A great commercial back bar is the sweet spot where storage, speed, and style all meet.
Hidden Back Bar Door Panel
For a speakeasy-style surprise, I once built a hidden panel into a commercial back bar that looked like shelving trim but opened to staff storage. It’s the kind of detail customers never forget, and it also keeps the most valuable stuff out of plain sight.
Some ideas to consider:
- Push-to-Open Latches: Create seamless, handle-free hidden doors by installing these latches that open with a simple, gentle press.
- Concealed Soss Hinges: Install these invisible hinges deeply into wood panels to ensure your secret compartment door looks perfectly flush.
- Flexible Wood Tambour Panel: Use this slatted wood material to camouflage a door panel so it blends perfectly with existing siding.
Rustic Reclaimed Wood Back Panel
A reclaimed wood plank wall behind your bottles adds texture without stealing attention from the product. I’ve used old fence boards with a matte finish, and the knots and nail holes made the whole commercial back bar feel warm and lived-in.
A few things you might like:
- Peel and Stick Reclaimed Wood Planks: Transform your bar space quickly with easy-to-install planks that offer authentic texture and rustic warmth instantly.
- Matte Polyurethane Wood Finish: Protect your rustic wood surfaces from spills while maintaining a natural, low-sheen look with this sealer.
- Industrial Black Metal Corner Guards: Add structure and durability to your bar’s corners while enhancing the industrial-rustic aesthetic of the wood.
Crate-Style Modular Bottle Wall
For a flexible commercial back bar layout, I’ve stacked and secured wooden crate-style boxes so the whole display can expand over time. It’s one of those builds where you can start small and still look intentional from day one.
Useful items to consider:
- Wooden Storage Crates: Start your modular display with these versatile crates, perfect for organizing bottles while adding rustic charm to your bar.
- Glass Carafe Set: Elevate your presentation by decanting bulk spirits or water into these simple glass carafes for a cohesive look.
- Dried Wheat Stalks: Add a touch of warmth and natural texture to your display with these durable, low-maintenance decorative dried stems.
Arched Niches for a Statement Wall
Adding a few arched niches behind the shelves gives a commercial back bar a boutique, high-end feel without needing fancy materials. I’ve cut arch templates from plywood and trimmed them in wood, and the shape alone made the wall feel designed.
Might be a good match:
- Flexible Wood Molding Trim: Create smooth, perfectly curved arches instantly with flexible trim that bends without breaking or splintering.
- LED Strip Lighting Kit: Illuminate your niches like the photo by installing warm, dimmable LED strips inside the arch frame.
- Wall-Mounted Shelving Brackets: Secure your liquor display shelves within the niche using sturdy, minimalist brackets that blend into the design.
