Bar Carts, also known as Drinks Trolleys, have a rich history and have been a beloved addition to home decor since the 1940s and 1950s. In those decades, the focus began to shift towards socializing and entertaining, and these versatile pieces perfectly fit that trend. At CAFE Lighting & Living, we offer a range of Bar Carts that can be used both decoratively and functionally, allowing you to showcase your favorite gins and wines while also transforming it into a practical console table or a luxurious dessert bar. In this video featuring expert Senior Stylist Dani Lyons with over 30 years of experience, she demonstrates how to style a bar cart for a bold modern look, with tips on placement, layering, and creative options for displaying items like flowers and citrus fruits. If you’re looking to be the envy of your guests with a beautifully styled bar cart, be sure to watch this video and discover the endless possibilities.
When it comes to styling a bar cart, it’s all about creativity and showcasing your personal style. Start by laying out all your items to see what you have to work with. For a bold modern look, choose the Brooklyn bar cart in matte black and begin by placing your biggest items. A favorite cocktail book can add height and dimension, while flowers or foliage should be positioned towards a back corner for visual impact. Don’t forget to balance the cart by placing another larger item, like an ice bucket, in the opposite back corner. From there, have fun with layering, using citrus fruits for both function and visual appeal. Get creative with the receptacle for lemons and limes, such as using a clear ice bucket to highlight their beautiful hues against the bold black and white. Add pops of green from glass bottles to tie the top and bottom levels together. And of course, don’t forget to include alcohol in your display. The possibilities for styling your bar cart are truly endless, and to explore our complete range of bar carts, be sure to visit our website.
Choosing the Right Bar Cart
When it comes to styling a bar cart, there are a few key factors to consider in order to create a functional and visually appealing setup. Understanding the purpose of your bar cart, considering the size and style that will best suit your space, and exploring material options are all important steps in choosing the right bar cart for your needs.
Understanding the Purpose
Before you begin the process of selecting and arranging items for your bar cart, it’s important to think about the purpose it will serve in your home. Bar carts are not only great for showcasing your favorite spirits and cocktail ingredients, but they can also be used as practical console tables or luxurious dessert bars. By understanding how you intend to use your bar cart, you can make more informed choices in terms of design and functionality.
Considering the Size and Style
Bar carts come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different spaces and personal preferences. Consider the available space in your home and the aesthetic you want to achieve when choosing the size and style of your bar cart. For smaller spaces, a compact bar cart with wheels for easy mobility might be the best option. If you have more room, you can opt for a larger bar cart that can accommodate a greater variety of items. Additionally, consider the overall style of your home and choose a bar cart that complements the existing decor.
Exploring Material Options
Bar carts are available in a range of materials, each with its own unique aesthetic and benefits. Common materials used for bar carts include metal (such as brass, gold, or stainless steel), wood, and glass. Metal bar carts can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a space, while wooden bar carts can bring warmth and a rustic charm. Glass bar carts can create a more sleek and modern look. Consider the overall style and feel you want to achieve in your space when selecting the material for your bar cart.
Gathering Your Essentials
Once you have chosen the perfect bar cart for your needs, it’s time to gather the essential items that will make your bar cart functional and visually appealing. From cocktail books to unique glassware, functional and decorative items, citrus fruits and garnishes, and your preferred alcohol, there are several elements to consider when curating the perfect bar cart setup.
Selecting Your Favorite Cocktail Books
A bar cart is not complete without some cocktail books that can inspire and guide you in creating delicious drinks. Choose books that feature a variety of cocktail recipes and techniques, and ones that align with your personal taste preferences. This will not only serve as a functional element of your bar cart setup but also add height and dimension to the overall arrangement.
Choosing Unique Glassware
One of the key aspects of a well-styled bar cart is the glassware. Choose glassware that is unique and reflects your personal style. Opt for a variety of glasses, such as cocktail glasses, highball glasses, and wine glasses, to accommodate different types of drinks. Mixing and matching different styles of glassware can add visual interest to your bar cart setup.
Including Functional and Decorative Items
In addition to cocktail books and glassware, it’s important to include both functional and decorative items on your bar cart. Functional items can include cocktail shakers, strainers, muddlers, and jiggers. Decorative items can range from unique bottle openers and wine stoppers to stylish coasters and cocktail napkins. Balancing both functional and decorative elements will create a well-rounded and visually appealing bar cart setup.
Opting for Citrus Fruits and Other Garnishes
Citrus fruits and other garnishes are essential for adding flavor and visual appeal to your drinks. Include a variety of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges on your bar cart. Not only will they serve as a fresh and vibrant ingredient, but they can also add a pop of color to your setup. Other garnishes like herbs and edible flowers can also be included to enhance the presentation of your cocktails.
Showcasing Your Preferred Alcohol
No bar cart is complete without your preferred alcohol. Whether you enjoy gin, vodka, whiskey, or wine, be sure to include your favorite bottles on your bar cart. Choose bottles with unique labels or ones that reflect your personal taste. By showcasing your preferred alcohol, you not only create a personalized bar cart setup but also ensure that you have your favorite options readily available for mixing and pouring.
Arranging Your Bar Cart
Once you have gathered all the essential items for your bar cart, it’s time to arrange them in a way that is visually pleasing and functional. By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing bar cart setup.
Placing the Biggest Items First
When arranging your bar cart, it’s best to start with the biggest items first. This could be a cocktail book, a large bottle of alcohol, or a statement piece of glassware. By placing these larger items first, you create a focal point for the setup and establish the overall layout of the cart.
Using Tall Books or Decorative Objects to Add Height
To add height and dimension to your bar cart arrangement, consider using tall books or decorative objects. These can be placed behind or alongside your larger items to create visual interest and balance. By playing with different heights, you can create a more visually dynamic setup.
Positioning Flowers or Foliage in the Back Corner
To add a touch of nature and freshness to your bar cart, consider positioning flowers or foliage in the back corner of the cart. This not only adds a pop of color but also creates depth and dimension. Choose flowers or foliage that complement the overall color scheme and style of your bar cart.
Balancing the Arrangement with Bigger Pieces
If you have another larger piece, such as an ice bucket, consider placing it in the opposite back corner of the flowers or foliage. This helps to balance the arrangement and distribute visual weight evenly. By creating symmetry or asymmetry with larger pieces, you can add visual interest to your setup.
Experimenting with Fun Layering Techniques
To create a visually dynamic and textured bar cart setup, don’t be afraid to experiment with layering techniques. Place smaller items in front of larger ones, stack books or coasters, and arrange glassware in a way that creates depth. By layering different elements, you add visual interest and create a sense of depth and complexity.
Choosing Unique Receptacles for Citrus Fruits
When it comes to displaying citrus fruits and garnishes on your bar cart, get creative with the receptacles you use. Instead of traditional bowls or dishes, consider using unique containers like clear ice buckets or decorative jars. This adds an unexpected touch and can tie in with the overall theme or style of your bar cart.
Using Theming to Tie Different Levels Together
To create a cohesive and stylish bar cart setup, consider using theming to tie different levels together. For example, if you have glass bottles on the top level, try to incorporate pops of the same color on the bottom level. This creates a visual connection and helps to tie the overall arrangement together.
Creating a Modern and Bold Look
If you want to create a modern and bold look for your bar cart, there are a few key elements to consider. Opting for a matte black bar cart can create a sleek and sophisticated base for your setup. Adding pops of color with bold glass bottles can create visual interest and contrast against the black backdrop. Using clear ice buckets to showcase citrus fruits adds a touch of elegance and allows the vibrant colors to shine. Lastly, playing with black and white contrast throughout the setup can create a modern and cohesive look.
Exploring Alternative Uses for Your Bar Cart
While bar carts are traditionally used to showcase drinks and cocktail essentials, they can also serve alternative purposes in your home. Consider using your bar cart as a practical console table in your entryway or living room. This allows you to display decorative items or store practical items like keys and mail. Another alternative use for your bar cart is to transform it into a luxurious dessert bar. Fill it with decadent desserts, beautiful cake stands, and dessert plates for a unique and visually stunning setup.
Showcasing CAPE Lighting & Living Bar Range
If you’re looking for high-quality and stylish bar carts, CAPE Lighting & Living offers a range of options to suit different styles and needs. Their bar carts, also known as Drinks Trolleys, are versatile and can be used both decoratively and functionally. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern design or a more classic and elegant style, CAPE Lighting & Living has something to suit your preferences. For more information and to view their complete range of bar carts, visit their website.
Conclusion
Styling a bar cart is not only a practical way to organize your favorite spirits and cocktail essentials, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personal style and creativity. By choosing the right bar cart, gathering essential items, and arranging them thoughtfully, you can create a functional and visually appealing setup that will be the envy of your guests. Remember to have fun, get creative, and explore the endless possibilities of styling a bar cart. Cheers to creating a space that reflects your unique taste and love for entertaining!