The internet has an opinion on everything, and lately, the online powers have declared the bar cart “out.” So what do you do if you own one of these items that was a must-have in seasons past and is now considered by some to be passé?
Remember: Not every trend is for everyone, and you don’t have to follow every trend. The reverse is also true. Just because something you love is deemed uncool doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd.
With the help of an entertaining expert, we’ve laid out some alternatives to bar carts, revamping the bar cart you already own, or purchasing a new one that withstands the whims of trends. In other words, no matter how you feel about bar carts, we’ve got you.
The End of the Standard Bar Cart
Part of the reason bar carts are no longer considered “stylish” is their aesthetic (or lack thereof). They can be clunky and unwieldy, and often, the generic cart ends up pushed back into a corner, taking up space and causing visual clutter.
But it doesn’t have to be that way: You can choose a cart that further enhances your design aesthetic.
“Today’s bar carts come in a wider variety of styles and materials than ever before,” says Robyn Daigle, founder of Boards for Days. “You can find sleek, modern designs that complement minimalist aesthetics or opt for warmer, natural materials like wood or marble for a timeless look. In essence, bar carts aren’t necessarily ‘out.’ They’re simply evolving.”
But another reason you’re seeing a decline in bar carts comes down shifting lifestyle trends—year after year more people are getting sober curious, and Dry (or Damp) January is extending past the month itself. When you’re not drinking alcohol, a fixture dedicated to holding alcohol becomes obsolete.
“There’s a growing emphasis on health and mindful living, and some might view bar carts as solely associated with alcohol consumption and being for the elite or for people over the age of 80,” Daigle says.
Jacob Fox. Styling: Breanna Ghazali
Modern Bar Cart Alternatives
If you don’t love the look of a traditional bar cart (and the internet backs you up here), go for a more minimalistic bar setup on a simple side table console. You can even make a mini bar on your bookshelves, and intersperse bottles and bartending tools with books about sprits and mixology. This way, these items are close at hand and double as a personalized decorative fixture.
If you’re not fully committed to swapping your martinis for mocktails and still have a need for somewhere to store your drinkware and bottles, don’t be afraid to embrace personalization. Ditch the pressure to chase trends—mix and match textures, colors, and patterns through accessories. A big thing is to “rethink functionality,” according to Daigle.
“I believe bar carts offer timeless versatility that goes beyond their classic use,” she says. “They’re adaptable pieces that can be surprisingly relevant in today’s lifestyle. Use them as a serving station for coffee and tea, display decorative objects, or even house a mini indoor herb garden.”
Adam Albright
Remove your pre-conceived notions, and think of a bar cart as a blank slate for decorating and entertaining. Use it to display your serving platters, decanters, and colorful glassware—it doesn’t have to be just drinks. Create a stunning coffee station with beautiful mugs and a stylish coffee maker. Decorate a shelf with photos, books, and decorative objects. It can even ~serve~ as a serving station for appetizers or charcuterie bar.
And when it comes to the cart itself, like any piece of furniture that you hope to keep (and love!) for a long time, it will benefit you to consider sleek shapes and neutral colors. In other words: Keep it timeless. Daigle recommends clean and simple colors over a bright lime green chevron, for example.
“My favorite part of any bar cart trend: Personalize it,” she says. “I dare you to try something different each [season]. This way, you’ll carry your cart through the trends, making sure it’s always in style.”
