Creating a functional and aesthetic at-home coffee bar has been one of the most rewarding projects I’ve tackled. There’s something so satisfying about having all your coffee tools organized in one place, ready to craft the perfect espresso, latte, or matcha. If you’ve been considering setting up your own coffee bar, here’s a breakdown of how I built mine, including all the essentials that make it both stylish and highly functional.
[Video of how I put everything together: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT28b2v7F/ ]
1. The Foundation: 47″ Wide Buffet Sideboard Cabinet
The centerpiece of my coffee bar is a 47″ wide buffet sideboard cabinet. This provides ample space for my espresso machine, grinder, and other tools, while also offering storage for cups, beans, and accessories. The clean and sturdy design keeps everything organized and easily accessible.
Link: Mine is called “CANMOV Sideboard Storage Cabinet” from Amazon. However, it is sold out at the moment. You can also get this similar one that is sold on Wayfair:
2. Vertical Storage: Floating Shelves and Pegboard
To maximize vertical space, I installed two floating shelves above the cabinet. These shelves hold decorative items, coffee beans in airtight containers, and often-used tools. I also mounted a pegboard to hang smaller tools like portafilters, milk frothing pitchers, and cleaning brushes.
3. Espresso Machine: Ascaso Steel DUO PID
The heart of my coffee bar is the Ascaso Steel DUO PID Programmable Espresso Machine. With volumetric controls, Dual Thermoblock technology, and precise temperature management, it’s a powerhouse for crafting professional-quality espresso.
4. Coffee Grinder: Niche Duo Premium Flat Burr Grinder
For the grinder, I chose the Niche Duo Premium Flat Burr Coffee Grinder. Its precision and consistency make it an excellent choice for espresso and other brewing methods. Plus, its compact size fits perfectly into the setup without taking up too much space.
5. Accessories: Knock Box, Tamping Station, and Scale
No coffee bar is complete without the right accessories. I use the Knodos All-in-One Espresso Knock Box and Tamping Station to keep things neat and efficient. For accuracy, the Timemore Coffee Scale ensures precise measurements, which are crucial for dialing in espresso shots. You can find all of these accessories on Amazon.
6. Adding Tools for Tea: Matcha, Hojicha, and More
To expand my beverage options, I added a dedicated tea-making station alongside my coffee tools. For matcha, I use a traditional bamboo whisk (chasen), a matcha scoop (chashaku), and a ceramic matcha bowl (chawan) for authentic preparation process. I also invested in a small electric kettle with adjustable temperature settings to ensure the perfect water temperature for matcha, hojicha, and other teas. For loose-leaf teas, I use a teapot with an infuser and a scale for accurate measurements.
Setting up my coffee bar has transformed my daily coffee routine. It’s not just about convenience but also the joy of crafting a drink exactly how I like it. From the first grind to the final pour, having a dedicated space makes the process feel intentional and enjoyable. If you’re thinking of building your own coffee bar, I hope this guide inspires you to create a setup that’s perfect for your needs and style!