Updating a 70's built in bar

Question

This is the built-in bar in my 70's home. I do actively use it as a bar but the smoke mirrors and black counter top really needs to be updated.

I was thinking of pulling the mirrors off and replacing them with mosaic tiles but I'm not sure about what to do with the black counter tops.

I've considered taking the sink out and replacing it with butcher block. I've also thought about painting the counter and leaving the sink.

Are there any other options I haven't considered?

Tammie ellerbee · Answer

I would remove the mirror and replace with some tile! Switch glass shelves for wood or better quality glass! Maybe beveled edge! Spray paint the black brackets with a stainless color! I would keep the sink and maybe put a better faucet!

Had272500 · Answer

I would take down the smoke mirrors. That dates the bar immediately. You can get a mirror cut very inexpensive and put on the back. It will reflect the glass, & bottles and really open up the space. I personally like glass shelves, it lets light bounce around the area. I have been collecting glass/crystal liquor decanters to put the liquor in. It really classes up the bar. They also have the hang tags to put on the decanters. Doing that would immediately change the back drop. I personally like the black counter and the high faucet. Shine up the counter tops with some polishing and polish the faucet till it sparkles. It will look new and very different

Had272500 · Answer

I do have another idea. Change the way you have placed the bottles & glasses. If you have wine glasses, arrange them together, high ball glasses together, double old fashions....etc. The bottles should go across the back of the counter. I would take the coke bottles away and anything else that you don't really use. If you combine all of the 2 comments that I written, it would make a beautiful statement. I would like to see the finished pictures.

Jeanne Blatchford · Answer

I agree with haddens comments - leave the mirrors just change them and redo the bottles and glasses. I wouldn't do the tiles as they would box it in the glass shelves are making the shelves reflect the glasses and bottles keeping the open space. I'd keep the black bar-make it shine!

Lisa Olson · Answer

Depends on your style. I would use tin on the back wall and repurposed wood on the counter..but then my style is very prim/rustic. Search Pinterest or even Google images for ideas. Have fun!

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I say yes to replacing the mirrors. Once that's done, it will give an entirely new look and you may not want to replace the countertop, etc.

Deirdre Sullivan · Answer

You can easily makeover the counter top. I love the idea of adding butcher block. You can also give it a faux granite look (here's an example: http://goo.gl/ruKwpF) What kind of look are you going for? Can you share a photos of ideas you like?

Halivegas · Answer

Keep the sink. So useful. 
Light quartz counters with some sparkle in it and new mirror behind. Go to a granite blowout warehouse and see if they have any small pieces. Crazy cheap for their mistakes or off-cuts! Modernize without great expense. 
Or a grasscloth paper on the back wall and wooden shelves, some with wine glass hangers. Shine up the sink with stainless steel cleaner and you are good to go.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Would replace the mirrors with plain ones. Looks nice to see the bottles, glasses reflected and expands the space. Tiling, in my opinion, would close in the space.

B. Enne · Answer

If you are planning on displaying your bottles, I personally would remove the mirrors, since all the colour reads as visual overload. If you want mirrors, I would put plain ones as @Marion Nesbitt suggested and place only glassware and perhaps the odd touch of silver or your favourtite metal (jigger, ice bucket etc.) that would reflect nicely. 
I would leave the sink. 
 If you plan on putting mosaic tiles I would do large glass stripes with mirrors in between, to reflect light and prevent a bathroom look.You could also use stainless steel depending on the look you want to achieve.
You could alternatively have a horizontal mirror with a shelf and glassware, and a 2nd shelf with backsplash (or wall) with bottles.
 It is a nice little nook.

Lauren · Answer

I agree that you should remove the mirrors. They definitely clutter up the look of everything. If you are going for fancy on a budget, there are wireless under cabinet lights that you could stick to the bottom of the shelves.

Had272500 · Answer

I .would be vey interested is seeing your updated version

Updating a 70's built in bar

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