As someone who loves to entertain, I’ve found that a well-styled bar cart can be the perfect addition to any home. It’s not just about having a place to store your drinks; it’s about creating a focal point that adds character and charm to your space.
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée or a casual get-together, these bar cart ideas will help you create the perfect setup for any occasion.
1. Get Outdoors
Who says bar carts are just for indoor use? I love the idea of building a custom bar cart for outdoor entertaining. Style it on your porch or patio to create a perfect spot for summer cocktails.
Just make sure to use weather-resistant materials to protect your cart from the elements. This way, you can enjoy al fresco drinks without worrying about damage to your setup.
2. Be Quirky
For those who love to showcase their personality, a quirky bar cart is the way to go. Include a wide variety of liquors to cater to all tastes, and don’t forget to add colorful straws and unique bar tools for a fun touch.
I always like to display a drink recipe book on my cart – it’s not only decorative but also practical for when you want to try mixing up something new!
3. Make It Holiday-Ready
During the festive season, I transform my bar cart into a holiday wonderland. Decorating with a mini Christmas tree instantly adds cheer, while a ribbon-tied wreath brings in that classic holiday feel.
To really make it sparkle, I incorporate touches of gold throughout the display. It’s amazing how these small additions can turn your bar cart into a festive focal point.
4. Think Outside the Box
Sometimes, the most interesting bar carts aren’t actually bar carts at all. I once transformed a utility cart with a fresh coat of spray paint and some leather touches.
It’s incredible how you can convert an office-like piece into a stylish drink station with just a little creativity. This approach not only saves money but also results in a truly unique piece.
5. Be Blue
One of my favorite ways to make a bar cart stand out is by painting an accent wall behind it. A bold blue can really bring the bar space to life and create a visual separation from the rest of the room. It’s a simple change that can have a big impact on the overall look of your entertaining area.
6. Get Ready for Guests
When I’m expecting company, I love using my bar cart as a serving station in the dining room. The bottom shelf is perfect for storing glassware, while the top can be used for drinks and appetizers. This setup is also ideal for non-alcoholic setups, making it versatile for all types of gatherings.
7. Choose Natural Materials
For a coastal or bohemian vibe, choose wicker or rattan carts. These natural materials add warmth and texture to your space. When not being used for drinks, these carts also make a great alternative to a console table, perfect for holding books and home accessories.
8. Try Traditional Touches
There’s something timeless about a rolling brass cart adorned with vintage accessories. I love to use crystal coupes and silver trays for a touch of elegance. Sourcing items from thrift stores and vintage boutiques adds character and makes each piece feel special.
9. Glam It Up
For a glamorous look, stick to rose tones and display fashion books alongside my bar essentials. Adding fresh roses not only looks beautiful but also brings a lovely scent to the area. This style is perfect for creating a chic, feminine space.
10. Keep It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. I find that focusing on classic neutrals and choosing a glass and brass cart creates a timeless look. Stocking it with traditional glassware keeps the setup elegant and versatile for any occasion.
11. Add Modern Touches
When styling my bar cart, I always try to match its aesthetics to the room it’s in. For a modern feel, I use smoked glassware and include books and scented candles as accessories. This approach helps the cart blend seamlessly with contemporary decor.
12. Use Vertical Space
In smaller spaces, installing open shelving above a small bar cart is a great way to maximize storage. This works particularly well in corner spaces, combining the cart and shelving for extra room to display your favorite bottles and glasses.
13. Celebrate MCM Style
For mid-century modern enthusiasts, a classic wooden bar cart is essential. Keep the accent pieces light and bright to allow the cart to be the focal point. This style adds a touch of retro charm to any room.
14. Take It Outside
On warm evenings, I love to wheel my bar cart onto the patio for outdoor entertaining. Styling it with copper hurricane lanterns and pillar candles creates a cozy ambiance, while a vase of colorful flowers adds a fresh, natural touch.
15. Stock With Colorful Glasses
Displaying vibrant stemware on your cart can really make it pop. I’m particularly fond of vintage-styled stepped glass and metal designs. The colorful glassware looks especially striking when contrasted against dark walls.
16. Add Vintage Styling
For a boho feel, decorate a midcentury modern rattan cart with vintage barware. Adding a large photo on the wall above completes the look and infuses personality into the space.
17. Try a Hot Cocoa Cart
Who says bar carts are just for cocktails? I’ve had great success creating a family-friendly hot drinks station, styled with a festive selection of sweets and all the fixings for hot chocolate. It’s a hit with guests of all ages!
18. DIY a Happy Hour Marquee
Pairing a wooden midcentury modern cart with a personalized sign can really set the mood. I hung a “Happy Hour” marquee above mine to set a light, fun tone for gatherings.
19. Rock the Rainbow
Don’t be afraid to go bold! Transform a basic wooden plant stand into a vibrant bar cart with colorful paint. Pair it with lively glassware to create a custom piece that adds personality and energy to your space.
20. Choose Classics
For a timeless look, consider adding chinoiserie chic touches to your bar cart. A palm leaf tea towel, faux bamboo accessories, and blue and white pottery can create an elegant and sophisticated display.
21. Embrace Antiques
Styling with antique or antique-inspired pieces can bring elegance to your bar cart. Try hanging an ornate brass mirror above it and placing the cart in an empty corner of the dining room for a classic, refined look.
22. Go Green
Adding plants to your bar cart is a great way to bring life to the display. Incorporate green foliage on a brass-framed cart for a fresh, vibrant touch. As a bonus, the cart can double as a stylish plant stand when not in use for hosting.
23. Try a Theme
Themed bar carts can be a lot of fun. Whether it’s a mermaid, beach, or any other theme, incorporating specific trinkets and decor can add a festive, seasonal touch to your entertaining space.
24. Hit It
Basing your bar cart theme on a hobby can be a great conversation starter. For example, a golf-themed cart with small, related trinkets can be both chic and personal. Just remember to keep the display tasteful and not too cluttered.
25. Think Pink
I once repurposed a plant potting cart as a beverage station by giving it a coat of bright pink paint. Adding colorful glassware completed the transformation, creating a fun and unique piece.
26. Get Organized
Using canisters of various shapes and sizes helps keep your bar cart tidy. I use mine to store candy and seasonal accents, while bar tools find a home in an ice bucket. This approach keeps everything neat and easily accessible.
27. Make a Statement
A round bar cart can be ideal for modern or glam styles, making it perfect for brightening up an empty nook. Opt for an eye-catching design to ensure the bar cart becomes a striking focal point in the room.
28. Style With Flowers
Incorporating a cake stand for elevation and adding chic storage boxes can create visual interest on your bar cart. Enhance the elegance further with stylish candle holders and fresh flowers for a polished, sophisticated look.
29. Stack It Up
To maximize storage on your bar cart, consider using stacked wine racks. Lucite racks are an excellent choice for maintaining an organized display without adding visual clutter.
30. Spray Paint It
Don’t be afraid to customize affordable pieces. Try color-blocking a basic utility cart with spray paint and adding a row of hooks on the side for tea towels. It’s a simple way to create a unique piece that perfectly suits your style.
31. Be Romantic
For a French-inspired look, focus on gold and white hues while incorporating floral elements such as real flowers, faux blooms, or floral artwork. This approach helps create a shabby chic aesthetic that’s both romantic and inviting.