Lydia Hayman
I'm a firm believer in making space for our rituals, whether that's a breakfast bar for morning meals, a bathroom for relaxing baths, and, if you're lucky, a gym for working out. For me, coffee, arguably the most important ritual of all, should have its own space too.
You don't need to redesign your kitchen to make a coffee bar, but it's a good idea to create a dedicated space to make a feature of your coffee maker, rather than relegating it to a dusty corner. Adding a few additional pieces, such as a coffee grinder, espresso cups, cappuccino cups, and coffee canisters will make all the difference, too.
I'll give you all the coffee bar essentials that I, (a former barista), have collected over the years, as well as some coffee bar design ideas to bring them to life in your home.
The Quick List
Further down, I'll give you options and explanations of what you need in your coffee bar and why you need it. I'll even explain the psychology behind your coffee mug. However, if you just want a quick list of the coffee bar necessities, here's everything you need.
This is an obvious one - you can't have a coffee bar without a coffee maker. When I put this to the test, I found an affordable and extremely capable espresso machine, understandably popular with baristas and home coffee lovers alike.
It's inarguable that beans taste better when they're fresh. This sturdy and chic grinder is incredibly compact, and our tests found that its flat burrs make the most consistent coffee grounds on the market.
These are my beans of choice. Medium-roast beans like these suit almost any coffee drinker, not too dark nor too light. You can adapt them to most styles, from Italian to Turkish to American.
You need a place to keep your coffee, so why not store it stylishly? This is Le Creuset's debut in my coffee bar essentials (you'll see them again further down).
This stylish milk frother makes the most velvety milk. It can froth to a range of temperatures and textures, so you can enjoy your coffee in different ways.
Perfect for pour-over, this kettle has a really precise flow. It looks sleek, delivers precise temperatures, and is ideal for every coffee lover.
Le Creuset makes its second appearance, this time as one of my favorite coffee mugs of all time. It comes in a range of colors, keeps my coffee warm, and has a great 12oz capacity, so I'm never left wanting more.
Perfect for putting your coffee syrups in, these custom made models are versatile and sturdy. They keep your coffee bar tidy and have printed labels for a professional touch. One pump is the equivalent of a teaspoon.
A tray is like the frame of a painting. You might not notice it immediately, but it brings everything together when you take a step back. This marble base will ensure all your spoons and canisters look stylishly organized.
Nothing sets the atmosphere at a coffee bar like the perfect playlist. This dust and water-resistant speaker is stylish as well as portable and easy to use. I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner.
People say that cleanliness is next to godliness, so I'll throw tidiness in for the trinity. This smart napkin is made for entertaining as well as cleaning, so use it to impress customers at your coffee station.
Books make some of the best décor. They're beautiful to look at, but as your coffee brews, you can peruse the pages too. Who knows, you might learn a thing or two.
The coffee maker
You won't go far at your coffee station without a coffee maker. Thankfully, I've tested the best (and the worst) on the market, so I can recommend which ones to invest in. Whether you want a French press for acidic brews, or an espresso machine for supercharged shots, I'll tell you which ones to invest in.
If choosing between each model has you stuck, I have written a guide to the different types of coffee makers. Once you've established which machine you need, you can get started on your caffeinated journey.
These six coffee makers are my favorites. There's something for everyone. The Philips 3200 Series is an independent and competent machine; the Breville Bambino Plus is every barista's dream; and the Espro P7 French Press takes everything back to basics.
The Delonghi stands out for its exceptional beauty, delicious espresso and versatility, even offering cold brew. It's beginner-friendly, but it comes with a premium price tag.
You can read more in our De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro review.
With a small footprint, the Nespresso Vertuo line is perfect for small spaces. This petite machine is made from recycled plastics and offers a versatile range of coffee flavors.
You can read more in our Nespresso Vertuo Next review.
This viral Moccamaster is everywhere. If you like drip coffee, but you care about quality as much as style, this is the perfect balance of the two. It's won countless awards and you'll taste why.
Our Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker review has more details.
Coffee grinder
Coffee bar designed by DISC Interiors
Experts are unanimous in saying that the fresher coffee is, the better it will taste. With that information in grind - sorry - you'll need some good quality coffee beans and an expert grinder.
It doesn't have to be expensive. I've tested the best models on the market, from cheap and cheerful manual options to the high tech electrics, and these are the ones that I would recommend.
This grinder has the most precision of all the models I tested. It's durable, hard-working, and has forty different grind settings for any style of coffee. It's a great buy.
If you're looking for an affordable or compact cordless grinder, this is the one for you. Easy to use and extremely consistent, you can take this wherever you go. It's too small for large servings, though.
Chic and reliable, this grinder unites form and function. The flat burrs create a flavorful brew without being too loud or industrial. It looks beautiful on the counter.
Coffee beans
If you want to make really good coffee, you'll want to invest in the best beans. Ashley Palmer-Watts, Michelin Star Chef and founder of Artisan Coffee Company, says 'beans are the basics of coffee. You don't need to get drawn into appetizing packaging and pictures of mountains and forests in the store, just keep it simple. Buy the beans that you like and always try to buy the best.' I've tried all of his coffee beans and would highly recommend them. The Artisan Coffee Company's decaf coffee, The Dreamer is especially incredible; I can't tell the difference from caffeinated versions. But, if you do want that caffeine fix, I'd recommend his rich and chocolatey blend, The Heroine from Artisan Coffee Company.
The best place to start is with medium roast beans. These will meet the needs of the average coffee drinker. I always look for organic beans, where possible, and try to go for blends rather than single roasts. These tend to have more well-rounded flavors because they draw on notes from a range of bean types.
Union's organic coffee blend is zesty and rich. The medium roast beans give a bold and full-bodied taste, perfect for every coffee drinker. Union are all about coffee ethics. They're a certified B Corp company too.
Not only do these beans taste good, but if you decide not to store them in the fridge, the packaging will look beautiful in a coffee nook. A crowd-pleaser, these are at their best when making drip coffee.
Stumptown is also a B Corporation. They make organic coffee and this is some of the best. Their balanced medium roast has nutty notes, which will suit almost any coffee drinker.
Coffee Cannister
There's no point buying good beans without storing coffee grounds properly. We have a roundup of the best coffee canisters on the market. These all cover the basics: air-tight, cool, and opaque, but they go above and beyond for style.
These canisters are all about luxury. Once you put a cluster of canisters in your coffee bar, they'll add organization as well as looking chic I'd always buy them in threes. The rule of three is one that lots of designers follow, but it's also the perfect number for coffee beans, tea, and cookies. It's not a proper coffee break without some sweet treats.
Perfect for coffee beans, sugar and biscuits alike, this canister has a silicone gasket seal to keep its contents fresh at all times. It's made to last, with an enamel exterior and a range of colors to choose from.
This stylish, ceramic container is an easy option for any kitchen. With an exposed clay rim that draws on organic decor, there's a whole collection - including mugs – so you could co-ordinate your entire kitchen.
This elegant marble canister is a subtle way to store your ground coffee. It comes in brown colorways too, both of which will blend in with your kitchen décor. I'd recommend buying a few for tea bags and sugar too.
Milk Frother
Space created by Devon Grace Interiors
Most people like their coffee with a splash of milk. However, if you want to really channel your inner barista and make lattes and cappuccinos, you will need to get steaming. Adding some silky, thick foamed milk will enhance your coffee's texture, and the sweetness of milk naturally balances any acidity that you might taste in an Americano or espresso.
Some machines have milk frothing functions, but not all of them will. If you want to make a range of different frothed milks, hot and cold, thick and fine, you'll want a milk frother. If that sounds like you, these tried-and-tested milk frothers, will be your next favorite appliances. Your coffees will taste velvety smooth, every time.
This is the best milk frother on the market. It's approved by professionals and our team of expert testers. It's versatile, easy to use, and makes the silkiest, smoothest milk.
When I took this to our test kitchen, it was love at first froth. This can make both hot and cold milk at a range of different temperatures and froth qualities. It's my personal favorite.
Possibly the most simple milk frother, the Aerocinno is a household staple for many people. Our Head of eCommerce Alex David found that it's great on alternative milks. It can make hot and cold foam and it's easy to clean up after, too.
Electric Kettle
If you drink pour-over coffee or tea, you'll want an electric kettle. Tea leaves, coffee grounds, and matcha powder can be really sensitive to temperature, so you want to make sure that you can reach the perfect level of heat to extract all their delicious flavors. Every degree counts. That's why all of these kettles have variable temperature options, so that you can get serious about your coffee.
I've also included a delicate gooseneck kettle, which is a must-have for pour-over coffee. It can create a precise stream of hot water, so that you don't oversaturate your coffee beans or disgruntle your filter paper.
Perfect for pour-over, this kettle has a really precise flow. It looks sleek, delivers precise temperatures, and is ideal for every coffee lover. It feels premium too, so it will last you for years.
This is the kettle that I use in my home. I love it. Mine is in the shade almond cream and it looks really luxurious. Not only is the retro-design stylish, it gives a precise variety of temperatures in minutes.
With five temperature pre-sets and a range of premium features, this is high-up in our buying guide for best electric kettles. It feels like a quality design and build, so will last you a long time too.
Coffee mug set
You'd be surprised at how much psychology and science lies behind your serveware. Coffee mugs are no exception. In studies conducted by Dr George Van Doorn, Dianne Wuillemin, and Charles Spence, white mugs enhanced the 'intensity' of the coffee flavors, but transparent coffee mugs make you perceive less 'sweetness' in your coffee.
Porcelain and double-walled glass mugs make the best containers for your coffee. At home, you might have an eclectic collection of mugs, marking various occasions and trips, but a uniform set will keep your coffee bar looking smart. When it comes to storage, we have a whole article on how to organize your coffee mugs neatly. There are plenty of options, all of which will keep your countertops looking tidy.
This is our kitchen appliances editor's favorite mug. Lydia says, 'I love the huge capacity, comfortable handle, and it keeps her my warm, too.' You can buy these in a range of colors, suited to any décor.
It can be really beautiful to watch milk marble through your coffee. I love using glass coffee mugs for all of the visuals. They're harder to keep clean, but I think it's worth it.
Sometimes, you just can't beat simplicity. Nobody does it better then The White Company, whose mugs have been crafted from Portugese clay. They look natural and organic, but tidy too.
Spoons and stirrers
When you add milks, creams, and sweeteners to your coffee, you'll want to give them a stir. Specialist spoons will suit longer, taller cups, but you can also buy some cuter, small spoons that you can balance on your saucer.
These spoons are long, so if you have slim coffee mugs, or make iced tea, they're an excellent option. Gold is supposed to be the least reactive metal to use for cutlery, so it's worth trying with your coffee.
When I use teaspoons, I often wish they had deeper bowls. That way, when I'm scooping and stirring, I know that they're doing a thorough job. This stainless steel set are exactly what I imagine for the ideal spoon.
Having praised deep teaspoons, I know others prefer a timeless style. This shallow design is simple and elegant so you can't go wrong with these.
Syrups, spices, and extras
If you like adding some extra flavor to your coffee, syrups can be the key to a whole new world for your tastebuds. Lots of the original bottles are ugly and messy, so I recommend decanting them into aesthetic-looking pumps. Simple jars and containers can make a world of difference. They'll bring the 'professional coffee bar' design idea to life, keeping your set-up looking uniform and smart and ensuring that all your extra flavors stay fresh and delicious.
Perfect for putting your coffee syrups in, these custom made models are versatile and sturdy, Made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel, one pump is the equivalent of a teaspoon.
We covered these simple bins a few months ago and they were unbelievably popular. From interiors icon Nate Berkus, these elegant but inexpensive bins are perfect for storing bags of coffee beans and bottles of syrup.
These round condiment containers are a luxurious and stylish way to store any spices or sweeteners that you want to add to your coffee. They come with delicate spoons, so that you'll never over-pour.
Napkins and dishcloths
Whether you're likely to make a mess or want to throw a dish cloth over your shoulder for a true barista flourish, it's good to have the right kit to hand. These are my favorite, cotton products that will keep you clean as well as looking exceptionally stylish too. I've included practical microfiber cloths, but I would recommend looking at MINDTHEGAP's kitchen linens. They're all ultra-premium and really eye-catching.
This fine linen towel is perfect for having to hand. It is delicate to touch and feels super soft and simple. I love the bold flowers, vines and petals. It's abstract meets folk art, perfect for a style statement.
this napkin set has a matching table runner and dish towel at MINDTHEGAP. The twill green stripes are evocative and homely. The linen is soft to touch and only gets softer with use.
Coffee makers and stainless steel can start to look dirty before you even touch them. These microfiber cloths are the reusable solution to your grubby worries. Always have one to hand for wiping milk spills and syrup up, too.
Coffee books
What starts as an aesthetic look can transform into your coffee education. I always recommend beginners to read up on coffee before they buy all the gadgets. Once you know the basics, the whys, and the how-tos with coffee, you'll be able to make an excellent cup of joe. These books are informative, but also very easy on the eye. You'll buy them for their look and love them for their language.
This title speaks for itself. If you've ever wondered what you need to do to make incredible coffee, James is the person to tell you. He's technical, but also approachable. It's a great read.
This hardback is a coffee best-seller. It has all the geeky history and science that you need to know about coffee (and a whole lot more). It's great to read whilst your coffee brews.
I love the look of this book. I could buy it just to stare at, if only the contents weren't so intriguing. I recommend this book as often as I recommend James Hoffman's. It's fascinating.
Final touches
These are a few pieces that will give a sense of completeness to your coffee bar. I always have a phone charger nearby, so that I can plug my phone in and leave it on the countertop. It's also no secret that coffee can stain your teeth, so using a straw can help keep your smile pearly white without you having to cut out coffee.
Also, whether it's the news, calming white noise, or your favorite café playlist, it's always good to have a portable speaker to hand. Just make sure it's water and dust-proof, so that you protect against any accidents.
Bringing everything together, a simple tray will keep all your mugs and canisters unified and organized. Magnolia has some beautiful trays, but this is my favorite. The simple marble tray is decorative, classy, and a timeless style.
I always drink my coffee with a straw. It's the best way to protect your teeth from any caffeine stains. Single-use straws aren't great for the environment, but these reusable metal options are great. Just be aware of burning your mouth if you take your coffee extra hot.
With over 20 hours of charge, you can store this in your coffee bar and have the perfect coffee playlist setting the mood all day long. It's dust and water resistant, so you can keep it wherever you want to.
How to style your coffee bar essentials
When choosing your coffee bar essentials, consider the aesthetic of your coffee bar and how you want it to feel. These coffee bar ideas are a starting point.
If you have an unused alcove or butler’s pantry, you could turn it into a coffee nook by installing floating shelves. Use these shelves to showcase decorative pieces alongside your essentials – mugs, syrups, grinders, and canisters – creating a space that's both beautiful and functional. Even an underused kitchen corner or odd-shaped nook can become a cozy coffee zone with this vertical set-up.
To bring warmth and texture to your coffee kit, you can add bold or intricate tile designs as a backsplash. Add rotating seasonal décor or natural elements, like fresh greenery, candles, or dried florals to ground your coffee bar essentials, making the space feel like a mini café.
For true convenience, consider placing a compact coffee bar in your bedroom. 'I like the idea of a bedroom coffee bar, which can feel like a luxurious getaway locale or a posh hotel suite,' says Carrie Moore of Carrie Moore Interior Design. 'Someone may want to do this if their bedroom happens to be located a fair distance from the kitchen, or if they want to enjoy more time in their bedroom and get as much as they can out of the space.'
You can equip your bedroom bar with compact coffee bar essentials like a pod machine, a small milk frother, and stylish canisters. Hidden cabinetry and luxurious finishes, like walnut or marble can make it feel like a boutique hotel suite.
If you're working with limited space, conceal your coffee bar behind cabinet doors or inside a hutch. This allows you to maintain visual minimalism while keeping all your essentials within easy reach.
FAQs
What should I stock a coffee bar with?
The bare essentials you need to stock a coffee bar are: coffee beans (and a grinder for them), a coffee maker, some milk, and access to water. You won't be able to make coffee without these. However, if you like syrup, sugar, or spices in your coffee, make sure to have these on hand, too. I also like to have some cookies to hand, so that I can treat myself when I have a coffee break.
Where should I put my coffee bar?
I've suggested some ideas for where to put your coffee bar in the styling ideas above, and these offer a chance to really get creative. Whether it's behind doors, on open shelving, on pull-out drawers, or in a dresser-style cupboard, the best place to put your coffee nook is where it will be functional, accessible, and enjoyable to use.
Can you put a coffee bar in a small space?
'You can absolutely station a coffee bar in a small space,' says Iliana Incandela, director of design at coffee brand Bruvi.
'It's all about getting creative with how you set up your supplies - there’s no wrong way to do this. Stacking or hanging can help achieve a functional and attractive coffee bar in a smaller footprint. For example, I’ve used a clear 3-tiered spice drawer organizer tucked under an acrylic computer riser to store coffee pods, and placed all my glassware, mugs, sugar and syrups on top.'
'When styling a coffee bar on a project, I really focus on creating beautiful functionality,' says Laetitia Wajnapel, Interior Designer and founder of Cinquiéme Gauche who says that you do not want to 'overload' this area.
For small kitchens with little counter space, make sure you put kitchen cabinets to good use: 'If working with a smaller counter space, perhaps a kitchen with no dedicated coffee bar (like my own kitchen!), keep things even simpler,' Laëtitia tells me.
'Anything that doesn't need to be on the countertop can be stored either in the cabinets above or below, or in a dedicated coffee drawer.' When it comes to the question of how many coffee syrups are too many, Laetitia recommends a lighter approach for small spaces: 'I don't think anyone needs five different syrup dispensers as part of a home coffee set up.''
Final thoughts
Getting all of your coffee bar essentials in order is just the start. How you stage the surroundings will play a pivotal role in bringing the ritual to life, be it a relaxing morning latte, or a post-dinner espresso martini.
Consider where you are carving out space for your coffee bar and lean into the surroundings. A retro grinder might be the best match for a traditional kitchen that wants a modern accent, while if you have a white kitchen, adorned with marble countertops, an elegant machine in stainless steel will be a natural continuation of luxury.
For me, if I don't have the news or music playing on my coffee bar radio, something about my coffee ritual feels off. Similarly, when I remove my tray to clean it, the whole station just doesn't look right. Alongside the essentials, this is a great opportunity to personalize your space. Look for artwork, blackboards, and other accessories that are your style, so that you can cultivate the café that you always dreamed of owning.
