Bar Cart Essentials for Every Style

Bar carts are super for at-home entertaining and so much more! Do you have what you need to make yours versatile and inviting for cocktails—and beyond?

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November 12, 2018

By: Melissa Macron

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Gorgeous Glassware

One of the basics for a beautiful bar cart? Drinkware you love! Philip Erdoes, CEO of The New Traditionalists, shares his tip for garnering glassware. "We love vintage pieces. Artisanal cocktails always taste better in old-school glasses. Ebay has some sweet midcentury glasses and accessories," he says.

Mixology Masters

Shakers and strainers, tongs and stirrers—make sure your bar has all the accessories for making and mixing all kinds of cool cocktails. Here, a perfectly organized bar cart means everything is within reach.

From: Jessica McClendon

Happy Hues

Perk things up with a pop of color, like this vintage glassware in hot hues. "A found treasure always garners a second look and a chic set of marvelous midcentury highballs or dapper decanters will also be a nod to the glamorous retro ritual of cocktail hour," says Roxy Owens, founder of Society Social.

Double Duty

Keeping the bar cart couch side is a great two-for-one setup—and a spectacular space-saver at that. The top of this cart holds a lamp, books and décor, providing style and storage.

From: Michelle Edgemont

Nibbles & Napkins

You've got the cart and the beverages, now don't forget a stack of pretty napkins and a little something to nosh on. Here, the bottom shelf holds all the essentials, leaving the top shelf for cocktail prep and snacks.

From: Samantha Pattillo

Artful Elements

Roll this glam cart to wherever the action is or keep it tidy in an unused corner. An eye-catching sculpture adds flair to this pretty setup and keeps the theme of this modern space cohesive.

From: Sally Wheat

Jazz It Up

This mobile bar keeps the party going with the addition of a retro record player underneath the service station. A vase of pretty blooms adds a feminine touch to this cool scene.

From: Kristin Guy

Delightful Display

Oenophiles rejoice! This clever setup includes a gilded wine rack along with glamorous cut-crystal decanters and tumblers, that add a bit of sparkle to the scene. Note how the crystal pieces bring a more upscale look than a bevy of liquor bottles.

Metallic Minimalism

Golden glassware adds an effortlessly luxe touch to this scene. Here, instead of mismatched bottles a delightful decanter keeps the look sleek and elegant. Pink accents enhance the chic vibe.

From: John McClain Design

Height Matters

Take your bar cart to new heights with the addition of cake stands. Not only do they add interest, but they add more display space for things like mixing tools and decorative greenery.

From: Brady Tolbert

Personalized Pieces

We're loving this lucite bar cart in the vibrant home of a professional cocktail consultant. Disco-ball sipper cups, a golden pineapple, a colorful tray and a signature sign all come together to perfectly outfit this one-of-a-kind, party-friendly station.

From: Michelle Gage

How-To Helpers

Against a black and white backdrop, the bottles, glasses and shaker on this cart sparkle almost like gems. Need a little help with creating cool cocktails? Here's the perfect place to keep a mixology book handy.

From: Kendall Simmons

Dishes and Details

"My bar cart was super easy to style," says designer Naomi Stein of Design Manifest. "It's vintage and has just the perfect patina, so just about anything looks good on it. It's the place where I stock my favorite mixers and showcase my vintage glasses and fancy plates. Fresh flowers are a must to add beautiful aroma and color. The finishing touch for me is the painting above. It's like the cherry to my bar-cart cocktail."

Smart Side Table

Skip the beverages and embrace the sheer versatility of the bar cart. Here, it's a handy side table that's not only a space saver, it's mobile! Park it next to the sofa a fill with books, flowers, lighting and more.

Copper Mugs

Copper barware brings a cohesive design to this bar cart and a thoughtfully curated liquor collection bring style to evening cocktails.

From: Caitlin McCarthy Designs

Take It Outside

During summer months and in warmer climates, an outdoor wooden bar cart is a smart, streamlined addition to the yard. Keep it stocked with beverages and snacks, even blankets to ward off the evening chill.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Keep it Cool

This stand-out gold bar cart has an ice bucket that will keep your chilled beverages fresh.

From: Sarah Richardson

Workout Buddy

For at-home workouts, you couldn't ask for a better partner. This bar cart is outfitted with water, weights, towels and a basket big enough for more gym supplies or a place for sweaty post-exercise stuff. Having everything within arm's reach means you can get through your workout with ease.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Beautiful Bottles

Adding an assortment of colored bottles will bring your bar cart visual appeal. Of course, have your favorites on hand, but including some striking colors will bring an unexpected interest to your space.

From: Kendall Simmons

Office Assistant

With dual levels, wheels and a space-saving silhouette, the bar cart is truly office friendly. Stock it with supplies, fun décor—even a coffee station—to make your home office as efficient and happy-making as possible.

Shop This Look

Photo By: Courtesy of The New Traditionalist

Photo By: Laure Joliet Photography

Photo By: Courtesy of Society Social

Photo By: Laurie Perez

Photo By: Red Arrow Industries

Photo By: Taylor Architectural Photography

Photo By: Zeke Ruelas

Photo By: Kyle Born

Photo By: Catherine Truman

Photo By: Courtesy of Design Manifest

Photo By: Courtesy of Society Social

Photo By: Caitlin McCarthy Design

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Stacey Brandford

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Leslee Mitchell

Photo By: Danielle Moss

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