There’s something undeniably fun about a garden bar. It turns an ordinary outdoor space into a lively hub for laughter, cocktails, and unforgettable summer nights with friends and family. But what if you don’t want to start from scratch? What if you already have great outdoor furniture but want to upgrade your patio vibe with a stylish, functional bar area?
Good news — the Lazy Magazine team think you absolutely can. Building a garden bar area around your existing outdoor furniture is a clever, cost-effective way to breathe new life into your outdoor space. Whether you have a cosy bistro set, a relaxed coffee table arrangement, or a full patio dining suite from Lazy Susan, the right bar layout can elevate your garden into the ultimate entertaining oasis.
There’s never been a better time to create a garden bar
Since the pandemic, the UK has seen a remarkable surge in garden bars as people embraced their outdoor spaces for safe socialising and affordable entertainment. Searches for “garden bars” increased by over 120% in 2023 compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing passion for turning our backyards into stylish, functional hubs for fun, according to Country Living.
The Scotsman reported that more than 2 million UK households have crafted their own home or garden bars during the COVID lockdowns, transforming sheds, patios, and outdoor nooks into lively spots complete with all the trimmings. With rising pub prices and closures pushing many to find cost-effective alternatives, a garden bar offers the perfect blend of style, convenience, and savings.
However, it goes much further. According to Greensquares, alongside this, a broader outdoor living trend has blossomed, with homeowners enhancing gardens with decks, cover, heating, lighting, and floral accents to create inviting environments for all seasons.
So, whether you already have outdoor furniture you love or are dreaming of a garden upgrade, building a simple bar area around what you’ve got is a smart, stylish way to elevate your space and make every gathering memorable. And here’s how the Lazy Magazine team would do it — with style and smarts.
1. Assess Your Outdoor Space and Garden Furniture Style
First, take a good look at what you have. Is your current furniture a chic bistro set perfect for intimate chats or a sprawling dining table that’s the heart of family meals? Your bar area should complement, not clash, with your existing pieces.
For example, from our garden furniture range:
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Bistro Set
Pairs beautifully with a compact, sleek bar cart or a standing bar table. -
Coffee Table Lounge
A low table and garden seating could be enhanced by adding a tall outdoor bar with stools on the periphery, creating zones for both casual sipping and relaxed lounging. -
Patio Dining Table
Consider integrating a portable bar station near your outdoor table set for easy drink service.
2. From Sports Bar to Bar Cart: Choose the Right Garden Bar Layout
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to garden bars — layouts depend heavily on your garden’s shape and furniture setup. Here are some inspiring options:
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L-shaped Bar Corners
Ideal for fitting into garden nooks or patio edges, creating a cosy serving station without overwhelming the space. -
Freestanding Bar Tables
Versatile and portable, these can be positioned close to existing furniture and moved around your outdoor living space as needed. -
Bar Carts & Trolleys
Perfect for smaller spaces, these offer mobility and stylish storage, turning your garden into a cocktail oasis on wheels. -
Built-in Bars
For those ready to invest, incorporating a bar counter or island next to your furniture offers seamless integration and some serious wow factor. -
Sports Bars
Great for entertaining guests who love the game, these setups include TVs, stools, and themed décor, making your garden the ultimate spot to watch and unwind.
3. Match Materials and Colours for Year-Round Cohesion
To keep your garden bar feeling like a natural extension of your space, choose materials and colours that echo your current garden furniture. If you’ve got a cast aluminium dining set in classic white, look for bars or carts in complementary finishes like antique bronze or slate grey.
A harmonious colour scheme will make your garden look thoughtfully designed, not just an afterthought. Surrounding your bar area with planted pots helps blur the lines between furniture and nature, allowing the space to blend effortlessly into your garden’s overall aesthetic.
4. Garden Bar Ideas: Think About Function and Flow
The best garden bars are as practical as they are pretty. Consider how your guests will move between the bar and seating. Avoid cluttering walkways and allow space to host comfortably.
Incorporate storage for glasses, mixers, and accessories close at hand, and don’t forget to factor in shade or lighting for evening gatherings. Portable parasols or solar-powered fairy lights can turn your bar area into a glowing garden jewel after sunset.
5. Add Personality with Garden Seating, Hot Tub & Accessories
Your garden bar is the perfect place to show off your style. Add colourful cushions, quirky drinkware, or statement planters to personalise the space. A chalkboard menu or cocktail recipe sign can make your bar feel like a boutique venue.
Outdoor lighting is essential once the sun goes down, setting the perfect mood for evening gatherings. Enhance the fun with pub games like an outdoor dartboard or pool table to keep guests entertained. And don’t forget comfort — garden chairs with plush cushions or adjustable height bar stools will ensure everyone stays cosy from aperitif to nightcap.
For an extra touch of fun and relaxation, consider adding a hot tub nearby. It’s a popular addition that transforms your garden bar into a full-on leisure retreat, perfect for unwinding and socialising year-round with all your friends and family.
6. Start with a Garden Room: The Perfect Foundation for Your Outdoor Bar
Building a garden bar area works best when you begin with a garden room — a defined outdoor space like a pub shed, pergola, gazebo, or deck that acts as a social hub. It gives your existing garden furniture a clear place to shine in warm weather and provides shelter and structure without losing the open-air feel when it's not so great.
This foundation creates a versatile spot where friends can gather comfortably for drinks or relaxation. Plus, it lets you layer in lighting, plants, and accessories that tie your furniture and bar together, making your outdoor space feel like a true extension of your home.
Starting with a garden room isn’t just practical — it’s the secret to a stylish, intentional garden bar perfectly suited to your entertaining style.
Our Final Thoughts: Your Garden, Your Home Bar, Your Rules
Building a garden bar area around your existing garden furniture is all about making the most of what you have — and making it better. With a bit of planning and the right styling, you can create a sophisticated garden bar area, an inviting spot that draws people in and keeps the good times flowing.
As Al Murray's Pub Landlord might put it:
"Pubs are like the buttons on the flies of the fabric of the nation: without them, the country will come undone."
Just as pubs serve as the heart of communities, your garden bar can become the heart of your home. So, whether you're mixing cocktails or simply enjoying a quiet pint, remember: it's not just about the drinks — it's about the experience.
At the end of the day, your garden bar should reflect your lifestyle — whether that means a sleek space for evening cocktails, a laid-back nook for weekend brunches, or a versatile setup that does a bit of everything.
So raise a glass with the team here at Lazy Susan — to your garden’s next level of cool!
Don’t forget to show off your outdoor furniture slash bar setup!
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook at @LazySusanFurniture, or share your styling shots with our Do Some Good campaign. We can’t wait to see how you’ve transformed your outdoor space into the ultimate entertaining spot!
