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Why go out when you could stay in? After the last two years, many of us are asking that very question and have taken to playing host for our family and friends instead. A drinks trolley or bar cart is the perfect entertainment accessory for your next gathering – and they bring more glitz and glamour to your home than you could find in your local bar.
Drinks trolleys make the everyday feel a little more special too. Picture entering your lounge after a long day at work and kicking back in a comfortable chair with a refreshing cocktail served from your very own bar. While someone else cooks dinner (we can dream).
Reminiscent of 1920s cocktail parties, drinks trolleys and bar carts are what your home has been missing. From art deco glamour to contemporary chic, they are the perfect finishing touch for your living space. They can transform a room, providing a home for decorative accessories such as houseplants, framed prints and neon signs too.
With a variety of compact drink trolleys and bar carts to choose from, anyone can bring the Ritz to their own home.
So, are you looking to recreate your very own happy hour? We’ve tracked down some of the best drinks trolleys and bar carts on the market now – get ready to be wowed.
Our recommendations
Blue Elephant Willem Serving Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/blue-elephant-willem-serving-cart-u002127308.html
Ideal for smaller spaces, this circular three-tier serving bar cart can comfortably accommodate your spirits, barware and decorative accessories. Available in a choice of three colours to match any décor.
Blue Elephant Brass-effect Serving Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/blue-elephant-serving-cart-u002126917.html
Inject glitz and glamour to your living area with this on-trend brass-effect bar cart. Railings on three sides allow you to move your breakables around safely.
Fairmont Park Buster Serving Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/fairmont-park-buster-serving-cart-hoha1322.html
Made for those who love simple design, this ultra-modern serving cart has two mirrored shelves and four chrome legs, ensuring it will look right at home in even the most minimalist of spaces.
Rosdorf Park Werner Bar Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/rosdorf-park-werner-drink-trolley-rdpk1341.html
Lustrous silver meets mirrored glass in this elegant two-tier serving cart. And it’s even got a stylish handle to help you bring the party with ease.
Trent Austin Design Moshe Bar Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/trent-austin-design-moshe-serving-cart-u000995200.html
Crafted from wood and faux marble, Moshe exudes class. With a wine rack at the bottom and a handy rail for storing glasses, it’s immensely practical. Plus, the faux marble top is ideal for preparing and serving cocktails.
Etta Avenue Savannah Bar Cart
https://www.wayfair.co.uk/furniture/pdp/etta-avenue-savannah-serving-cart-u000795334.html
Serve drinks in style. With its gold metal finish and intricate detailing on the legs, Savannah is the definition of elegance. And it’s tall enough to store several large bottles of spirits and hang glasses.
Oliver Bonas Bali Natural Rattan Drinks Trolley
https://www.oliverbonas.com/furniture/bali-natural-rattan-drinks-trolley-323663
With tropical paradise vibes aplenty, the Bali is a bohemian dream. Crafted from natural rattan and sustainable bamboo wood, it’s an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious.
Oliver Bonas Luxe Round Bamboo Drinks Trolley
https://www.oliverbonas.com/furniture/luxe-round-bamboo-drinks-trolley
The Luxe Round Bamboo drinks trolley makes a statement all on its own, but add a trailing plant, your best glasses and drinks, and it’s guaranteed to steal the show at your next dinner party. With a stunning round gold frame, marble and mirrored shelves, and gold-toned wheels, it offers unrivalled glamour. Your guests will be bowled over.
La Redoute Tidder Dessert/Drinks Trolley
https://www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-350171172.aspx#searchkeyword=drinks%20trolley
Inspired by Nordic design with industrial touches, the Tidder is engineered from matte-black metal and wood for an altogether different look. It has plenty of storage and the lower shelf is removable, offering extra flexibility.
Homebase Jackson Gold Drinks Trolley
https://www.homebase.co.uk/jakson-2-tier-gold-drinks-trolley/12833579.html
Rose gold is an interiors trend that isn’t going anywhere in a hurry – it can add warmth and to your room and complements a range of colour schemes. This sleek trolley has a stylish rose gold-effect frame and black tempered glass shelving to create a truly contemporary look.
Nkuku Karoko Marble Drinks Table
https://www.nkuku.com/products/karoko-marble-drinks-table-kt43
Technically a drinks table, the Karoko is the perfect partner to your dining room or lounge. Its shelves are crafted from solid marble, meaning each piece is unique.
La Redoute - Alma Marble Effect Serving Trolley
Sleek and stylish, Alma has a retro feel. With simple curves, a black epoxy finish and black marble-effect shelving, it’s understated and will especially suit minimalist spaces.
Etsy Spot on Dealz Gold Drinks Trolley
This gorgeous gold cart might look mini at 76cm tall, but it’s incredibly versatile, offering plenty of space for your drinks, glasses, and even a houseplant. A dinner party host’s dream.
Amara LUXE Antique Brass Mirror Drinks Trolley
https://www.amara.com/products/antique-brass-mirror-drinks-trolley
You could be forgiven for thinking the LUXE had served many a party before – its antique mirror shelves hark back to a bygone era. With a circular silhouette and brushed brass frame, this ultra-sophisticated trolley embraces art deco design.
Amara Bloomingville Drinks Trolley
https://www.amara.com/products/metal-bar-table-black
Simple and sleek, this black iron drinks trolley will add an industrial vibe to your living room. But why stop there? With four wheels it can easily be moved around other areas of your home.
Swoon Cartizze Drinks Trolley
https://www.swooneditions.com/cartizze-art-deco-style-brass-white-marble-bar-trolley
Beautiful rounded edges. Lustrous brass frame. Cool, white marble shelves. This is a drinks trolley that will turn heads at your next cocktail evening. Even when you’re not partying, it adds a beautiful decorative touch to any room.
Swoon Chelsey Drinks Trolley
https://www.swooneditions.com/chelsey-industrial-bar-trolley-matt-black-natural-mango-wood
Compact but tall, this industrial-style trolley will tuck neatly into a corner of the room. But don’t be fooled by its slender appearance – with three shelves you’ll have plenty of room for your spirits and barware.
West Elm Eclipse Bar Cart
https://www.westelm.co.uk/eclipse-bar-cart-h6611
Walnut, marble and antique bronze finishes combine to serve your guests in style. Wood slatted shelves comfortably hold bottles, while the top marble shelf is perfect for mixing. The ultimate accessory for entertaining.
Rockett St George Alfresco Rattan Outdoor Bar Drinks Trolley
Why keep the party inside? Bring cocktail evening glamour to your outside space too with this Alfresco Rattan trolley. It’s portable, so you can wheel it indoors when the temperatures drop too.
Ella James Black Steel Drinks Trolley
With three shelves this black steel framed drinks trolley has plenty of room for your drinks, barware and accessories. It’s compact too – ideal if space is at a premium.
The Forest & Co Metal Industrial Drinks Trolley
https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/theforestandco/product/metal-drinks-troley
This slender-framed trolley offers great storage options, with a built-in wine rack and two generously-sized shelves. And the black metal brings a contemporary industrial feel to your space.
The Forest & Co Bronzed Venice Drinks Trolley
https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/theforestandco/product/bronzed-venice-drinks-trolley
Think bar cart – but a bit extra. This bronzed art deco inspired trolley wouldn’t look out of place at one of Gatsby’s parties. Complete the look with a fern or trailing plant alongside champagne saucers on the top shelf for an authentic 1920s vibe.
Ella James Gold And Smoked Grey Bar Cart
https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ellajames/product/gold-and-smoked-grey-bar-cart
This playful bar cart has curved, split-level shelving that offers a variety of flexible storage options. With grey smoked glass shelves in gold-effect frames, it’s sure to wow.
John Lewis & Partners + Swoon Cole Glass Bar Cart, Black
Chic, yet unassuming. Designed by Swoon, made by John Lewis & Partners, the Cole uses pared-back materials and effortlessly blends into any surrounding. Perfect for a modern home.
Audenza Fabulous Gold Drinks Trolley
https://www.audenza.com/fabulous-golden-drinks-trolley
Statement gold. Geometric shapes. Clean lines. This sassy trolley is art deco at its finest. Sit back with a whiskey sour and be transported to the roaring twenties. But it’s not just a pretty face – with two black glass shelves it’s practical too, offering plenty of space for your glasses and bottles.
How to style your drinks trolley or bar cart
Your drinks trolley is so much more than a place to house your favourite tipples. It’s a piece of decorative furniture that can completely transform a space.
Let your creativity run free and style your bar cart with items that make your heart sing – whether it’s houseplants, your favourite books or a statement neon sign. The possibilities are endless. Take a look below at our tips for some inspiration on how to style yours.
Plants and flowers
Houseplants have been enjoying a resurgence for a few years now and they’re here to stay. They are the perfect finishing touch for any room, adding a sense of calm and tranquillity. Pair your art deco bar cart with a parlour palm or fern and you have a stylish and authentic throwback to the 1920s. While elegant trailing plants, such as ivy and string of pearls, placed on the top shelf help draw the eye to the lower shelves of your cart too.
If commitment isn’t your thing and you’d struggle to even keep a cactus alive, dried flowers might be for you. Dried blooms can add a pop of colour, sculpture and texture to your space while softening the look of your bar cart. Handle them carefully, keep them out of direct sunlight, and they can last a few years. Plus, they have a beautifully delicate fragrance.
Neon lights
Neon lights add a cool and playful element to your living spaces. Whether you’re looking for a statement word or quote, a bar sign, or a simple rainbow shape, there’s so much to choose from and a great range of affordable options out there.
Table books
Chunky table books are a stylish addition to your living space – and they are sure to impress on a drinks trolley. Their purpose is to look good. Think high-end fashion. Think fine art. Think cutting-edge design. Don’t worry if you don’t have any in your collection already – you can easily pick some up online without breaking the bank.
Statement glassware
From elegant champagne saucers to cut-glass whiskey glasses, consider the look you want to achieve as well as what you’re likely to be serving. Your glassware can show a playful side too – picture bold cocktail glasses or polka dot tumblers. It’s a great way of injecting some extra colour into your room.
They might be something you remember from your grandparents’ dining tables, but the classic decanter is making a comeback too. If you’re fortunate enough to have any old crystal or cut-glass decanters hidden away, now would be a great time to dig them out and give them pride of place on your new bar cart.
Use the top and bottom of your drinks trolley or bar cart
If your bar cart has multiple levels, make the most of the space you have by using every shelf. It’s best to put heavier items like bottles on the bottom (this is where you tend to have the tallest space too) and keep your glasses on the top or in the built-in racks.
Your drinks trolley doesn’t have to be symmetrical but do think about balance when you’re styling. Make sure one side isn’t overloaded as this can make it look cluttered. Adding a trailing plant (or two) to the shelves can help the flow of your design too.
Cocktail ingredients
Cocktail ingredients like potted mint, basil and lavender can be a lovely decorative touch – and they smell great. A bowl of lemons, limes and oranges will always come in, while also looking good on that top shelf.
You could also choose your ingredients to reflect the season – such as keeping a pot of cinnamon sticks or warming chilli peppers handy for those autumn and winter months.
Drinks
With all of that decorating, don’t forget the drinks! We wouldn’t advocate buying a tipple purely for the aesthetics of the bottle, but many drinks can be as decorative as they are delicious.
If you’re looking for pops of exciting colour, there’s a vast range of flavoured gins on the market, in every colour bottle imaginable. But you can’t go wrong with the warming brown tones of whiskey, brandy and dark rum either.
Once you’ve polished off a particularly nice bottle, why not repurpose it as a decorative accessory? Adding fairy lights or cut flowers to a Chambord bottle can create a little extra magic all year round.
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