The ritual of making yourself a drink at home is one that no man should take for granted. Which is why, we think, you should have a proper place for your bottles and bartending tools. A dedicated spot to corral your go-to spirits, show off your glassware, and make mixing a drink feel like an event instead of an afterthought. Because whether you’re pouring yourself an end-of-day whiskey, grabbing a bottle of wine for a date or shaking martinis for friends, the way you present your setup says a lot about your space—and about you.

But here’s the thing: not all home bars are created equal. The big decision comes down to form and function. Do you roll with a bar cart, all open and social, bottles gleaming in plain sight? Or do you commit to a bigger bar cabinet, sleek and discreet, with everything tucked away? Both get the job done, but they send very different signals and operate in slightly different fashions. Here’s how to figure out which one fits your life.