A perfect outdoor bar should have a combination of two things: function and style. From rustic wooden outdoor bars to sleek modern bars with LED lighting, outdoor bar design ideas come in all varieties. A tiki-style bar adorned with bamboo decor and tropical accents sets a vacation tone, and a stone bar with a built-in grill forms the ultimate entertainment environment.
Weather-resistant materials — like stainless steel and treated wood — help them stay gold. Add comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and a mini-fridge for improved ease. From a rooftop bar to a poolside refreshment station or a cozy garden bar, outdoor bar design ideas turn any space into a sociable retreat.
Outdoor Bar Design Ideas
- Rustic Wooden Bar – Use reclaimed wood and vintage bar stools for a cozy, natural feel.
- Tiki-themed bar – Bamboo, thatched roo,f, and tropical decor foam r island vibe
- Fire Pit Stone Bar – A stone bar featuring a fire pit for warmth and ambiance
- Swim-Up Bar – Built-in seating within the pool, for a luxury resort-style atmosphere.
- Pergola-Covered Bar — Use a pergola to keep shaded but still maintain an open-air atmosphere.
- Garden Bar Nook — A mini bar corner in a garden amidst greenery and flowers.
- Shipping Container Bar – A container is a great way to transform your yard into an industrial outdoor style bar.
- LED-Lit Bar– Create a stylish nighttime bar with color-changing LED lights.
- Outdoor Kitchen & Bar Combo – Pair a bar with a built-in grill and counter.
- Retractable Wall Bar — A fold-out wall-mounted bar.
- Minimalist Modern Bar – Neutral + metal accents, sleek, straight lines.
- Wine Barrel Bar – A rustic, vintage-style bar made from repurposed wine barrels.
- Lounge Rooftop Bar – A trendsetting bar offering views of the city skyline.
- Backyard Pallet Bar – An outdoor bar made from stacked pallets, perfect for the budget-conscious.
- Bohemian Bar Setup – A relaxed bar environment with bright cushions and various decoration pieces.
- Seaside Driftwood Bar – Add driftwood elements for a beachy, coastal vibe.
- Counter-In Counter Outdoor Kitchen — an outdoor kitchen island with a counter so you can enjoy your drink.
- Farmhouse Porch Bar — A rustic-looking design of barn accents and wooden chairs.
- Retractable Awning Bar – A bar with a retractable awning to control the shade
- Hanging Swing Bar Seats – Switch out barstools for hanging swing seats for a fun twist.
- Beer Tap Garden Bar – It doesn’t get more pub-style outdoor bar than built-in beer taps.
- Hammock Bar Lounge — An easygoing bar with adjacent hammocks for lounging.
- Streamlined Concrete Bar with Waterfall Edge – A minimalist concrete bar with a bold water edge.
- Portable Rolling Bar Cart – A mobile bar cart.
- A glass roof bar– For an open feel, a bar with a transparent glass roof
- Cabana-Style Bar — A shady bar surrounded by flowing curtains and tropical decor.
- BBQ Bar Station — A bar from your backyard with a barbecue.
- Bamboo Privacy Bar — A bamboo-enclosed privacy bar for intimate gatherings.
- Japanese Zen Bar — Simple outdoor bar made of stone, bamboo, and soothing decor.
- Industrial Metal & Wood Bar – A warehouse-style, rugged bar mixing wood with steel components.
Steps to Design Wet Bar
1. Rustic Wooden Bar
- Source reclaimed wood to build the bar for a more natural, rustic appearance.
- Incorporate vintage bar stools and metal fixtures for an old-school feel.
- Hang warm string lights or lanterns to add to the cozy atmosphere.
2. Tiki-Themed Bar
- For a truly tropical feel, opt for bamboo poles and a thatched roof.
- Drape tiki masks, rattan furniture, and tropical plants.
- Cocktails With Fruit-Based Spirits and Island-Style Mugs
3. Fire Pit Stone Bar
- Construct a stone countertop and fire pit for a long-lasting, sophisticated design.
- Set up heat-resistant seating around the fire for comfort.
- Use flame-proof materials/textiles and a protective glass screen.
4. Swim-Up Bar
- Create built-in seats in the pool using waterproof bar stools
- Add a bar ledge along the edge of the pool to serve drinks.
- Even if the bar is constantly busy, be sure they have materials that are not slippery on the floor.
5. Pergola-Covered Bar
- Otherwise, make sure to cover the bar area with a wooden or metal pergola for shade.
- Add some hanging lights, curtains, or vines to set the mood.
- Durable, weather-resistant stools and countertops.
6. Garden Bar Nook
- Select a small corner of your garden and construct a wooden or stone bar.
- Finish with flowerpots, climbing plants, and ambient lighting for an outdoor-inspired feel.
- To make the most of the space, go for compact seating, and invest in foldable bar stools too.
7. Shipping Container Bar
- DIY a shipping container into a functional bar by adding a cut-out window.
- Add shelving, a countertop,p, and industrial-style lighting.
- Toss in some bar stools and a canopy to create an outdoor-friendly design that’s also stylish.
8. LED-Lit Bar
- You can also attach LED strip lights under the countertop and along shelves.
- Set the mood with color-changing or dimmable LEDs
- Use modern bar stools and glass elements for a clean look.
9. Outdoor Kitchen & Bar Combo
- A bar with a built-in grill, sink, and countertop.
- Add storage cabinets for barware and cooking utensils.
- Opt for durable stone or stainless steel finishes for the leaning setup.
10. Retractable Wall Bar
- Install an exterior wall-mounted folding wood- or metal bar.
- Add storage shelves to the fold-out section for glassware.
- Be sure the hinges and locking mechanism are heavy-duty and easy to use.

As the creative force behind DesignsDIY.com, Gabriella (Viverito) Carlson is living her passion in the ever-evolving world of interior design. With an eye for detail and a heart for design, Gabriella believes that true success lies in expressing her creative nature through meaningful client relationships and collaborative team efforts.