Secrets, Spirits, and Style: The Rise of Speakeasy Home Bars

Whether you’re mixing a smoky Old Fashioned under a concealed light or sharing secrets by the soft glow of vintage sconces, your home speakeasy isn’t just a bar. It’s an invitation to escape, unplug, and indulge to get that one perfect pour at a time.

Avās Design Studio, Avās Wellness

In a world obsessed with open plans and Instagrammable corners, a quiet design rebellion is brewing; one where the mood is velvet-draped, the light is low, and the door might just be hidden behind a bookshelf. Welcome to the world of home speakeasies. These intimate, moody spaces are not only redefining how we entertain but also how we unwind. 

Bars are one of the few areas in our homes that invite conversation, create a sense of warmth, and infuse character into the space. In the wake of the pandemic, during which we frequently raised a glass from the comfort of our homes, the home bar is making a comeback—and it has received an upgrade. One of the main interior design trends becoming increasingly popular is the rise of the home bar, particularly those that are concealed in beautiful corners, giving them a ‘speakeasy’ design.

The Rise Of Home Speakeasy Bar

Image: Nivasa

Moody and glam, mysterious and sophisticated—in the early 20^th century, a speakeasy meant an unnamed, unmarked, unadvertised underground den where alcohol was served. Once used in the Prohibition era to hide alcohol, today’s speakeasies are making a stylish comeback—this time, right inside our homes. Tucked behind sliding panels, inside closets, or hidden behind what looks like a bookshelf, home bars are getting a major upgrade. 

There’s something exciting about discovering a secret. And that’s exactly the feeling people want to bring into their homes with the rise of speakeasy-style bars. These hidden home bars keep your space sleek and clutter-free, perfect for those embracing the minimalist-meets-maximalist aesthetic. Think about it: you're hosting a dinner party, the last course is done, conversations are winding down—and then, with a subtle gesture, you slide open a panel to reveal a moody, softly lit bar.  Designers are also getting creative, carving out bars in the most surprising corners—under staircases, behind mirrored walls, or inside closets. Small doesn’t mean limited anymore. With clever planning, even the most compact space can house a wine fridge, a collection of spirits, glassware, bar tools, and lighting that creates just the right vibe.

And the design language? Think dark-stained wood, brass fixtures, plush velvet, lacquered cabinets, and dramatic wallpaper all come together to create a space that feels like your own little lounge. Some are even adding vintage touches—think old-school record players or Art Deco bar stools—to elevate the experience.

Leading interior experts, who have been shaping India’s most stylish homes, spoke to The Style List about creating a speakeasy at home, the right way.

Set It Up

Avās Design Studio, Avās Wellness

As home entertaining becomes more intimate and expressive, the idea of a home speakeasy is gaining serious momentum. But beyond just mixing cocktails, it’s about curating a corner that feels personal, stylish, and thoughtfully layered. The first step has to be the perfect location, opines Amita Trehan, Founder and Chief Design Officer at Bravura Spaces. She says, “Whether it’s a cosy family lounge, a tucked-away corridor, or even a sunny window nook, the space you choose should naturally lend itself to moments of connection. From English taverns with wood-panelled charm to sleek, contemporary cabinets that disappear into the wall when shut, the design language can be anything you want it to be. Layout matters just as much: two-tiered counters or L-shaped setups are not only efficient but also elevate the experience by hiding the clutter. Granite countertops are a practical favourite, offering both durability and elegance. And when it comes to storage, a little planning goes a long way. Built-in shelving with lighting, a place for decanters, glassware, and those cheeky coasters make it both functional and inviting. Add some pendant lights, a touch of greenery, and a bit of humour or art to pep up the speakeasy vibe. 

Speaking about the rise in popularity of home bars, Mita Mehta,  founder of Mita Mehta Studios, adds, "Home bars are having a quiet renaissance; no longer flaunted, tucked behind a pivot panel or nested in an unmarked alcove, they channel the romance of a speakeasy while letting the larger space keep its calm. When that hidden door slides open and the mood shifts, it feels like turning to the best chapter in a book you thought you'd finished."

Lighting Matters 

A great home speakeasy is about layering, and it includes a balanced mix of light, sound, space, and sentiment. “As lighting designers, we naturally begin with light. It is the first thing that defines the mood. In our home, we have created a private space that feels like a tucked-away lounge. It is not loud or flashy, but layered and inviting, where the lighting does most of the storytelling,” mention Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth, co-founders of the luxury design label klove. 

Their design philosophy is rooted in creating atmosphere through handcrafted lighting, soft glows, and purposeful shadows that draw people in. The designer duo adds, “We believe a speakeasy should be about presence with a touch of mystery. It may look like a cocooned escape, but behind the scenes, it’s a hardworking host. The bar hides behind a wall panel (because why not?). The seating shifts to match the mood, and everything from the acoustics to the glassware has its own backstage role. It’s secretive but seriously efficient.”

Creating A Mood 

Mood-setting lighting, a quality sound system, a hidden screen, and a well-stocked bar elevate the ambiance without sacrificing comfort or warmth. Key visual elements like carved wood bar counters, detailed mouldings, rich jewel tones, and gold accents help define the aesthetic. For Kasturi Jathar, interior designer at Avās Design Studio, building a home speakeasy is about blending architectural character with emotional resonance. “Creating a special space requires consideration of a concealed entry, period-specific décor for a cosy atmosphere, comfortable modern seating, and good temperature control,” she says.

In a classic speakeasy, soundproofing is not an afterthought; it should be part of how you build a room that holds energy. To get the perfect ambience, invest in good acoustics by sealing all air gaps, using double-glazed windows, and installing fabric panelling. One can also go for floating ceilings, coffered detailing, and decorative acoustic panels that double as design features. “To elevate the experience, you might incorporate an antique furniture piece, a strategically placed mirror, or art deco-inspired ceilings. Even checkered monochrome flooring or handmade tiles bring texture and tactility into the room,” suggests Kasturi.

Secret entrances and Storytelling details

From floating ceilings to sculptural lights that moonlight as acoustic diffusers, or backlit bottle displays that sparkle like jewels, the best speakeasies are built on mood and memory. At the heart of a speakeasy is a sense of discovery, and Jatin Kapoor, founder of Mantra One, shares a similar belief. Jatin emphasises the magic of contrast, and adds, “Privacy and intimacy aren’t just about keeping noise in; they’re about making the room feel like a world of its own. For me personally, it’s in the contrast: the vintage soul, hidden behind a modern façade. The magic lies in discovery. A disguised entrance: perhaps a pivoting bookshelf or panelled door that adds an element of surprise and instantly sets the tone. Inside, it's layered lighting that does the heavy lifting. We use dimmable wall sconces, concealed LED strips, and vintage pendants to create zones of mood within the space.”

Once inside, Jatin builds character through rich textures, vintage pendants, and modern integrations. He says, “It starts with intention. We balance mood lighting with bar tech and ergonomic furniture.  Most people underestimate acoustics in residential spaces. We often incorporate velvet upholstery, heavy drapes, or even upholstered walls to soften the sound and cocoon the space. It’s the clink of crystal and the hush of a jazz tune that really completes the speakeasy illusion.”

The interplay between form and function drives most design decisions for private bars. Upholstered walls and deep wood panelling, for instance, aren’t just visual treats; they serve as natural sound absorbers and set the tone for privacy and intimacy. According to Jatin, your spirits collection should reflect your personality, not just your palate. Invest in built-in drawers for tools, hidden compartments, and space for label-forward display. 

Spirits with a story

Nivasa

Of course, no speakeasy is complete without the right collection of spirits, but it’s about curation, not clutter. Beautiful bottles deserve to be part of the décor, and interior experts Prateek and Gautam share, “At home, our bar’s not just about the spirits. It is wrapped in dense fabrics, warm wood, and sculptural klove lights that moonlight as acoustic diffusers. The way we collect spirits is not unlike how we collect ideas for lights. It is emotional, experiential, and often from our travels. Our bar at home features a few rare Indian finds, Japanese infusions, and classics we have grown to love over years of hosting.”

Curating a signature spirits collection for a home speakeasy is about striking the right balance between rarity and range. Kasturi suggests starting with a balanced selection and informs, “Start with essentials like a quality gin, vodka, aged rum, tequila, bourbon, rye, and a classic single malt. Then add depth with rare or small-batch bottles—think Japanese whisky, artisanal mezcal, or a botanical aperitif. Versatility matters for experimental cocktails, so include unique vermouths, bitters, and infusions. Displaying the collection on mirrored or backlit shelves adds impact, something we often design into our villas at Avās Design Studio. For a personal touch, we always like to include vintage decanters or small barrel infusions to turn your bar into both a statement and a story.” This blend of intention, presentation, and functionality brings the spirit of a true speakeasy to life at home.