How To DIY Your Own Italian Bar Trough At Home

A bar trough, also known as a bar sink, is a type of fixture commonly used in bars to provide a space for bartenders to store and prepare drinks. It is designed to be easily accessible and convenient for multiple people to use. Salone del Mobile's recent furniture show features one bar trough-inspired piece that can be just what you need to elevate your at-home cocktail bar. It is an accessory that enhances the overall aesthetic of a bar because it can be fitted to match the décor and style of the space. 

The annual Salone Milan furniture fair is a hub for all the latest trends and a great resource to keep up with the design industry. This featured trough gives some insight into the latest trend of home socializing and how an elevated home bar contributes to that. Home bars can be as simple or grand as you want. You can go from a single bar cart to a built-in wet bar or maintain a simple drink corner with a fridge and storage compartments. 

How to recreate this

This particular bar trough was created by installing a tray into a piece of furniture. Built from textured marble and fixed onto a dark walnut sideboard, it provides a dedicated place for organizing and showcasing a drink collection while making it accessible. The main highlight of this trough is that it is integrated into the décor and feels more permanent, unlike a movable bar cart or standalone tray. 

To recreate this, you will need a deep serving tray and a long side table that it can fit into or just sit on. It's more about style for the tray, so it doesn't need to be big enough to hold everything, and instead should only display a few things from your collection while the remaining items are stored away. Marble is an elegant material, but you can opt for metal or painted ceramic if your décor is more minimalist or down-to-earth. Antique wood and silver are some options for a vintage look, and a really deep tray that looks more like a box can be beneficial to avoid knocking over tall bottles. The tray should also complement the base. For example, both don't have to be wooden, so a glass tray on a dark, wooden table can be a good look. 

Elevating your home bar

Elevating your home cocktail bar involves enhancing the overall experience with the right tools and creating the ideal atmosphere. Your bar trough needs to be adequately equipped with the right glassware for different types of cocktails, the necessary bar tools, and a wide variety of products to cater to different drink preferences. It should look good with the style of glassware you have and the other accessories. 

Looking beyond the trough area, there should be a warm and inviting atmosphere in the entire room. Lighting, especially dim lights at night, plays a crucial role in setting the mood and ambiance. Based on where the bar is situated in the home, you can invest in good acoustics to absorb its sound so it feels intimate and the noise doesn't affect the rest of the house. Ensure you have some personal touches to make the space uniquely yours and reflect your style. The most important thing is to create an inviting and enjoyable space where guests can relax and connect over well-crafted cocktails.

Recommended