Glassware is something that every homeowner should have. There are five main types that should be represented in your home bar (six if you count shot glasses, but who doesn’t have a set of souvenir ones?), all explained here. Once you have the right types of glasses, there’s no need to keep them hidden in a cabinet. You can display them on a small shelf behind your bar, or even keep a few in your living room, not far from where you entertain.

Glassware of all kinds on display The Spruce
1) Cocktail Glasses

Classic cocktail glasses The Spruce
Cocktail classes aren’t just handy for holding everything from a whisky sour to a sidecar, and since there are so many different types of them, you can mix and match the ones that you put on display. As long as you don’t have cats (who like to knock breakable things off of shelves) you can display glasses like these on a designated table in a corner of your living room, or even on an open shelf behind your home bar. If you want to add a whimsical touch, you can even fill one or two of them with decorative plastic toothpicks or other things that you’ll need to garnish your drinks.
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2) Champagne Glasses

Champagne glasses The Spruce
Yes, champagne glasses exist, and they are quite different than wine glasses. These glasses have a narrower flute, which is perfect for drinking champagne. Even if you don’t drink this beverage regularly, you should have a few of them in your bar collection. The one in the middle here is quite pretty, and several of them would look nice on a bar cart or on a shelf alongside other glassware. There’s no need to keep it hidden!
3) Margarita Glasses

Margarita glasses The Spruce
Margarita glasses are a specialized drinking vessel that should be kept in a cabinet until you need them. If you plan on hosting parties in the summertime – the ideal time to make margaritas at home – you’ll have to have some of these glasses on hand.
4) Wine Glasses

Wine glasses The Spruce
Wine glasses are useful for just that – serving wine. A well-rounded home bar has at least two different types of wine glasses, and like their close relatives, champagne glasses, the type that you have depends on how you display it. Simple ones like the ones depicted here can be placed on a shelf or in a cabinet, while the fancier varieties can be put on display in open shelving or on a bar cart or low table.
5) Beer Glasses

Beer glasses The Spruce
Beer glasses are pretty classic, and vary from the traditional stein shape to more modernized versions without handles. These glasses are a must-have in any home and can hold other beverages as well. Just think of how much fun you’ll have serving root beer floats or similar treats in a stein like the one on the right. Since these glasses tend to be a bit heftier than the others, you might want to keep these stored in a cabinet or on a shelf.