during which time Cromwell and his Puritan followers had a marked effect on all aspects of life, including furniture styles. Key features:
Restoration PeriodFrom 1660 to 1689, after Cromwell's fall and the return of the monarchy, craftsmen went into overdrive, realigning their designs with European examples, often in extreme ways. It was a means of wiping out the austerity of the Puritan years. During this era, taking in the reigns of Charles II and James II, baroque styles really took off. Key features:
Green Antique French Style Sideboard William And Mary PeriodThe William and Mary period lasted from 1689 to 1702 and is one of the most influential periods of British furniture history, even though Mary only reigned until 1694. Key features:
Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/540502392765242377/ Queen Anne EraLasting from 1702 to 1714, the Queen Anne era is another influential period in British furniture making, sometimes called Late Baroque. Key features:
Baroque White Bedroom Collection Georgian EraThis period is divided into two sections: early and late Georgian, covering the reigns of George I, George II, George III and George IV between 1714 and 1830, taking in the Regency period. Key features:
Mahogany Antique French Style Console Table Regency PeriodThis sub-period of the Georgian era technically dates from 1795 to 1830 including covering the time between 1811 and 1820 when Prince George IV stood as Regent in place of his sick father. Key features:
William IV EraThis period doesn't receive as much attention as others, but it is important nevertheless, covering the years 1830 to 1837 when William took over from his brother, George IV. Key features:
Victorian PeriodVictorian furniture tends to be eclectic, influencing styles between 1837 and 1901. Key features:
Rococo Antique French Style Bed Edwardian EraOddly enough, Edwardian furniture dates from 1890 to 1911, even though Edward only took the throne in 1901. As with Victorian-era furniture, the styles remain eclectic. Key features:
The Furniture MakersMany antique experts talk about the items by referring to the makers. This doesn't mean that each piece of furniture was individually made by that person! It simply refers to a specific workshop owned and run by a master designer that produced certain styles of furniture. Looking at antique furniture maker's marks can also help you identify antique furniture and it's originality. Source: https://antiquesworld.co.uk/antique-furniture-by-johnstone-jeanes/ Here are some of the most highly regarded cabinet makers in the business, along with details of the styles that made them famous: Thomas Sheraton 1751 - 1806An accomplished draughtsman and designer, Thomas Sheraton influenced furniture design until the early 1900s. His designs are noted for their use of contrasting veneers, tapered legs, and fluting. He is regarded as one of the big three, the most British furniture designers, along with Thomas Chippendale and George Hepplewhite. Thomas Hope 1769 - 1831Dutch by birth, Hope made England his home after travelling around Europe extensively and accumulating a vast collection of antique furniture that inspired his genius design elements that feature heavily in Regency style furniture. Thomas Johnson 1714 - 1778Johnson was a highly-gifted craftsman who combined the three most popular motifs (Louis XIV, Chinese, and Gothic) amazingly well. Birds, fish, animals and humans feature heavily in his work. George Smith 1786 - 1826Smith was a great fan of Thomas Hope, writing several books on his designs with the aim of making them accessible to the masses, not just the nobility. His own designs focused on Greek, Roman, and Egyptian themes. Thomas Chippendale 1718 -1779Famous for his outstanding styles that incorporated rich carvings, especially those in his book, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director which influenced master craftsmen from the Georgian period onwards. Oriental design in Europe prompted Chippendale to include them in his designs. He is one of the few British designers who ever achieved worldwide fame, as Chippendale furniture is known almost everywhere. Robert Adam 1728 - 1792One of the most important proponents of the Neo-classical style, Adam was inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman ideas, using them in his architecture and interior design work as well as furniture. Considered one of the most influential designers of the time, his distinctive designs came to be known as the 'Adam Style.' George Hepplewhite 1727 - 1786Hepplewhite is an enigma. Despite being one of the big three, we don't know a lot about him at all! However, his designs are distinctive: well-balanced with pronounced curviness and very slender. They also feature shield-back chairs with shorter, curved arms and straight legs, without any carvings. Any other details were painted or inlaid at a later date. Looking For CluesAside from identifying your furniture by its style or the wood used in its manufacture, you can get a rough idea of its age from how it was made: Check The JoineryLook for dovetail joints on the back or underneath of your furniture or the underside of drawers. Early furniture usually has one large dovetail joint with imperfections in the cut. This tells you that the piece probably dates to the 18th Century. Several smaller joins, still with saw and tool marks, suggest a 19th Century date is more likely. If the dovetails are small, perfectly spaced and smooth, the piece is almost definitely machine-cut, meaning that it is post-Industrial Revolution or Victorian furniture dating from 1860 onwards. Screws And NailsHandmade screws are a good clue, as these were rough-looking with the slots often being off-centre. Cabinet makers often had to cut a slot into the head using a hacksaw on screws that were partially machine-made. Although the earliest machine-made screws were around in 1790, it wasn't until 1856 that most makers started using machine-cut screws, and these are uniform in size and appearance. They are also tapered to a sharp point, whereas earlier examples were blunt and did not taper as much. Nails, which were always handmade by blacksmiths prior to 1790, usually have a square rose head, where the end was flattened with a hammer. Modern nails have round heads. Check For Slight DifferencesLook at the drawer knobs, handles or spindles to see if they are perfectly identical. If so, your item probably dates from 1860 and later. Earlier pieces will never be absolutely identical as they are made by hand. Which Period Is Your Furniture From?Hopefully, you'll now be equipped with a little knowledge to be able to identify when your antique furniture was produced. At the very least, you should be able to narrow down the possibilities and find an approximate date, and you'll be able to tell Jacobean from Art Nouveau! Tudor furniture isn't included here as it is even rarer than Elizabethan, and the timeline cuts off around the Edwardian and Art Nouveau eras as anything from the mid 19th Century doesn't qualify as an antique - just yet! Antique Grape Tiffany Small Table Lamp The following article What Period Is My Furniture? was first published to Homes Direct 365 French Furniture from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2022/05/what-period-is-my-furniture/ via Blogger What Period Is My Furniture? |
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