Design • 3 August, 2020 • 9 min read

Bar Cart Ideas: 5 Steps For Professional Bar Cart Styling

We show you how use a bar cart in any (yes, any!) room, and style it perfectly, step by step. This is your next weekend DIY project, trust us.

By Edvin Brobeck

Bar cart ideas for any room

You’ve seen gorgeous bar cart ideas on Instagram and Pinterest. Wondering what their secret is?

We show you five unique ways you can style your bar cart in almost any room of your home, and teach you how to build the perfect set up, step by step. This is your next weekend DIY, trust us!

TIP ONE

Scope your bar cart styling spot

Coffee cart styling in a minimal interior
Custom Classic Mapiful poster – Modern Style

Where in your room do you want to draw the eye?

 Location is important, as you want your bar cart or trolley to make your guests go wow, and bring the party in no time! This is the key to successful bar cart styling. Cozy your cart up in a corner or alcove for structure, or have it stand alone and become a true centerpiece.

Better still, they are totally versatile – you could make it into a coffee table showcasing your favorite blends, a cute alternative to a book stand, or even switch things up and place it in your bedroom or bathroom as an elegant nightstand. Why not make a break with tradition.

TIP TWO

Find your bar cart finish

Bronze cart holding wine, accessorised with a custom poster of Atlanta
Custom Star Mapiful poster – Gaia Style

Our best tip for styling a breathtaking bar cart is to pick a finish, and run with that theme. If you have a gold trolley with a metallic finish, and want to use your bar cart for creating a drinks display, coordinate your cocktail making accessories with this same finish. Measures and even metal straws can make for dashing decor too!

We’re not saying that you can’t pair a copper cocktail shaker with a gold finish, though. This can look striking when done subtly, and besides, rules are meant to be broken, right?

TIP THREE

Grab gorgeous glasswear

Glasswear on a bar cart with a custom poster of nashville
Custom Classic Mapiful poster – Modern Style

Don’t just ram your cart full of bottles without thinking about placement. Balance high and low – most bar carts have at least two shelves or levels, so don’t hesitate to make use of the space. Leave room for other accessories, and position your drinks so that it gives the cart some structure. Our best tip is to pick your tallest bottle, have this as your focal point, and arrange the rest around it.

Choosing liquor with pretty packaging can lift and elevate the vibe of your room, and colored glass bottles won’t only compliment the rest of your decor, but also play with light in a very inviting way. Crystal cut effect glasses and decanters can also make for gorgeous decor as they reflect the light and automatically make your drinks look beautiful.

TIP FOUR

Bar cart accessories

Bar cart in a boho room with plants as accessories, and a custom poster of chicago
Custom Text Art Mapiful poster – Modern Style

Bring some life to your bar corner, but, as is usually the case, less is more. A small posey of flowers or greenery can instantly liven up your display, and feels very organic. Other knick-knacks, candles, or statement ornaments may also nicely find their home on your bar cart. The best part? This is where you have the opportunity to play around and truly make it your own!

Use ingredients as decor

A bowl of citrus fruits that may eventually end up in a cocktail can act as a statement piece is a great decor cheat to add a natural pop of color, not to mention the fact that lemons and limes have a gorgeous fresh scent too. You could even create a fruit tray and let guests snack from it during their visit. Delicious!

Take personalization to the next level

Adding decor or art above your bar cart will help make the space look cohesive. Add a personalized poster on or above your bar cart for to make it even more you! Create a unique print of the city where you live, or where you were born or met your partner. It’s the perfect addition to any space, whether love nest or bachelor pad.

TIP FIVE

Do it by the book

Stack of aesthetic books about interior
Custom Text Art Mapiful poster – Modern Style

If you’re more of a minimalist, or simply don’t have much space, try limiting your bottles to one corner of the bar cart, and using the rest of the space to display coffee table books or other stylish magazines. We think that this is a neat way to work with your theme show off your cocktail recipe books or drinks atlases, too!

The final word on bar cart ideas

Now, over to you! Test any of our bar cart ideas, and wow your friends and family. Whether you opt for a traditional barcart adorned with cocktail essentals and beautiful glasses, or a modern coffee stand, you now have the know how to decorate yours like a professional designer.