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These coffee bar essentials will transform your kitchen into your own personal café

My barista-recommended buys and cafe-inspired styling ideas will elevate your set-up instantly

Some coffee bar essentials in a white kitchen unit with drawers and shelf with a splashback of geometric patterned white, blue and grey, blue chair and marbled worktop, and blue and white patterned light shade.
(Image credit: Future)

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.

The coffee maker

Curated coffee bar with ceramic cups and quality appliances and small lampshade giving a warm glow, all cocooned in a mid-century style wooden cabinet

(Image credit: Hugo Landa Garcia)

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.

Coffee grinder

Coffee bar essentials in wooden hutch with decorated shelving, and chocolate brown tiling

Coffee bar designed by DISC Interiors

(Image credit: Sam Frost)

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.

Coffee beans

Free-standing coffee bar with open storage and hooks for hanging mugs

(Image credit: deVOL)

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.

Coffee Cannister

A hidden coffee bar with a silver coffee maker and wooden shelves.

(Image credit: Erin Little / Moore House Design)

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.

Milk Frother

Open wooden kitchen shelving with tile wall and simple white color scheme with houseplants

Space created by Devon Grace Interiors

(Image credit: Devon Grace Interiors, Dustin Halleck)

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.

Electric Kettle

A green coffee station with wooden shelves and a silver coffee machine.

(Image credit: Jean Stoffer Design)

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.

Coffee mug set

A white kitchen with a coffee bar created in an unuseed cabinet

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors/Julie Soefer Photography)

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.

Spoons and stirrers

yellow pantry cupboard with coffee machine by alice grace interiors

(Image credit: Alice Grace Interiors)

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.

Syrups, spices, and extras

kitchen shelving idea with marble

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

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.

Napkins and dishcloths

Coffee station with Dualit coffee maker

(Image credit: Dualit)

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.

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.

Final touches

Coffee bar essentials in wooden hutch with glazed grid tiles in maroon and decorated shelving

(Image credit: Sam Frost)

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.

How to style your coffee bar essentials

Modern farmhouse kitchen wall decor

(Image credit: Dmar Interiors/Shelby Bourne)

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.

Laura Honey
eCommerce Editor

Laura is our eCommerce editor. As a fully qualified barista, she's our expert in all things coffee and has tested over thirty of the best coffee makers on the market. She has also interviewed Q-Graders and world-leading experts in the coffee industry, so has an intimate knowledge of all things coffee. Before joining Homes & Gardens, she studied English at Oxford University. Whilst studying, she trained as a master perfumer and worked in the luxury fragrance industry for five years. Her collection of home fragrance is extensive and she's met and interviewed five of the world's finest perfumers (also known as 'noses'). As a result of this expansive fragrance knowledge, she always puts quality and style over quantity and fads. Laura looks for products which have been designed simply and with thoughtful finishes.  

With contributions from