Kitchen Cart vs. Rolling Breakfast/Pub Table

15 years ago

So, long story short, my kitchen is low on use-able counter space, and my husband decided to get rid of our over-sized kitchen table because it was collecting clutter (guilty). I'm a little ashamed to admit it, but we never eat at the table, so mostly I miss being able to play games there. Then the 1949 kitchen inspired me with the rolling table that could be moved for various purposes. Suddenly, I can imagine baking more easily by having work surface right where I want it!

When I started looking for a rolling table, though, I had more luck finding kitchen carts, breakfast carts & pub tables. Voila, work surface and potential eating/game table!

I'm wondering what would be more useful: a cart that hides rarely used stools so they're out of the way, a cart/table with storage, or a table with potential to seat more people in case we "grow up". I suppose these are mostly lifestyle issues I need to figure out (w/DH if he'll consider letting me have a table again), but I'm curious to see what you all think or what your experiences are if you have kitchen carts or storage tables.

Would open storage be too cluttered? Would the hidden little stools be completely uncomfortable and worthless? Is there enough space to use a cart as an eating or gaming table? Does the storage get in the way of feet if you're sitting at this kind of table? Would it be better to look for a regular table and put casters on it? Any input to help me think this through is much appreciated!

Here are a few links to options (widely ranging in price and style):

http://www.plowhearth.com/product.asp?pcode=12367&cm_mmc=Tagged-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&cm_lm=&mr%3AreferralID=NA&mr%3AtrackingCode=NA

(no wheels on the one below, but maybe they would be added?)

http://www.atgstores.com/products/view.aspx?family=585739&linkLoc=topSearch

http://www.amazon.com/Winsome-89332-Beech-Beechwood-Drawers/dp/B0018JCCUI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1299450859&sr=8-9

http://www.amazon.com/Winsome-Wood-Drop-Leaf-Kitchen-Cart/dp/B000GLRG1E/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1299450946&sr=8-10

http://www.mercantila.com/p/catskill-craftsmen-roll-about-cart-kitchen-island

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

ernietd
15 years ago
gosh, I thought I responded to this but my response got lost. If it shows up, sorry for the duplicate posting.

What I was thinking is that these tables look small for game playing. Bridge tables, for example, have to be big enough for the dummy to go down (and small enough for declarer to reach dummy) Monopoly tables have to have room for the board and for everyone's money.

why don't you lay out some of the games you play, figure room for a drink and snacks for everyone, then measure and look for a table that way.

I think the idea of a table on wheels is really good for your life style, and really that's the first thing you should think of.
jessicaml
Original Author
15 years ago
We have other places to place drinks nearby (so I don't knock them over) but laying out a game and measuring is a good idea!

In the meantime, I'm finding all sorts of lovely tables I probably can't afford...but oh how cool are these?

(well, ikea is affordable and functional, but not available online & not in my area)

This one even has wheels! SWOON...

Antique Chippendale Table
Related Professionals
Crestview Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Macon Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · New Orleans Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Morgantown Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Lewiston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Amarillo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · North Platte Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Sanford Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Texarkana Kitchen Remodelers · Lewiston Kitchen Remodelers · Burlington Kitchen Remodelers · Durango Kitchen Remodelers · Twin Falls Kitchen Remodelers · Worcester Custom Countertops · Pittsburgh Custom Countertops
formerlyflorantha
15 years ago
We have an old table from the 1920s, an Elizabethan replica of sorts. It folds down to nothing, somewhat like Ikea one above but with sufficient space for one seated person at each end with the wing parts folded down. It's been wonderful over the years, most recently being used in Mom's little senior citizen apartment because she has a place to sit without hassle for self and another plus we can expand out for Scrabble, more guests, projects. At my place we used it as second dining room table and for buffet service in dining room. Great to fold back against the wall when not needed.

I don't think I could find a use for the stools carts above. Work cart yes, stools at rolling cart, no.
txpepper
15 years ago
My idea was to have a custom sized base cab built on rolling castors and a top added made of my counter-top granite material.

The idea for the base cab was for storage of some of my 'gardening' materials. As I live in a high-rise, I don't do much actual gardening but I do need a place to store small bags of potting soil, etc.

Having the wheels would allow me to push it off to one side. Granite top would 'go with' my counter tops. And I was going to make it standard table height so hubby and I could use it for casual dining.

It's yet to materialize, but that's the plan. ;-D

Pepper
~ Im/patiently waiting.
jessicaml
Original Author
15 years ago
Pepper, your cart idea sounds peachy! I could've used a gardening cart when I had an apartment. Hope you'll post pictures if it ever comes to pass.

Florantha, I've come to the same conclusion about the stools. It seems like such a nice idea to be able to hide seating away...but not when it's such a tiny cart with tinier seating. I'm so glad to know your family used a similar old table for much the same purpose!

I checked out a local antique store today and came across a few possible options. The one with the best body (sexy legs!) ;) was also a little beat up, but I'm hoping DH will let me know if it's worth saving and if so indulge my refinishing it (since it will distract me from wanting to paint the cabinets).
noellabelle
15 years ago
Jessica, I had only ever had a kid's table in my kitchen, and I debated about what to put in it's place.

I ended up finding an island on craigslist that has a cabinet underneath, and the counter pops up to allow 2 stools.

I experimented with putting a card table in the spot, and I much prefer having it counter height. I feel like I didn't have to choose between more counter space & storage and gaining useable seating.
User
15 years ago
Be careful if you choose one of the gate-leg types. Sometimes the legs end up right exactly in the way of where people want to sit.

Good luck with the antique store finds. I hope one of them works for you.