10 Brilliant Ways to Style a Bar Cart

When designer Emilie Munroe crafted this bar cart for an elevated bachelor pad, she brought in pops of color through ingredients that would eventually be used to make a drink. "Along with displaying your favorite statement glassware and bottles of spirits, don't forget to add natural elements to your cart such as a fun vase of flowers, bowl of citrus for use as garnish, or even snacks like a dish of walnuts or candies," Munroe says.

In The Art of the Bar Cart by Chronicle books, designer Eddie Ross conceived an elegant, summertime look with this meticulously crafted bar cart. Bright pops of green, blue, and pink, combine with elegant glassware and accessories for a well-rounded look that serves both endless style and delicious drinks.

When Amanda Saiontz Gluck of Fashionable Hostess put together this summertime bar cart, she filled a large dispenser with a sparkling lemonade cocktail for easy self serving.

A few easy changes can transform your bar cart to adhere to the seasons. Just Destiny styled a Thanksgiving bar cart with seasonally appropriate drinks, garnishes, and decor. "During the holiday season, I'm always looking for ways to bring in a fun element into the party with non-alcoholic and alcoholic options for my guests," Destiny says. "I styled this cart with vodka, cranberry juice, fall spices, club soda and fresh cranberries to make a signature Spiced Cranberry cocktail or mocktail."

While minimalist styling is a go-to for many, bar carts are a great place to have fun with decor. Amanda Saiontz Gluck of Fashionable Hostess topped her bar cart with mini piñatas from Lula Flora Designs, “Jinxed Coasters” from Kim Seybert, acrylic margarita glasses, and a delicious margarita mix.

Leave space for a bouquet of flowers or a bowl of delectable fruit like Julie Blanner did here. The addition of living things feels intentional and will do wonders in making your cart feel like it's a part of your room's design.

A lucite bar cart may seem bold and dramatic on it's own, but setting it next to a statement wall—like the black, grommet-dotted one in this Catherine Kwong-designed space we spotted on Simplified Bee—infinitely ups the drama. We also love the idea of leaving the top of your cart empty to use as a serving spot. Impromptu mimosa party, anyone?

Most glassware you'll find is devoid of color, but taking the time to find a few statement pieces in brighter hues will instantly make your bar cart stand apart from the others. We love the pink and yellow glasses in this bar cart belonging to Leslie Martin of See Love Covet.

Michelle Shen of AM Dolce Vita blog achieved a high-end look by keeping her cart clear of clutter and showing off only the prettiest bottles and glasses, not to mention that adorable gold pineapple.

If an overly-styled look isn't for you, here's an idea: Taylor Sterling of Glitter Guide masterfully created this simplistic vignette by limiting the liquor bottles to one corner and using the rest of the cart to show off beautiful books and knick knacks. Brilliant.

For more bar cart styling tips, follow ELLE Decor on Pinterest!