Does the promise of summer make you think of fancy, exotic cocktails sipped by a pool? Then, maybe it’s time to assemble your own backyard tiki bar to do just that! Inspired by the colorful Polynesian culture, you can have a blast decorating it with tropical elements—from a thatched roof to tiki masks to hanging hurricane lanterns to a kitschy surfboard sign—and of course cocktail mixing and serving tools to match. Read on for some pretty cool tiki bar inspiration and decorating finds you can buy!
Tiki Bar Ideas for Decorating Your Own!
You can opt to build your own backyard tiki bar from scratch, using one of many DIY tutorials available online. Or you can simply dress up an existing outdoor bar, counter or hut “Polynesian style” with inspiration from these creative examples we found. We love how each one has a decorating approach and character of its own!
You can take a simple outdoor bar (1) and dress it up with vintage license plates, street signs and the like, cover the roof with raffia strips, and hang colored string lights. Or perhaps you’re going for a more seafaring look (2)—weathered wood and recycled shutters, rusty copper lanterns, and assorted signs.
For a poolside bar (4), you can leave it clean and uncluttered with a full thatched roof and pine or bamboo panelling, and simple wooden stools and outdoor bar stools gathered around. A shingle-sided counter (5) is a nice option, too, creating a laid-back vibe with a tiki bar sign, farmhouse-style chairs, vintage bar paraphernalia, hurricane lanterns, and even a paddle oar.
For a different Asian-inspired look (3), you could simply have a thatched wooden canopy over a wood-panelled counter, graceful colonial-style bar stools and lush greenery in terra cotta pots.
Sources: 1 – YouTube / 2 – Popular Mechanics / 4 – via Pinterest / 5 – via Pinterest / 3 – Houzz
Our Product Picks to Decorate Your Own Tiki Bar
Look what we found! A dozen decorating accents to transform your bare backyard hut into a cool, colorful Tiki Bar. Just click on the links to buy!
via Amazon (*affiliate)
2 – Bamboo Outdoor Tiki Torches
3 – Tiki Bar Metal Novelty Surf Board Sign
4 – Hand Carved Hawaiian Tiki Style Masks (set of 5)
7 – 24-Foot Tiki Raffia Fringe
8 – Talking Tables Fiesta Pineapple Canape Sticks (12 pack)
12 – Tropical Tiki Ice Bucket (3 qts.)
via Pier 1 Imports (*affiliate)
5 – Kubu Backless Counter & Bar Stool (rattan weaving & mango wood)
9 – Green Ombre Medallion Glass Lanterns
10 – Water Hyacinth Utensil Caddy
11 – Tiki Stripe Painted Tumbler
***UPDATE: 3/29/2022***
Fresh Picks to Spruce Up Your Tiki Bar This Summer of 2022
Can you tell we’re excited for summer 2022?! We just had to freshen up this post with new product picks from Amazon. Fun and easy decorating touches to host a poolside sunsational tiki party complete with yummy tiki bar appetizers to serve. Or set up your very own backyard tropical bar to enjoy with family and friends all summer long! (*this post update contains affiliate links)
Fun Decor Elements for Your Tiki Bar Hut!
Check out these finds for your fave choices. The tiki bar vibe is just a few clicks away!
1 – Amscan Tiki Bar Hut – BYOB (build your own bar) in minutes with this ready-to-assemble hut made of plastic poles topped with a thatched roof of natural raffia sewn on fabric, plus artificial hibiscus garlands.
2 – Forever Bamboo Mexican Thatch Runner Roll – Add more of that tropical air with siding for your tiki bar made of this Mexican palm thatch, available in rolls.
3 – Zeckos Polynesian Style Wooden Tiki Masks – For an instant authentic touch, place these colorful, hand-painted masks around your bar area. They are 12 inches tall and come as a set of 5.
4 – Artificial Tropical Plant Leaves – Get creative with this set of assorted faux palm leaves (6 kinds, 72 pcs.)! String them into more garlands, use them for centerpieces and as serving accessories for your drinks and appetizers.
5 – Flash Furniture Metal Bar Stools – For practical seating to set out as needed, how cool are these stackable metal stools in teal (set of 4).
6 – OMA Wooden Tiki Bar Surfboard Sign – Display fun “tiki bar rules” with this sign that’s actually a hand-carved and hand-painted decorative surfboard!
7 – Nautical Fishing Float String Lights – Once evening falls, these multi-color sets of 10 buoy-type string lights would cast a festive glow to your outdoor setting.
Summer fun, here we come!
This post contains affiliate links and Bellenza, Inc. will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking the affiliate links. You can find our disclosure statement here.