A space dedicated to serving wine, cocktails, and drinks is a welcome addition in most homes, especially during the holiday hosting season. Luckily, there are lots of bar cart ideas to consider for your own space. There’s sure to be something that fits in with your own home design aesthetic, whether it’s an antique wood bar cart or a midcentury stunner. And the best part: You don’t even need a proper bar cart (though adding one to your furniture wish list is always an option). An acrylic tray positioned atop a bookshelf or bar cabinet, or the top of a side or console table can all fill in as a makeshift but functional and stylish bar cart.
A glassware-and-libations pitstop for a festive soiree only needs a few supplies—many of which you probably already have on hand. Putting a bar cart together doesn’t take up hours either. This is an easy DIY afternoon project of curating and styling. “Entertaining is all about the experience,” says designer and HomeGoods style expert Beth Diana Smith, who follows a three-step formula when prepping a bar cart: “Set the stage, deliver on drink-ware, and accessorize.”
How do you decorate a bar cart at home?
Good designers know that sometimes less is more, and that adage also applies when it comes to home bar ideas and bar cart ideas. “You don’t need to fill every inch of a bar cart,” says Roxy Owens, founder and designer of Society Social. “You don’t need to adopt a minimalist aesthetic, but if too many items are crammed into the space, it can be intimidating for guests to use and it will make your space look cluttered.” Malka Helft, principal of Think Chic Interiors in New York, likes clustering bottles based on the color of alcohol and bottle itself more than the type of alcohol.
You should also take the bar cart design, or surface you’re using, into consideration. Are you styling a rattan bar cart for an outdoor bar? If so, shatterproof barware and colorful straws and stirrers may be in order. But if you’re creating a vignette on a stately piece of furniture, bar cart styling that includes glass decanters, a statement wine rack, or a collection of stunning coupe glasses could better round out the design.
How should I stock a bar cart?
Focus on the essentials. “Don’t feel pressured to stock every last fancy-schmancy liqueur or bitter,” Owens says. “All you need are a few quality spirits to make the classics, a good set of bar tools (lime squeezer, muddler, strainer, and mixing tin are key), and some interesting glassware.” Plus, buying less means you can splurge on higher-quality top-shelf spirits. If you have a surplus of wine or liquor, choose the best-looking bottles to display in your home bar and stash the rest out of sight in the pantry.
When it’s time to entertain, designer and luxury home decor expert Kim Seybert says she always has the classic liquors on hand: gin, vodka, tequila, and bourbon. “If I know my guests favor a type of liquor, I make sure to stock it, along with fresh-squeezed juices, soda water, tonic, and freshly cut lemons,” she says. However, Seybert urges novice hosts to keep it simple. “Do not overextend yourself,” she continues. “Serve one red wine, one white wine, and two mixed drinks. Choose a great wine glass for red or white, or purchase a versatile double old-fashioned glass for mixed drinks or wine. Use a wine bucket so the bottle can chill without putting it back in the fridge.”
Also make sure to have options available for guests who don’t imbibe,. For parties, keep one or two non-alcoholic beverage options chilled. And don’t forget about extras that can really make those mocktails pop. “For non-alcoholic drinks, I always include a festive garnish like cranberries, mint sprigs, or a colorful themed straw,” Smith continues. “Just because it’s non-alcoholic doesn’t mean it has to look it.”
How can I spice up my bar cart?
Now that you’ve got your basics covered, it’s time for a shot of style. “Color, pattern, and texture all come into play when styling your bar cart,” Owens says. “Colorful straws and custom coasters add signature style and function. Cloth cocktail napkins are a small touch that can go a long way.”
Vintage bar accessories like shakers, cocktail stirs, or picks can also be a charming addition as well as conversation pieces. Another way to keep your bar cart looking one-of-a-kind is by stocking it with spirits that come in unique bottles. “Purchasing spirits from a small or local distillery can yield pretty packaging as well as equally delicious and unique spirits,” Owens advises.
Coffee-table books are another great addition to this space. You can go with the obvious choice, a collection of cocktail recipes, or pick something a little unexpected like a travel book about New York or Paris.
What goes on top of a bar cart?
It’s best to keep heavy and otherwise bulky liquor bottles on the bottom shelf of your bar cart. Save the top for more decorative elements like beautiful barware or a really outstanding bottle or two of spirits. You can also pull in personal touches, like a framed photo, to add an unexpected focal point to the area.
Greenery and florals bring in a new texture and a pop of color. An herb—such as rosemary, mint, or basil—will further enhance your cocktail recipes as garnishes. Not to mention that the verdant addition will also work as aromatherapy.
What if I don’t have room for a bar cart?
No bar cart? No problem! Seybert does not own a bar cart, but that doesn’t stop her from creating a special place to serve up cocktails when she’s hosting. A waist-high storage chest with a mirror behind it in her living room serves as her bar when she entertains. “The liquor, wine, ice buckets, mixers, and garnishes sit on one side of the chest; an assortment of glasses, cocktail napkins, and straws sit on the other,” she says. “Bringing the bar to the party area allows me to serve and refresh drinks seamlessly while entertaining.”
Similarly, Smith suggests creating a base for cocktail essentials using a glass or lacquer tray, or oversized placemats. It’s a visual way to contain all of the elements to one designated area.
According to designer Corey Damen Jenkins, “Space can be a premium—especially for those of us living in apartments—and a literal bar cart may not be possible. So why not go for a decorative tray that can easily live day-to-day on the kitchen counter or a console? Consider capturing something vintage from an antique store, flea market, or auction, or perhaps nab one that’s been in your family for years. That way you have a special story to share when you bring it out to serve your guests.”
Likewise, Seybert always includes a tray or two in her home bar. In addition to holding key items, they can also be used as a practical device for serving or carrying drinks to guests in another room. “I have a collection of trays in various colors and sizes and coordinate them with the theme and color of my tablescape,” she says. “I complete my bar setup with a nod to the holiday we are celebrating—[such as] a fall arrangement in a small bud vase or a few Christmas decorations.”
How do you decorate a bar cart without alcohol?
Not into booze? No problem. A bar cart is a practical piece of furniture that can suit a multitude of uses. Think beyond the dining room, and consider other areas of your home that need some organization. If you’re lucky enough to snag an eye-catching midcentury design or a modern style strikes your fancy, consider using it as a plant stand, a side table in a reading nook, or a place to stash keys and other must-haves in your entryway. In a larger powder room, a bar cart could also be a handsome place to arrange folded towels and jars filled with cotton balls and other necessities. Changing up the purpose of your bar cart seasonally is also a great way to keep spirits out of sight for dry January.
Read on for 29 gorgeous bar cart ideas by interior designers who offer tips on how to create a space that looks great and serves up smiles.
1. Embrace pewter
To embrace seasonal decor in a non-obvious way, Kathy Kuo—founder and chief executive officer of Kathy Kuo Home—adds luxury and sophistication with a pewter ice bucket and pitcher. “I love how pewter barware exudes a sense of Old World elegance, but also feels very accessible and not overly precious,” she says. “To balance the masculine look of all the pewter, I’ve also styled the cart with delicate champagne coupes and gold-rimmed Vietri flutes, both of which infuse a little bit of sparkle to the look.”
2. Explore bar cart vignettes
“This unique bar cart is perfect for my client’s large, and may I add, entertaining office,” says designer Melissa Fenigstein, designer at New Age Interiors in Syosset, New York. “He wanted a space that was not only relaxing but lounge-like. This piece is one of his favorites.”
3. Nickel finish
Interior designer Chandos Dodson Epley of Chandos Interiors in Houston selected a bar cart with a sleek nickel finish for a minimalist silhouette that still delivers a whole lot of style.
4. Tropical rattan
This rattan rolling bar cart moves about for entertaining by day or night, from family style lemonade to cocktail hour. “Coastal style for the mixologist creates a relaxed welcome for guests,” says Lucy Penfield, founder of Lucy Interiors in Minneapolis who decorated this Naples, Florida, home. “A piña colada or signature gin fizz is the perfect pairing with the sunset view from the nearby loggia. Feeling the mood of the surf, we hung a playful and colorful abstract piece of art.”
5. Artsy wood
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The bar cart gives the space a 1950s Mad Men vibe, a time when drinks at lunch and bars in the office were commonplace. Atlanta interior designer Michele Gratch chose the olive ash wood Made Goods bar cart for its clean lines as well as the warmth that the wood added to the room. “When styling a bar cart, I always like to include fresh flowers, a variety of spirits, an ice bucket, linen embroidered cocktail napkins, limes or lemons for garnish and a pop of color, and glassware or stemware,” she says. “I always layer in other decorative accessories that aren’t bar related as well as coffee-table books.”
6. Scandi style
“This minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired bar cart thoughtfully combines contemporary design with timeless practicality, allowing the playful angular patterned pieces to take center stage in this bar area,” says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director at Mendelson Group in New York.
7. Adorn with a green garland
A brass Hudson Grace brass bar cart takes on a festive flair with a garland of seasonal greenery. Park it next to a couch so guests can enjoy a cocktail without having to travel too far.
8. Message board
The rich wood of this Blackberry Farm bar cart makes for a perfect frame for the leather cover detail. Use the compartment to hang wine glasses and display other glassware for a cheer-filled night.
9. Modern accent
Kuo styled this chic two-level bar cart with both functional and decorative accents to match the modern farmhouse aesthetic. On the upper level, a vase of seasonal florals—picked from the backyard—serves as the visual focal point alongside a set of beautiful cut crystal decanters and tumblers. On the lower shelf, she stacked art and design books, and placed some sculptural oversized candleholders. “What I love about this styling motif is that most of the elements can easily be rearranged to create variations on the look,” Kuo says.
10. Blast from the past
Take inspiration from existing interiors, as seen in this Houston-based Lucas Eilers project. The bar cart looks as if it was pulled from a mystical library and looks like a treasure in and of itself. “This study’s glazed woodwork, grasscloth wallcovering, and stone mantel offer a refreshing take on traditional design,” says Sarah Eilers, interior designer and cofounder of Lucas Eilers. “The brass detailing on the bar cart feels soft and unexpected while heavy crystal pieces in a mix of traditional and modern silhouettes lend a timeless essence.”
11. Barely there
The contemporary style of a white bar cart selected by Melanie Hay Design Studio looks extra suave against a white wall, as it gives the design an almost airy feel. A perfect touch for a dining room refresh. “I have had this bar cart forever and used it as a side table, bedside table and now in the dining room,” says designer Melanie Hay. “Bar carts are such versatile pieces in the home, and can be used as a combination for traditional crystal stemware, contemporary glassware and some vintage crystal decanters filled with scotch, and more. Stylistically, it certainly has an all-clear, almost not-there vibe.”
12. Round out
“When choosing a bar cart, scale and placement are key,” Malka Helft advises. “Choose your location in advance, as this will determine how large or small it should be.” When selecting the design, let the utilitarian function of the trolley stand out. “Bar carts were literally a bar on wheels and were taken out to serve home guests,” she adds. “Nowadays, still practical, their aesthetic will contribute greatly to the total look and vibe of a space.”
13. Thrift wisely
The glossy finish of the bar cart surface contrasts beautifully against the gold of this thrift store find by Chicago designer Sarah Montgomery. “Anytime you have multiples of something, they can look intentional on display if lined up nicely,” she says. “Keep the full bar cart looking tidy by ensuring all labels are facing front.”
14. Use negative space
“The scale of this bar cart was important to fill out this dining nook,” Montgomery says. “We used clear and colored glass to bring interest without it feeling too full. This piece could also double as a dessert cart!”
15. Think of it as a sidekick
Houston designer Benjamin Johnston implements a petite bar cart as an add-on to the dining room. All you need are a few bottles and a handful of barware for a mid-dinner libation.
16. Place a planter
Dress up your bar cart with some greenery, ideally in a charming planter like this LBE Design vessel for a holiday tree.
17. Peek-a-boo cart
Regan Baker—founder and principal designer at Regan Baker Design—converted this San Francisco home’s elevator into a bar with shelving and a bar cart. The clients wanted a multifunctional space, and Baker loved the idea of leveraging the space for a dual purpose and incorporating an element of surprise: an elevator that’s also a bar! “The use of the bar cart within the space was important because it can easily be removed when the elevator needs to serve its primary function,” she adds. “The rest of the time, the door remains open to reveal a jewel box bar for a family that loves to entertain.” No elevator in your abode? No problem. A DIY closet remodel can do the same trick.
18. A pedestal for heirlooms
Baker decorated this bar cart to be a coffee and tea service area as a means to showcase treasured family heirlooms from the Netherlands. “Our client had so many beautiful antiques that had been passed down from his family, and he was passionate about finding the perfect place for them within the home,” she adds.
19. Hospitality-centric
Any visitor would appreciate a welcome cocktail (or mocktail). So set up a bar cart in the guest room to help them get into chill mode. Stock it up with all the right barware tools, glassware, and even a blanket or two to cozy up with.
20. Simple and modern
“When the bar cart isn’t filled it with spirits for entertaining friends, it’s an ideal resting spot for my maidenhair ferns to bask in the dappled morning light,” says Will Massie, founder and chief executive officer of McKinnon and Harris.
21. Go glamorous
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In this Hollywood glam bedroom, Caroline Patterson—interior designer and senior editor at Foter—used a reflective brass bar cart to match the geometric wall mirror for a harmonious look. “The choice of accessories on the top and bottom trays of the cart is not random either,” she says. “The golden decor piece integrates with the gold ottoman tray, gold metallic cushion, and a gold throw reflected in the mirror. White and black colors from the cart are repeated throughout the room too. All of these elements have been pulled together to create a cohesive interior design.”
22. Shop local
Go beyond the basic bottles you see on every liquor store shelf. “Purchasing spirits from a small or local distillery can yield pretty packaging as well as equally delicious and unique spirits,” Roxy Owens says. You may find that your new favorite whiskey is just across town.
23. Embrace a bold hue
A dose of happy color, be it with a DIY paint job or a small bouquet on top of the bar cart, immediately freshens up the entire ensemble. The trick can also work if you take a basic bar cart design and set it against a colorful backdrop.
24. Stack books
“Don’t forget your favorite cocktail recipe books,” Owens says. “Books are always a great way to decorate, as they add color and interest to any vignette.” Stack a few vintage cocktail books on the lower level or use them as a base to elevate a particularly pretty bottle. A wealth of cocktail knowledge will be right at your fingertips, just in case you forget the difference between a manhattan and an old-fashioned.
25. Art Deco
Use a vintage mirror for inspiration that melds an antique bar cart into modern interiors. Marshall Erb, a Chicago designer, styled an Art Deco bar cart from Antiques on Plank Road with a contemporary lamp and sculpture, but also included an ornate silver champagne bucket. “This brass-accented, mahogany bar cart allows for multipurpose use depending on my hosting needs,” Erb explains of this pretty portable, wheeled cart. “Whether that’s to act as a console table to serve food at dinner parties or stand in as a champagne station for upscale soirees.”
As for styling, he recommends keeping an open mind, “Bar carts don’t always have to be thought of as party central, heavily laden with bottles of booze,” Erb adds. Fluctuate between modern maximalism and edited minimalism and adjust the bar cart accordingly. During the summer months, a table lamp and fresh flowers work as accessories to keep things lighter and less cluttered. The holidays are a perfect time to stock the cart with a couple of seasonally festive bottles and glassware so you can entertain at a moment’s notice.
26. Brass is beautiful
This California project featured a modern brass staircase, so Regan Baker Design incorporated brass throughout the home, including the bar cart. The house featured a large wine cellar on the ground floor, but didn’t previously have a bar area within the formal living and dining areas. “The use of the bar cart allowed us to create a small but beautiful space, easily accessible within the formal entertaining areas of the home,” Baker says.
27. Load it up
When you have an over-the-top bar cart design, embrace it wholeheartedly and stock it up with goodies for every occasion. Place a cornucopia of cocktail liquors, a tea set, and sparkling water bottles. Maximalism at its best.
28. Set against fun wallpaper
You can’t go wrong with lucite, especially when the bar cart is a supporting player to a powerful wallpaper choice.
29. Make it personal
“If you love to entertain, bar carts are a fabulous way to showcase your personality while serving up the perfect cocktail,” says Houston interior designer Lucinda Loya. Add in favorite items like heirloom glassware or a bespoke bar tool set and shaker. “When filling your bar cart, always weave elements in thoughtfully, being sure to leave negative space so that everything feels layered, yet clean and uncluttered,” she adds. Here, the brass stemware complements the structure of the bar cart and adds to the glamour without being overzealous.
