Eliminate Extra Kitchen Countertop Clutter With A Hidden Coffee Bar

The concept of putting a coffee bar in your kitchen is definitely not a new one, but it does often require some careful thought if you are trying to maximize your counter space and keep your kitchen from looking cluttered. Just because you don't want to dedicate a whole portion of your counter to the art of café doesn't mean that a coffee bar is necessarily out. Instead, you may just have to think a bit more creatively. While many people like having all of their coffee-making supplies in one place, especially those with a collection of various coffee-brewing contraptions, it can look pretty busy if you keep it all in view. So one of the best ways to add a coffee bar to your kitchen and save space may actually be to devote a cabinet to your coffee. The idea is to place your coffee bar on a section of the counter with extended cabinet doors that hide the area. Or, you can install a floor-to-ceiling cabinet with a counter-height shelf dedicated to your hidden coffee bar.

Whether you are looking to replace one or more cabinets altogether or even just a door, one of the best places to look is IKEA. They have tons of options when it comes to cabinetry, most of which is also highly customizable and generally cost-effective. They have a wide selection to choose from, and you can even purchase singular doors if you are just wanting to revamp the look or find a specific door option — like a bifold door — which will keep your coffee station hidden while also taking up less space. The type of cabinet you choose will really come down to your preferences and your space, but here's a guide on the best IKEA cabinets to buy — as well as those to avoid. 

The most important thing to keep in mind when designing your DIY secret coffee bar is keeping it functional. The goal is to be able to open the doors and get right to work — no lugging the espresso machine out of the cabinet to plug it in. You should be able to use it right then, right there. Because of this, you will have to be conscious of where your outlets are located and make sure that you are able to have your machines plugged in while still within the confines of the coffee cabinet.

Also, consider your lighting. Yes, this is a cabinet, however, you will need to be able to see clearly if you wish to function successfully within it. So making sure that you have adequate lighting is imperative. Because cabinets tend to block out overhead lighting, you may even have to add additional lighting inside. While wiring could be a pain, getting a battery-operated touch or motion sensor light is a great alternative. It's easy to install, and, if placed correctly, it will click on when it senses the door open. Most of these lights will also turn off automatically, so no need to remember to shut it off when you're done. If you don't want to add more lights, you can make use of your overheads by installing a pull out platform or drawer, which will allow you to bring your appliances out and into the light while still taking only seconds to put back away. 

Though the idea of a coffee cabinet is to help keep you organized and keep clutter out of sight, that doesn't mean that it has to be boring. Particularly, if you are installing an additional cabinet that differs from the structure and design of the rest of your cabinets, this is an excellent way to make it work by standing out. Choosing an intentionally contrasting color or design can help to make it look like a focal point and create another dimension within the room. 

If you have an aesthetic coffee goods collection, this can also be a great way to keep your coffee items tucked away but on display. Opting for a cabinet that has glass doors can protect your coffee items from dust and jostling more than an open shelf would. It also encourages you to limit the items you keep inside since they're visible, which can aid in cutting down on unnecessary clutter. Plus, glass doors can create a framing effect, which helps to highlight your favorite pieces so you can view them while keeping them safe, secure, organized, and out of the way. If you're not sure where to start, here's a short list of IKEA cabinets that are perfect to turn into a coffee bar.