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May 29, 2024

The 12 Best Bar Carts of 2023 for Every Style

Gear up for home entertaining with these beautiful bar carts for every style and budget. Jump to a Section We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we

Gear up for home entertaining with these beautiful bar carts for every style and budget.

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Better Homes and Gardens / Brian Kopinski

A bar cart is a must-have whether you’re a master mixologist in the making, the designated neighborhood happy hour host, or just need some extra-stylish dining room storage. Bar carts are underestimated accent pieces that work overtime to bring beauty and practicality into a space.

There are endless bar carts to sift through online in every style, size, and price point. To help you avoid the dreaded online window-shopping burnout, we spent hours comparing dimensions, materials, and storage features to curate a list of the best bar carts for every style.Before making our selections, we consulted four interior designers to gain professional insight into bar carts. Veronica Sandoval, senior designer of Kim Armstrong Design, and Andi Morse of Morse Design, share their tips for choosing the best bar cart for your home. Designers Katie Kime and Kristin Marino also offered professional tricks on selecting a bar cart that best serves your space.

"A bar cart should be a stylish yet functional addition to your space," Marino says. “Make sure it's sturdy and has plenty of storage space for glassware, bottles, and other bar accessories."

Pottery Barn

This three-tiered bar cart is crafted from top-quality materials and features a classic silhouette that pairs well with many interior design styles.

Though beautiful, the marble shelves require your immediate attention in the event of spills to avoid staining.

Our overall pick for the best bar cart is the Burwell Marble Bar cart from Pottery Barn. The multitasking bar cart claims its number-one spot on our list due to its generous shelving, high quality materials, and timeless silhouette.“I do think that lines of a bar cart are most important,” says Kime. “The more classic/straight, the better. I’ve found the more intricate ones to quickly go out of style.” The Burwell Marble Bar Cart features a classic, iron-forged frame finished in a lustrous antique brass powder coating that lends a touch of timeless elegance to the corner of your den, dining room, or kitchen.The Burwell cart features a streamlined trolley handle and casters, allowing you to glide your libations from room to room while entertaining family and friends. The best part? You can eliminate the temptation of your little one to play conductor with your cart by removing the casters as needed. Park the Burwell as a permanent fixture to store happy hour essentials in your home office or stack serveware by your breakfast nook.The best bar carts offer ample storage, and the Burwell does not disappoint, providing three roomy open-air marble shelves for showcasing your wine glasses, spirit bottles, and bar tools in one chic locale. Each gleaming marble shelf is polished and sealed for protection against scratches and wear.

With that said, marble is a naturally porous stone that requires diligent care to maintain its protective finish. Do not apply abrasive household cleaners to the marble shelves, and make sure you wipe up any spills or splatters immediately to avoid discoloration over time. Equally important: avoid parking this cart in direct sunlight or high temperatures for extended periods of time.Price at time of publish: $899

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 34.5 x 16 inches | Material: Iron, sealed polished marble | Number of Tiers: Three

Walmart

The Fitzgerald Bar Cart features a decorative metal frame and integrated bottle holders that lend it an expensive look for a fraction of the cost.

This bar cart is on the smaller side, and while this is ideal for cozy corners or apartment living, it may look out of place in an expansive open floor plan space.

Are you on the hunt for the best bar cart that looks expensive but isn’t going to cut into your top-shelf wine and spirits budget? The glamorous Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald Bar Cart is here to deliver.The dual-tiered metal cart features a geometric metal frame reminiscent of art deco or Hollywood regency interior design. Two handles extend from the top tier to complement the Fitzgerald’s glamorous silhouette, making it easy to chauffeur champagne and spirits throughout the house. It’s finished with a beautiful, brushed matte gold hue that brings warmth and elegance into an office or dining room.This bar cart features two transparent glass shelves for open-air storage for champagne flutes, decanters, serving plates, and more. Its metal frame extends around each tier to keep your spirited sips from tumbling to their demise during your commute around the room.

The generous distance between the upper and lower tier shelves allows you to store bottles of various heights. Better still, the bottom shelf has a built-in bottle holder for secure transport of up to three bottles of your favorite red, white, or sparkling wine.A set of four caster feet makes rolling this cart throughout your home or apartment stress-free. When you’re not entertaining, ensure your libations are safe by locking the casters in place.Although this stylish bar cart requires assembly, it is delivered to your door with all the tools necessary to make it a simple process for one or two people.Price at time of publish: $68

Product Details: Dimensions: 26.49 x 34.84 x 17 inches | Material: Metal, glass | Number of Tiers: Two

Williams Sonoma

This bar cart features a 180-degree swivel that transforms it from a standard tiered serving cart into an L-shaped bar ideal for entertaining a crowd.

The solid brass bar cart is limited to indoor use only.

The Bella Folding Bar Cart from Williams Sonoma is the best bar cart money can buy for the avid home entertainers and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Offering the height of luxury, this brass bar cart glides from a standard cart position into an expansive, L-shaped serving station that allows you to cater to crowds, big or small.The vintage-inspired solid brass frame exudes luxury with a decorative trolley handle and five matching legs finished with gleaming caster feet. The middle leg hooks in place and serves as a space-saving, dual-shelf cart for weeknight happy hours. It can also unhook and swivel 180 degrees to reveal another tempered glass shelf to accommodate a longer bar top for festive group gatherings.Its tempered glass shelves are abrasion and shatter-resistant, making an ideal base for your barware and wine bottles. Better still, the sleek shelves easily maintain their sparkle with a regular spritzing of your favorite glass cleaner. To keep the solid brass frame looking new, apply a brass cleaner as needed.This bar cart is available in two lustrous finishes: antique brass or polished nickel. The warm brass finish makes for a seamless addition to traditional or transitional interiors while the polished nickel looks fresh and fitting in a contemporary or coastal grandma inspired space.

With this bar cart option, you’ll be limited to indoor use only. However, because of its elegant look and versatile design, this is the best bar cart for those who are able to splurge on their home decor.Price at time of publish: $3,495

Product Details: Dimensions: Closed: 30.75 x 31 x 16.25 inches, Extended: 54 x 31 x 16.5 inches | Material: Solid brass, tempered glass | Number of Tiers: Two

Joss & Main

Although it’s compact, the Sava Metal Bar Cart offers ample storage for small spaces with three tempered glass shelves.

Abrasive cleaners and chemicals shouldn’t be used on this cart.

The Sava Metal Bar Cart is our pick for the best bar cart for apartment living because of its space-saving silhouette, elevated finishes, and generous storage capabilities. The narrow 21.5-inch diameter design makes this round bar cart the ideal bar cart for your home office and can help you entertain during gatherings at your petite pad.Whether making drinks in your modest midcentury modern home or hosting a happy hour in your cozy farmhouse-style apartment, this cart’s versatile frame makes it a fail proof addition to your home. The steel-forged design is as durable as it is adaptable, and it’s available in three sleek hues: brass, satin nickel, or blackened bronze.Three scratch-resistant tempered glass shelves provide easy-access storage for your stemware, bar tools, swivel sticks, and garnishes aplenty. Safety rails wrap around the lower shelf to keep heavier bottles in place as you glide around the room. The cart comes ready to roll with four caster feet and an easy-to-maneuver top handle.One note before making your purchase is that assembly is required. The good news? Once you set up your cart, it’s simple to maintain using just a clean, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners and chemicals as they threaten to compromise the frame’s finish.Price at time of publish: $180

Product Details: Dimensions: 21.5 x 36 x 21.5 inches | Material: Steel, glass | Number of Tiers: Three

West Elm

This midcentury bar cart features an eye-catching mix of wood and metal finishes that will bring instant interest and charm to any corner of your home.

While other bar carts on our list have four wheels, this one only has two.

If your home boasts a midcentury modern style, this is the best bar cart for you. The party-ready, portable cart earns its place on our list because of its dapper lines, high-quality materials, and portability.The head-turning cart is a mix of kiln-dried solid eucalyptus wood, engineered wood, and an Acacia wood veneer. A bold, water-based acorn finish enhances the wood frame and mirrors the vibrant tones found in authentic midcentury furnishings.

Additionally, all the wood used to build this cart has FSC-certification, meaning it’s sourced from responsibly managed forests. The cart is also made in a Fair Trade Certified facility.

Antique brass guard rails line the perimeter of the bar cart shelves, elevating the design and keeping your vintage crystal decanters in place as you roll throughout your space. A pair of matching antique casters are fitted to the bar cart’s front legs, while the back legs are wheel free.

To transport, lift the cart’s back legs up using the trolly handle and gliding into place with the two front wheels. Clean up between cocktails with a clean, dry cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals to maintain the wood frame’s natural beauty.

Price at time of publish: $399

Product Details: Dimensions: 32.4 x 32 x 19.9 inches | Material: Kiln-dried solid eucalyptus, acacia wood veneer | Number of Tiers: Two

Pottery Barn

With three rows of wine glass racks and a shelf for other glassware, there are plenty of storage options.

It doesn’t have wheels, so you won’t be able to easily move it from room to room during parties.

The Delaney Marble Bar Console is the best bar cart to add a pop of gold to your kitchen, dining room, or den. The impressive console is equal parts functional and fashionable, featuring three tiers, integrated stemware storage, and a striking mix of tempered glass shelves and a marble tabletop.A durable, steel-forged frame lays the framework for its contemporary silhouette and supports two tempered glass shelves and a natural honed marble top. The lower glass shelf provides generous storage for spirits, champagne buckets, and fresh citrus garnishes.

A small glass shelf offers a place to keep stemware within reach for your household bartender, while the luxurious marble top creates a clean workspace for creating your custom cocktails. Three built-in wine glass racks tuck beneath the marble top for seamless open-air storage.We also appreciate that this bar cart comes with adjustable levels that allow you to balance the table on uneven surfaces. For care, skip the harsh chemical cleaners and regularly dust surfaces with a dry cloth instead. Always soak up spills as soon as possible to avoid stains and put your coaster collection to work to avoid unsightly rings on your marble tabletop.

Price at time of publish: $509

Product Details: Dimensions: 34 x 30 x 14 inches | Material: Honed marble, steel, tempered glass | Number of Tiers: Three

Joss & Main

The top tier is a removable tray that can be used to serve drinks.

It doesn’t have racks to hang wine glasses from.

The Domenica Bar Cart bar cart earns our pick for the dreamiest decorative bar cart because of its timeless rattan frame, high-contrast woven accents, and built-in bottle storage.

The bar cart’s subtly distressed rattan frame is the perfect addition to a modern organic home. A pair of flared side handles extend from the bar cart, allowing you to glide on the wheels below with minimal effort. When you find your ideal locale for enjoying libations, you can lock the casters to keep your bar from rolling out of reach.We love that the top tier is actually a removable tray with two comfortable handles ideal for transporting heavy champagne buckets and big-batch aperitifs to and fro while hosting. The base shelf has six bottle holders to hold your favorite bottles of wine. However, it doesn’t have any racks to hang your wine glasses from so you’ll have to store them elsewhere.Bring home this chic serving cart in one of four colorways: black and white, blue and white, gray and white dot, and white.Price at time of publish: $430

Product Details: Dimensions: 34.5 x 33 x 16.5 inches | Material: Wicker/rattan, PU rattan weave, plastic | Number of Tiers: Two

Joss & Main

The charming rattan bar cart is forged from weather-resistant materials, making it patio party ready.

Its two tiers feature a woven base that may not be as sturdy as other options on our list.

Are you gearing up for summer pool parties and alfresco entertaining? The Byron Bar Cart from Wayfair is the best bar cart for the job. The charming woven design is our top pick for rattan serving carts because it offers a natural look and can be used indoors or outdoors.This bar cart features an inner aluminum frame for long-lasting durability and on-the-go stability for your barware. The frame is wrapped by a weather-, UV- and water-resistant resin wicker in an airy, blonde finish that complements classic coastal, bohemian, and cottage furnishings.

An elegant trolly handle extends from the bar cart’s top shelf for trouble-free transport, and four caster feet glide with ease along the way. A playful woven motif wraps the perimeter of the shelves’ guardrails, lending a high-end look to the design while keeping happy hour tools tucked neatly in their proper place.While it does require self assembly, this cart comes with all tools needed for the job. Keep in mind that because the tiers on this cart are woven, they may not provide as much stability as marble or solid wood tiers.Price at time of publish: $360

Product Details: Dimensions: 34.5 x 34 x 16.25 inches | Material: Wicker/rattan, aluminum | Number of Tiers: Two

Wayfair

The distinctive oversized wheels and contrasting metal finishes will invite old Hollywood glamour into your space with minimal additional styling.

It doesn’t have as many storage options as a few other bar carts on our list.

Roll into your next dinner party in style with this vintage-inspired bar cart. The glamorous Amelio Metal Bar Cart earns our pick for the best bar cart with vintage flair because of its shapely silhouette and mixed metal finishes.

The dual-tier bar cart has an inky-black metal frame and is finished with chic casters reminiscent of traditional serving carts. The wheels and metal handle sport a contrasting gold finish that shines against the matte black frame for an elegant look.Two spacious glass shelves round out the design and provide plenty of space to arrange all your libation station necessities. However, this bar cart doesn’t have as many storage options as a few other options on our list—it doesn’t have any extra shelves or racks to hang wine glasses.

You can nestle three bottles of bubbly into the wine rack on the lower shelf and use the remaining space for a vintage silver ice bucket and other mixology must-haves. Each tier on the Amelio Bar Cart is bordered with a metal guard rail to keep your vintage bottles and barware in place while on the go. The guard rails are also ideal for showing off your favorite seasonal decorations or tea towels throughout the year.

Price at time of publish: $330

Product Details: Dimensions: 31 x 20 x 31 inches | Material: Metal, glass | Number of Tiers: Two

West Elm

The curved lines and whisper-thin metal frame give this bar cart a unique, playful quality that lends itself to modern and contemporary interiors.

The top shelf does not include safety rails for bottles.

Mix up your drab den or lackluster hallway with this bar cart. This curvy console earns our pick for the best bar cart for modern and contemporary homes because of its minimalist lines and expertly intertwined finishes. This handcrafted bar cart features a thin metal frame that offers an open and airy feel. For extra storage, there is a built-in glassware rack tucked below the top shelf. A golden, antique brass finish coats the metal frame and complements the warmth of the walnut veneer bar top.

Under the top tier, a petite side-car shelf with an ivory lacquered finish and metal guard rails offer designated storage for glassware, an ice bucket, or fresh garnishes. The lower shelf sports the same snowy lacquered finish but extends the width of the console, providing plenty of bottle storage.Price at time of publish: $440

Product Details: Dimensions: 40 x 37.75 x 14 inches | Material: Metal, walnut veneer, engineered wood | Number of Tiers: Three

Wayfair

The wood-and-metal bar cart balances rustic materials with a contemporary silhouette for a piece that looks clean and updated.

There aren’t designated bottle holders for wine.

This industrial bar cart makes a natural addition to industrial and rustic bedrooms, kitchens, or hallways because of its contrasting materials and clean-lined silhouette.

We love the matte iron frame that flanks the sides of the bar’s shelves that provides a sturdy, masculine look. The frame extends from the top shelf into a pair of seamless, angular side handles for effortless navigation on the wheeled feet below.The tiered design features two tray-style wooden shelves ideal for corralling your best bottles of whiskey, highball glasses, and bar tools. Aside from looking handsome paired with the inky frame, the wood offers other benefits as a shelf material. “I prefer bar carts without glass,” Morse says. “Glass gets dusty and is a constant to clean up. Other materials will not show the dust or accumulate it the same way as glass.”This bar cart calls for self assembly and requires that you have your screwdriver and hammer on hand to put it together. To clean this cart, periodically wipe it clean with a dry cloth to remove surface debris to maintain its fresh-from-the-box appeal.

Price at time of publish: $114

Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 36 x 14.5 inches | Material: Iron, manufactured wood | Number of Tiers: Two

Ballard Designs

It has wheels to make it easy to move during parties, and it arrives fully assembled.

The glass tiers will show dust more clearly than other surfaces.

The Sterling Large Bar Cart is our choice for the best large bar cart because of its mobility, versatile design, and elegant look.Each Sterling bar cart is handmade using stainless steel, wood, and glass to ensure longevity. The sophisticated steel frame is unadorned save for the soft, antique brass finish that plays well with warm and cool-toned interior color palettes alike. A single trolly handle extends from one end of the cart for smooth navigation on the cart’s caster feet.

The most noteworthy feature of the Sterling bar cart is its sizable scale. The double-decker cart measures 5 feet long, offering 10 square feet of storage for your bottles, mixers, fresh florals, garnishes, and seasonal decor.

A dual-tiered bar cart is always a plus, according to the pros. “I like a bar cart with a minimum of two shelves,” Morse says. “The lower shelves are helpful to store the larger items like ice buckets and liquor without looking bulky on the top.”Roll the cart against your dining room wall for holiday festivities or navigate to your living room and use it as a makeshift sofa table. Style the impressive bar cart shelves with accessories like lamps, coffee table books, and candles.

As Morse points out, glass tops will show dust more clearly than other surfaces. If you opt for this bar cart, be prepared to dust it frequently.

Price at time of publish: $1,275

Product Details: Dimensions: 60.75 x 37.25 x 15.5 inches | Material: Stainless steel, glass, antique mirror, engineered hardwood | Number of Tiers: Two

After comparing the dimensions, materials, tiers, and unique characteristics of bar carts, we feel that the Burwell Marble Bar Cart is the best overall bar cart because of its universal design appeal, quality craftsmanship, and moderate price point. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald Bar Cart. This cost-effective design offers high style at a low price point and works well in small spaces.

The best bar cart makes a statement in your space while also providing practical storage for the room. Standard bar carts will feature at least two tiers and an integrated storage features for glassware and bottles. Both the Tiered Bar Console and the Delaney Marble Bar Console have two tiers, wine glass racks, and an additional miniature shelf for storage.

Compact designs may offer up to three tiers but lack built-in racks or holders, such as the Sava Metal Bar Cart.

Bar carts are available in many materials, including steel, iron, wood, marble, glass, acrylic, rattan, and all-weather resin.Natural materials like marble or solid wood are typically used for more expensive carts, such as the Bella Folding Bar Cart or Burwell Marble Bar Cart. Though often more delicate than iron or steel, these organic materials are sought after due to their enduring quality and ever-evolving beauty.

Marble, wood, and unlacquered metals develop a patina over time that lends a one-of-a-kind quality and richness of character to each bar cart. That said, overexposure to sunlight and moisture may cause damage to these materials, and they require careful maintenance using material-specific cleansers to maintain their beauty.

Powder-coated steel frames and all-weather resin designs, like the Byron Wide Bar Cart, are mainstays for indoor and outdoor bar cart needs. These materials withstand prolonged exposure to the elements, making them your best bet when shopping for a bar cart fit for outdoor entertaining, alfresco storage, or poolside parties.

Whether you prefer an industrial look or have more of an elegant style, there are bar carts are available in every design style imaginable. Narrowing down the best bar cart for your home comes down to two things.

“The shape and material of a bar cart really depend on your personal style and where this piece will be located in your home,” Sandoval says. Reflect on your existing interior aesthetic and use the color palette, furniture materials, and general look of the space as your guide to selecting a bar cart that feels true to your vision.

Standard bar carts are between 30 and 34 inches tall and have depths of 16 inches. Widths vary between carts with some being as narrow as 20 inches, and others as expansive as 60 inches.

Before purchasing a bar cart, determine where you want to place the cart and measure the area. “Make sure it fits!” Marino says. “You'll want the bar cart to fit comfortably in your space without being too small or too large that it ends up being overpowering.”

Bar carts are available to purchase at every price point. Budget-friendly options like the Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald Bar Cart start around $50 while high-end, designer bar carts forged from luxury materials, like the Bella Folding Bar Cart, are thousands of dollars.

Weight capacity varies from cart to cart based on the size of the cart itself, the frame durability, and shelving materials. Compact bar carts typically have lighter weight capacities between 25 and 40 pounds per shelf, while more substantial designs may hold well beyond 55 pounds per shelf.

Consider the number of bottles, decanters, tools, and decor you plan to store on your bar cart before making a purchase. “It’s important to find bar carts that can hold heavier weight,” Morse says. “The weight of liquor bottles can add up.”

While it's easy to assume bar carts should live in your main entertainment zones, we encourage you to think outside the box and roll your cart into unexpected locales for a fresh look.

“Bar carts should not be limited to living rooms or dining rooms,” Sandoval explains. “They can be used in different areas in your home like hallways for table lamps, flowers, and pictures; in a bathroom close to a tub to house bath salts, candles and towels or as a furniture filler piece in any room.”With that said, it’s beneficial to determine a specific location for where you plan to put your bar cart before making the investment you invest in one for your home. "Bar carts are great items to put in corners or in front of empty walls," Morse says. "They are purposeful and can look really pretty."It's important to consider your bar cart material when choosing its primary locale. UV- and water-resistant materials like the resin wicker used on the Byron Wide Bar Cart are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. That said, materials with living finishes such as certain natural woods, porous stones, and solid brass featured on the Bella Folding Bar Cart may deteriorate if exposed to excessive moisture or prolonged direct sunlight, even indoors.

Maria Conti is a contributing home and lifestyle writer for Better Homes & Gardens, with five years of writing product reviews and shopping guides for digital home publications. She spent several hours comparing prices, measurements, materials, and design to determine the best bar carts for every style and space.Maria consulted Veronica Sandoval, senior designer at Kim Armstrong Design, interior designer Andi Morse, interior designer Kristin Marino and Katie Kime, CEO and interior designer, for their professional tips on bar cart shopping and choosing the best bar cart for your space.