The perfect addition to any party or cocktail hour, bar carts keep barware and alcohol on hand for easy access while entertaining. Often found in dining rooms and kitchens, these handy furniture pieces are easy to move and often serve double duty as an extra surface or storage spot. If you're in the market for a bar trolley or rolling bar cart, here are a few things to look for to ensure it's as stylish as it is useful.
Where should I place my bar cart?
The joy of a bar cart is that it can be moved anywhere in the house; however, you want to consider where your movable cart will spend most of its time. The dining room is often the most popular choice, since it's where you often entertain, but the kitchen is a common option as well. If you like to relax and drink simultaneously, you might consider placing it in the living room. Regardless of its permanent home, be sure the trolley's style, color and design blends well with all the spaces.
What style bar cart should I buy?
Rolling carts are fun accessories, so don't be afraid to buy a piece that has quirky character. Try out a bright color or find one that uses an interesting material, like bamboo, rustic wood or metal accents. Industrial style metal trolleys are popular options, as are tropical island-style pieces. For the classic bar cart look, try glass or gold (or both), or go modern with acrylic. Although your bar cart is meant to stand out, try to have it match the rest of your home's style.
What should I store on my drink cart?
The amount you can store on your cart depends on its size. A small unit will probably only be able to store a few alcohol bottles and some wine and martini glasses. If you have the space, you can turn it into a full-fledged wet bar, complete with wine rack, decanter, cooler, beer mugs, ice bucket and mini snack bar. As you stock it, try to offer plenty of alcohol variety to accommodate each of your guests, and be sure to have water or lemonade on hand for kids or those who don't drink.
What else can I use a bar cart for?
Even though it's called a bar cart, that doesn't mean you have to use it to store alcohol. If you need kitchen storage space, it can be used to stash spare dishes or even act as a small kitchen island and extra workspace. You can even use it as a nightstand or side table! You can get very creative with this handy piece of furniture.
