No longer a relic of a bygone era, bar carts have long shed their Abigail's Party-esque past and become one of the most coveted pieces of furniture going. So whether you fancy yourself as a bit of a mixologist or just want a place in your kitchen or living room to show off your ever growing selection of spirits, we've rounded up the best bar carts for every style and budget...
Check out all our kitchen ideas over on our hub page and make sure you check out our guide to styling your bar cart like an interiors guru too.
- Looking for cocktail recipes? These classics will get the party going
1. Keep it simple with a circular bar cart
With its painted gold bamboo frame and marble and mirror shelves, this beautiful Oliver Bonas trolley definitely nods to the Art Deco era. It’s also pretty sizeable, so if your alcohol stash doesn’t expand over three shelves, well then stock up, joking (kind of) you could always just double it up as as side table and use it for some handy extra storage.
2. Go for a retro vibe with a '20s style bar cart
If it’s a civilised and simple vibe you are after, then this John Lewis & Partners’ Riya bar cart is just the ticket. With smoked glass shelves and gold metal frame, this minimalist design is set on four castors so is super easy to manoeuvre no matter how many martinis you may have consumed.
3. Pick a sophisticated wooden bar cart
Has this West Elm bar cart literally just been wheeled out of Don Draper’s office? The walnut finish, rounded legs and brass details definitely recall the '50s and '60s aesthetic; just fill it with cut crystal glasses and all the ingredients for an Old Fashioned and you are good to go. Just be aware that it’s only on two castors – you will have to pick it up slightly to move it, so be careful not to overload it.
4. Look boho style? Well here's a rattan bar cart
Another gorgeous number from Oliver Bonas, this rattan bar cart is a bit of a bargain at £145. It's tricky to find a bar cart that isn't all about that glamorous, 1920s look but we think this one is a totally perfect alternative if you are after something a bit more quirky. That turquoise is a dream and will add the perfect pop of colour to any space. Just imagine this with a cut set of vintage glasses, a bottle of Bombay and a couple of house plants, dreamy.
More boho room ideas this way...
5. Choose an unusual shaped bar cart
All the beauty of an antique but without the fragility, this gold trolley from Graham & Green is giving us all the Gatsby vibes. The generous gap between the two shelves is perfect for storing taller bottles (a flaw in a lot of bar cart designs) and the top is the perfect height for mixing drinks.
6. Head to Dunelm for a simple, affordable bar cart
If your drinks' selection is more on the modest side, this Dunelm drinks' trolley is ideal. Its two shelves will still hold plenty but the small dimensions mean it would easily squeeze into the corner of a living room or bedroom (no judgement here). We also think it's a bit of a bargain, looks pretty swish for under £150 don’t you think?
7. Want a cheap bar cart? Argos has the answer
Four wheels, three shelves and two handles, this Argos bar cart ticks all the boxes in terms of practicality and how easy it is to use, it also doesn’t look too shabby either. There is definitely something quite old school about the design, perhaps a little '70s, but that need not be a bad thing. It’s also under £70 and considering how pricey bar carts can get we reckon that’s a bit of a bargain.
8. Upcycle an Ikea trolley
Subscribe to Real Homes magazine – it's the perfect Christmas gift
Love your daily dose of Real Homes? Then why not subscribe to our magazine? It's the perfect Christmas gift for you or a friend, and with our fantastic festive offer you can subscribe for just £7.50 for three issues – a huge saving of 37%! Packed with fabulous readers' homes, trend features and project advice, you'll wonder how you lived without it.
It could be argued that this is technically a kitchen trolley rather that a bar cart, but hey, we say it's a great choice for those looking for a budget friendly, no frills option. Pile it high with fancy bottles and a funky looking cocktail shaker and no one will even notice you are trying to get that Mid-century style on a millennial budget. SUNNERSTA trolley, £22.
Top tip: You could always don your DIY dungarees and give it a bit of an upcycle with some metallic spray paint and marble contact paper.
9. Invest in a classic, industrial style bar cart
If you are looking for a vintage industrial style bar cart but found that they are eye-wateringly expensive this vintage – in inverted commas – metal trolley from Cox & Cox is your next best bet. Slightly less of a bar cart and more of a side table on wheels, this classic style trolley has three roomy shelves – the bottom one is shorter which is a bit of a pain, but why not add to the rustic look and fill some wooden crates with lemons and limes to make the most of the space.
10. Be bang on trend with a copper bar cart
Still love all things copper? Yep, us too. And lucky for us it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere so adding this glorious trolley to your interiors will definitely give your home an instant style hit. It’s pretty small, just 73cm high, so it's great if you want to add a touch a glamour to a small kitchen design or a living room. It also comes in a black nickel finish if you are all (completely understandably) coppered out.
11. Bag and bargain bar cart from Very
We couldn't not include this cute bar cart from Very because it's currently in the sale! It's down to just £129, which when you compare it to some of our previous, picks which are gorgeous obviously but hardly cheap, this is awesome. It's got all the glamorous vibes of some of our more expensive options but for half the price. You'll have to be quick, this bar cart isn't going to stay in stock for much longer!
