Do you enjoy entertaining, but are limited on space? Have you always wanted a bar cart, but need ideas for making the space functional and beautiful? When thinking about design and decor for a small area in your home, it’s easy to feel limited. Part of design is using creative techniques to make smaller spaces either feel like the “niche” in a room (which everyone can be drawn to) or let it compliment the larger framework of the room. Here are some bar cart ideas for small spaces, which can liven up your entertainment area and create a welcoming and functional environment for you and your guests!
1. Find a bar cart to fit your space and style
Let’s start with style! Are you going for a rustic, modern, industrial, traditional, boho – or even a combination-themed bar cart? Get an idea of what style you are attracted to (taking into account your overall home design) and start shopping for a bar cart to fit your space.
Really think about what you want your space to feel like. Do you want this nook to blend into the rest of the room or be the focal point of the room? You can make a bold choice with your bar cart – or add a bold design to your bar cart! It’s up to you!
2. Think beyond the bar cart
When you have found the ideal space for your bar cart, how can you make this space fit your needs? What do you want out of the space for you and your guests? It’s so important to think beyond the small details and take a step back to identify the overall picture of your space.
You probably want to create a fun, entertaining, and very usable space for you and guests – but how? Hang wall shelves above the bar cart to create a place for easy access while presenting usable items for a bar cart area: shot glasses, a stack of corky books on various concoctions, storing wine glass charms, or vibrant pina colada umbrellas. On the walls and shelving units, add small picture frames (and very entertaining photographs!). To make your space have a more authentic, lived-in feel, experiment with picture frames of different colors and textures!
Fun tip: With your picture frames, add moments of pure bliss with friends and family! You’ll be reminded of the memories and they will love and appreciate being reminded of these moments as well!
3. Incorporate sentimental heirlooms
Bar cart ideas for small spaces can be challenging, but adding family heirlooms or sentimental pieces can add charm and history to your newly defined space!
For example, I designed and built (with my grandpa) wall shelves, which I used in the bar cart area. They are perfect for holding small items and add some depth to a rather flat space. When traveling, I purchased dessert wine glasses in New Jersey with an orange-tinted base (originally from France). From Bali, I saved a couple of beautifully, decorated glass water bottles and used one to propagate a plant on the top shelf of the bar cart (adds some greenery as well!).
Fun tip: Use your cherished items to enhance your bar cart and create a lived-in experience!
4. Decor – use what you have in a unique way!
The decor (to any project) is the icing on the cake and using what you already have can give new life and purpose to your “old” or unused items!
When building the bar cart area, I decided to showcase my favorite travel destination shot glasses – it’s a win-win situation – purposeful (travel memories) and functional (shots! shots! shots!), plus it’s colorful, unique decor!
Other ideas: Keep an ice bucket on the top shelf for an easy transition to chilled champagne!
Fun tip: When you are ready to entertain bust out some fun cocktail napkins!
5. Include a tray to define a space within the space
Let me say – adding a tray helps define different elements within any space! Try different materials or shapes to bring certain features to life!
6. Add plants all-around and get creative!
If you are a plant mom, we have something in common! Creativity is the key to finding ways to add plants to any space! Propagating plants on the top shelf of your bar cart or adding a hanging plant in macrame can be a great addition to your bar cart area.
Do you need bar cart ideas for small spaces?
Start with a bar cart that fits your style, grow the design to the surrounding space, add unique decor and sentimental pieces, define spaces with table trays and make sure to add greenery to every area of your home!
Happy decorating! Be bold with your design and have fun in the process!
