Entertaining + Holiday
30 bar cart ideas: Decor inspiration for any occasion
If you love serving drinks for your guests, you know bar carts are a must. Extremely versatile, they can be used and designed in various ways. If you need a little cocktail service inspiration—and a few surprising furnishing alternatives—we’ve got you covered with these cute bar cart ideas.
1. Keep it classic with mid-century
Our favorite modern bar cart ideas employ a classic mid-century feel. For a combination of toned-down elegance and effortless simplicity, you can’t go wrong with an MCM cocktail setup.
2. Go with a tiered console
A simple, elegant tiered bar cart fits beautifully in any space. With a minimal profile that doesn’t sacrifice storage, this option lets you put your drinks and accoutrement on full display.
3. Impress with a cocktail smoker
A cocktail smoker is one of the more visually striking additions you can make to enhance any drink station. Add one of these to bring a sense of wonder and another dimension of flavor to your drinks the next time you entertain.
4. Match your glassware & accessories
Need a simple yet effective bar cart decor concept? Strive for continuity between your glassware, mixing vessels and serving accessories. Look for pieces with similar color tones, patterns or design elements.
5. Glamorize with a classic Deco theme
For a can’t-miss bar cart styling concept, consider an Art Deco look. The aesthetic of this cocktail golden era is as timeless as it is distinctive and can easily be achieved with retro serveware and cocktail glasses.
6. Stay cocktail-ready with a compact option
If you need bar cart ideas for small spaces and want to maximize your use of space, look for a compact bar cart that folds away when not in use.
7. Relax with a sunny & citrussy theme
If you want to know how to style a bar cart for maximum relaxation, look no further than this fresh theme. Incorporate bright pieces, bottles of your favorite tequila and a bowl of citrus fruit for an uplifting, laid-back drink station.
8. Take it outdoors
Whether you’re looking to relax by your pool, kick back in your backyard or live large on a small patio, a weather-resistant bar cart is a perfect addition to an outdoor space.
9. Pick a fun theme
To spice up your bar cart, try approaching the design like you would a children’s room or a party. Pick an unexpected theme for special mixed drinks or whimsical serveware.
10. Offer classy tray service
For a fun, elegant entertaining alternative to a bar cart, add some hotel-style tray service to your next cocktail hour. Play up the theme with classic silver serving trays and accessories.
11. Match the space’s aesthetic
Want to know how to decorate a bar cart? Look no further than your own entertaining space. Align your piece with the room’s existing feel through your choices of color and decor.
12. Pick out complementary accent lighting
One of our favorite bar cart decoration ideas is to add some tasteful mood lighting. Candles work especially well for bringing subtle, relaxing ambiance. If the cart is near an outlet, consider a chic table lamp.
13. Garnish with natural elements
If you’re looking for DIY bar cart ideas, try adding some natural embellishments. Go for culinary garnishes like edible dried flowers, sage or rosemary. You can even use this tip to keep it festive during the holidays by combining pine sprigs.
14. Include cocktail tools
Great bar carts deserve great cocktails, and great cocktails require great tools. Treat your mixing accessories like decorative elements by matching them to your cart or the space as a whole.
15. Mix it up with geometric touches
To create a distinctive bar cart style, mix things up with a geometric theme. From wine glasses to bottles to decor, the contrast between the sharp and round lines makes for a dynamic aesthetic.
16. Pick a cart with a wood frame
Need more wood bar cart ideas? Try dressing your piece up with natural or neutral-toned touches like fruits, liquors, bottles and even plants to accentuate the texture. Conversely, you can contrast that natural tone with manufactured materials like glass surfaces.
17. Draw from Deco with mirror & metal
If you don’t want to commit to a full Art Deco look, you could strip back to some of the more essential elements of the aesthetic. Try a combination of glass with silver or chrome finishes and modern serving accessories.
18. Make mindful bottle choices
With so many beautiful bottles and colorful liqueurs available, the drinks themselves can set the scene for a stylish bar cart. Curate your bottles with the overall design of your cart in mind for an effortlessly chic setup.
19. Go au naturel
Some of the more unique bar carts out there lean into more earthy themes. Embrace the natural world with a wooden option decorated with flowers and simple drinkware.
20. Use your cart for storage & display
If you need a little extra storage, your bar cart can double as another surface you can use when not entertaining. Use your cart as a side table for books, magazines and other loose items, or use it to display art and decor.
21. Switch to a bar cabinet
If you want something a little less exposed than a traditional bar cart, a bar cabinet could be for you. These options provide lots of discreet storage space while allowing you to display your favorite pieces on top.
22. Liven it up with potted plants
For a unique bar cart idea, decorate your cart or cabinet’s surface with a potted plant. With a gorgeous modern planter, you can add some life to the space and keep it looking fresh when not entertaining.
23. Set up a hydration station
If you’re using other drink stations like a bar, fridge or cooler, you can still put your bar cart to good use. Keep everybody hydrated with attractive drinkware and a non-alcoholic beverage spread.
24. Use multiple pieces
Rather than just one bar cart, try using multiple pieces to create a drink service area. Dedicate each one to specific roles, like premade drinks, mixers, decor, wine and glasses.
25. Serve charcuterie
Round out your cocktail experience by using your bar cart as a snack bar. Complement the evening’s drinks with tastefully curated meats, cheeses and hors d'oeuvres laid out on an elegant serving board.
26. Think outside the box
Sometimes a bar cart doesn’t have to be a cart at all. Try thinking about your setup as an artistic presentation showcasing your mixing ingredients, bottles, glasses and accessories upon multiple surfaces.
27. Blend the cart into your existing decor
Sometimes, the best bar cart decor ideas are the ones that stay in the background. If you want a more subtle approach to your cocktail area, consider a piece that matches your space with a minimal profile.
28. Round it out with a stylish tray
For an easy way to amp up the style of your bar cart, add a distinctive serving tray. This can give you just the pop of color or variation in texture you need to create a gorgeous setup.
29. Craft a celebration station
Whether you’re using your bar cart to entertain for a birthday party, a holiday or even just a fun Friday night, try turning it into a full-on celebration. Deck out your cocktail space with balloons and streamers and get creative with the drink display to make any night feel like a party.
30. Repurpose a storage piece into a bar
When it comes to bar cart ideas DIY-ers will appreciate, the opportunities are only limited by your creativity. Replace a traditional bar cart with repurposed pieces like consoles or end tables.
Whether you’re looking for creative ways to use your bar cart or decorate it for an upcoming event, you’ve got tons of options. These bar cart ideas should help get you started on selecting the perfect serveware, design concept and decor!
