A bar cart is one of the most popular pieces a person can have in their home. Quite frankly, you couldn’t look at a photo of a home from the last year or two without seeing one dazzling in the background. These coveted bar carts were simply flying off the shelves during the pandemic and while some were lucky enough to nab their favourite one from a discount store, others weren’t so lucky. But let’s be honest, when you buy something for such a small amount of money, it can leave you with never-ending doubts such as “Why is this so cheap?” and of course, “How long will this last?” Not only this but when you buy something intended for a specific purpose it can usually only be used for that particular purpose. So, if you happen to run out of wine, spirits and mixes, what can be used to fill those wine-bottle-shaped holes? Not a lot is the answer and unfortunately, this makes bar carts fairly limited in what they can offer.
Wouldn’t you rather something a little more functional? Perhaps a table that could be considered multi-functional and can be used in a variety of different ways? Of course you do. Fortunately, there are many superior alternatives to a standard bar cart which we will explore in this EZ Living Furniture blog.
A Console Table
If you are in need of a little inspiration for an unconventional bar cart, you have come to the right place. The most appropriate alternative and at the top of our list is a console table. Console tables are extremely functional and will usually have a large surface area on top. A wide table like the contemporary-style Aston Console Table above would make an ideal make-shift bar cart perfect for just about any lifestyle. Should you tire of displaying glassware and liquor, you can easily transform this back into its original and intended purpose. Simply remove the barware and bring in small accessories to complete your home decor in a living room or hallway.
A Hall Table
Not unlike a console table, hall tables have quite a large surface area on top in which to exhibit your finest vino bottles, crystal glasses, and whiskey decanter. The Glam Hall Table above is the ultimate serving cart substitute. Its black and glass finish exudes elegance and is reminiscent of the 1930s, which is coincidently when bar carts first made an appearance. After prohibition, tea trolleys were out, and bar carts were in. Who knew? Carrying on the tradition of the 30s, the Glam also includes darker wood on the lower shelving. Lower shelves mean extra storage and can be used to display drink decorations, citrus wedges, and paper straws. Again, if you feel like a drink table no longer works for you and your lifestyle, it’s just as easy to change it back to a hall table.
A Sideboard
Sideboards are typically found in the kitchen and dining room of a person’s home. They can house special-occasion dinnerware in the cabinets underneath while their surface can be used as a serving area for meals if the dining table becomes overwhelmed. The Malta Sideboard above is made from Acacia wood, giving it that reclaimed-wood finish suitable for a variety of spaces and homes. This versatile material is one of many main reasons why this sideboard would make a very good bar cart. It can blend seamlessly with existing decor and has plenty of shelving and extra storage for any accompanying drink decorations or glassware you might not want to display.
Some sideboards even come with built-in wine racks making it even easier to transform them into bar carts. The Toronto Sideboard above is made from reclaimed pine and can comfortably fit 9 bottles in its wine rack space.
A Display Case
If space is limited in your home or apartment, then a bar cart could seem like somewhat of a pipe dream. It may not even be something you ever considered including in your home before now, but what if we told you that a make-shift bar cart is possible in a smaller area and all that is needed is a small-scale alternative? It’s true! Consider a small side table or just take a look at the Carmel Display Case above. This compact display case is ideal as a miniature bar cart and would make a stunning statement in any room. Its minimalistic design and black finish make this a modern, must-have purchase for every home in 2022.
A Bookcase
We’re certain that this isn’t the first time we have mentioned how versatile a bookcase can be. Our previous blogs, particularly the one linked below, lend a particular focus on the many uses of this one relatively inexpensive item of furniture. Most bookcases could be easily turned into a bar cart in a living room or even a coffee station in the kitchen. Just simply remove any unrelated items from the shelves. The Rosalie Bookcase above, however, is not just a bookcase, its unusual shape and statement-making appearance allow it to become so much more. Honestly, without anything displayed on its many shelves, it could still become one of the most talked about pieces in your home. Still, adding a few crystal glasses and a bottle of your most expensive Sauvignon Blanc could just be what the Rosalie Bookcase is missing.
Read: You Can Never Judge A Bookcase By Its Cover.
A Drink’s Cabinet
Now, we know this option could be construed as cheating, but listen here. A drinks cabinet is not a bar cart. Yes, it has the same original purpose, but its design is completely different. Most drinks cabinets have closed-off storage compartments while bar carts leave everything on display. The best thing about a drinks cabinet is that when the need comes to rid yourself of all things beverage-wise for the New Year, it can be used as just another storage space or for something even more inventive. Fortunately, the Latina Drinks Cabinet above also has two doors, so if you are someone who tends to be on the messier side, simply close the doors. But you didn’t hear that from us.
Providing your guests with a stylish spot to mix their drinks has just got a whole lot easier with these bar cart alternatives. Ultimately, these unorthodox bar cart options will add real value to your home and double as storage, so it’s a win-win. It really is that EZ!
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