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The Spruce / David Hattan
From adding a stylish touch to your living room to storing all of your oddly shaped spirit bottles, bar carts make a fun and functional addition to your space. According to Filip Berdek, interior designer and set director behind Born Interiors, their portability makes them especially useful for entertaining. “You can bring them from a living room to a dining room during a dinner party or roll them outside when entertaining in the summer,” he says. Berdek also suggests using liquor bottles and decanters as holders for flowers, which provide you with a fun way to repurpose the space. While style options abound, you can't go wrong with going back to basics to get started.
Keeping Berdek's insights in mind, we researched some of the top bar carts on the market, considering shelf space, size, and storage options.
Best Overall
Jubao Gold Bar Cart
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Wayfair
Sturdy large shelves
Large shelves
Wheels
Wine rack
No rails along the center
The Jubao Gold Bar Cart is our top pick based on both its price point and storage space, including the fact that it has a built-in wine rack. In addition to offering two shelves that are made of wood and feature a white marble coating, the cart has a wine rack capable of holding four bottles mounted underneath the top shelf. Even though this rack takes up some space, there is plenty of room for the entire bottom shelf to accommodate taller bottles.
The cart is on wheels, all of which can be locked, and the top features gold rails that can be used as handles on both sides. In addition to being easily movable, the rails are sectioned-off on the bottom to make sure that your bottles won’t slide around. The only downside is that the railing doesn’t go all the way around, which could make the bottles in the middle more unstable when you move the cart. The gold and marble details also make it a versatile option that will integrate well with a variety of aesthetics.
Price at time of publish: $150
Dimensions: 31 x 34 x 15 inches | Material: Metal and wood | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Budget
Better Homes & Gardens Fitzgerald Gold Metal Bar Cart
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Walmart
Sturdy
Large shelves
Wheels
No third shelf
No matter your budget, you can’t go wrong with this classic-style bar cart. The Fitzgerald Gold Metal Bar Cart features a gold-brushed coating over the metal frame that gives it an ornate aesthetic. It also has two large shelves, both of which have glass on the bases. Since there’s no shelf in the middle, this is a great option if you have taller bottles or want to include decor on the bottom shelf.
The cart features wheels on all four legs, as well as casters to lock them. In an overall oval shape, it also features decorative metal detailing up the side. This bar cart would seamlessly integrate into any style of home design in terms of both form and function, including any seasonal flairs you might like to explore.
Price at time of publish: $80
Dimensions: 26.49 x 34.84 x 17 inches | Material: Metal and glass | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Splurge
Jonathan Adler Torino Bar Cart
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Jonathan Adler
Sturdy
Large shelves
Wheels
No protective rails on the bottom shelf
No wheel locks
With shiny brass accents and painted glass shelves, the Torino Bar Cart from Jonathan Adler is equal parts sophisticated and fun. The bottom of each shelf features bright geometric shapes that are bright green, navy blue, maroon, and pink.
The cart is set on slightly larger wheels so that it is easier to glide across the floor, however, they don’t have locks, which could make it a little more difficult to move the table around. Given its quality and unique design, it would be the perfect table if you’re looking for a dash of color or hoping to add a little shine to your space.
Price at time of publish: $1,400
Dimensions: 29.75 x 32 x 16 inches | Material: Polished brass and painted glass | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Small
Silverwood Collier 3-Tier Square Bar Cart
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Amazon
Three shelves
Lockable wheels
The square shape could be a tougher fit in some homes
This little bar cart is the perfect solution if you are looking for an option that will fit snugly into a corner or have a smaller space. However, the Silverwood Collier’s small size offers up lots of surface area that is perfect for holding your bottles. It has three glass-bottomed shelves, all of which are tall enough to hold wines or taller items.
The cart also has wheels on all four legs that can lock, so it’s perfect for moving around or for acting as a serving platform. We also love that its gold brushed frame allows it to easily integrate into any style of home decor.
Price at time of publish: $103
Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 38 inches | Material: Polished brass and painted glass | Number of Shelves: 3 | Wheels: Yes
Best Industrial
17 Stories Arturs Bar Cart
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Wayfair
Sturdy
Large shelves
Wheels
Can’t adjust iron finish
The iron finishes on the Arturs Bar Cart are juxtaposed with the three different options of wood stains, making this bar cart the perfect fit for those who love industrial design styles. While it is fairly wide, it has a fairly shallow depth, which makes it ideal for those who are hoping to place it in more narrow areas of their homes.
It has two shelves, which is perfect for accommodating larger bottles of spirits on the bottom, as well as a small wheel on each of the four legs. The wheels make it a great option for those that like to rearrange their setups often, or for those who would like to move it around while they are entertaining.
Price at time of publish: $137
Dimensions: 36 x 30 x 14.5 inches | Material: Iron and wood | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Round
Safavieh Rio 3 Tier Round Bar Cart
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Overstock
Three shelves
Lockable wheels
Wine holders
Assembly required
Round bar carts are a great way to showcase everything on your cart. The Safavieh Rio features three tiers, as well as lockable wheels and a handle that makes it easy to maneuver around. Each shelf has little edge protectors to keep things sturdy and in place, while the bottom even offers three designated wine bottle holders. The second shelf provides the shortest amount of space, but it would be perfect for serving or drinkware.
The entire cart features a shimmering gold finish that will definitely add a textural element to your space. Finally, the shelves are made of tinted glass, which gives the entire piece a sense of depth and drama.
Price at time of publish: $236
Dimensions: 19.69 x 22.05 x 34.25 inches | Material: Glass and metal | Number of Shelves: 3 | Wheels: Yes
Best Outdoor
West Elm Halden Outdoor Bar Cart
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West-elm
Sturdy
Easily movable
Weatherproof
Slightly pricey
Only two shelves
With its clean lines and mahogany wood-lined shelves, the Halden Bar Cart from West Elm would truly complement any decor aesthetic. It has a Scandi-style design that features aluminum coated in matte white paint that will protect the piece from the weather and, of course, any spills. Make sure you keep it in a dry or covered space when it’s not in use, just to make sure it lives on for years to come.
In addition to its weatherproof paint coating, it has two large wheels that make it easy to move around. These factors make it a great poolside option. It has two shelves, with plenty of space between them to accommodate oversized spirit bottles or bottles with decorative stoppers that add height.
Price at time of publish: $499
Dimensions: 18.1 x 33.5 x 28.5 inches | Material: Mahogany and Aluminum | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Rattan
Opalhouse Cassia Rattan Bar Cart
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Target
Easily movable
No assembly required
Rattan can provide an uneven surface area
If you're hoping to bring a little island style to your home, the Opalhouse Cassia Rattan Bar Cart will definitely help answer that call. Weighing in at just over 14 pounds, this cart is made of medium-density fiberboard, which makes up the enhanced rattan. Even though the cart doesn’t weigh very much, it has two shelves that can hold up to 11 pounds each.
This bar cart has wheels and lockable casters on each of the four legs, as well as a handle that makes it easy to guide around as you are moving it. It also comes completely assembled, so you won’t have to worry about rounding up your tool kit to put it together. It would look beautiful next to a pool or to simply add a tropical flair to your decor.
Price at time of publish: $220
Dimensions: 35.5 x 26 x 18 inches | Material: Rattan | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best Midcentury Modern
Sauder Coral Cape Bar Cart
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Amazon
Easily movable
Three tiers
Space for glasses
Smaller space for tall bottles
The Sauder Coral Cape Bar Cart features a midcentury modern design that is as adorable as it is easy to use. It has three shelves, two of which are clear and one of which features a pop of a deep-hued teal. This not only adds a splash of character to this design style but also gives you an easy way to add some color to your space.
In terms of depth, the shelves are fairly shallow, so this cart is ideal if you are looking for something to fit into a hallway or an enclave. That being said, we love that each of the three shelves provides designated spaces for both larger bottles and smaller glasses or shakers (just note that since the middle shelf takes up only half of the space, only half of the bottom shelf can be used for taller bottles). Still, this is a gorgeous option if you’ve been looking for a vintage-inspired cart for entertaining.
Price at time of publish: $234
Dimensions: 39.57 x 15.55 x 33.27 inches | Material: Metal | Number of Shelves: 3 | Wheels: Yes
Best Storage
Beloved Bar Cart
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Wayfair
Easily movable
Three tiers
Space for glasses and bottles
Smaller space for tall bottles
If you’re looking for a bar cart that can store all things drink-related in your home, the Beloved Bar Cart (yes, that’s its real name) is the way to go. The cart is equipped with three shelves, each of which has its own special features. The bottom shelf has a wine rack that can hold up to 11 bottles. Mounted under the top rack on either side, there is space for hanging six wine glasses. This is the shortest shelf, but given that it’s already been established as the wine glass holder, it would make sense to put other glasses or shakers on the shelf, as well.
For taller spirit bottles, there is less space on the bottom shelf, due to the wine rack, but they could still fit at the sides and on the top shelf. This cart is made of sturdy iron, while the shelves are made from tempered glass. It sits on four wheels, all of which are lockable, so that you can move this station around whenever you need.
Price at time of publish: $280
Dimensions: 44 x 33.7 x 13 inches | Material: Iron and glass | Number of Shelves: 3 | Wheels: Yes
Best Vintage-Inspired
Signature Design by Ashley Clarkburn Modern Vintage Metal Bar Cart
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Amazon
Easily movable
Lockable wheels
Assembly required
This bar cart may be small, but its vintage-forward design style is certainly mighty. The Modern Vintage Metal Bar Cart is round and features two wide shelves that could each accommodate large bottles. It has lockable wheels on each of the four legs and raised handles on either side of the top shelf to make it easy to pull around.
Made of metal, the cart is coated in an antique bronze finish. Each shelf is also surrounded by ornate metal detailing that adds just a touch of flair. Overall, especially with the price, this is an excellent option for virtually anyone—whether you're prioritizing a vintage-style piece or just looking for an incredibly functional bar cart.
Price at time of publish: $120
Dimensions: 24.25 x 29.75 x 17.5 inches | Material: Metal | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
Best for Apartments
Crate and Barrel Yamazaki Tower Black Rolling Slim Storage Cart With Handle
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Crate and Barrel
Easily movable
Ultra-thin
Less space for bottles
If saving space is your priority, the Yamazaki Tower Bar Cart is a great option. It has a 5.1-inch depth, which means it’s even small enough to fit in beside shelves or kitchen items. Each shelf has barriers that keep things from falling and could easily accommodate around five bottles. The handle can double as a towel rack, and the top features a plank of wood that would be ideal for holding a drink.
It’s made of steel and coated in a black glossy paint that gives it a sleek look. The pop of wood on top also adds to its modernist style. It would look great in any home, and it would certainly act as a great addition for those who are in desperate need of more storage space.
Price at time of publish: $120
Dimensions: 5.1 x 18.5 x 31.7 inches | Material: Steel and wood | Number of Shelves: 3 | Wheels: Yes
Best Trolley-Style
Nathan James Carter Bar Cart
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Amazon
Easily movable
Lockable wheels
Assembly required
Trolley carts feature raised handles that are arched for easy maneuvering. The solid cast iron of the Nathan James Carter Bar Cart is coated in a black finish, giving it a sleek, modern look. It has a wood-like finish on the bottom shelf, as well as tempered glass on the top, which is incredibly durable.
The bottom shelf can hold up to 10 full-sized bottles, so you never have to worry about running out of space. There is also plenty of room to mount a wine rack under the top shelf. Both top and bottom shelves feature a protective rail, preventing items from sliding off as you move it throughout your space.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 24 x 35 x 17 inches | Material: Iron and glass | Number of Shelves: 2 | Wheels: Yes
If we had to pick one bar cart based on looks, affordability, and utility, we'd go with the Jubao Gold Bar Cart. It has a sleek, versatile design and a reasonable price tag. However, if you're able to spend a bit more, the Jonathan Adler Torino Bar Cart is a seriously stunning piece for those who are willing to splurge on a cocktail cart.
What to Look for In a Bar Cart
Size
This is dependent on both the size of your space, and the amount of bottles that you’ll typically need to accommodate. If you have multiple bottles for spirits and wines, make sure you seek out a bar cart with ample space on the bottom shelf, as that is where those bottles are typically housed due to their weight. If you lean more toward the wine side of life, opt for a cart that has built-in racks that will help you store them.
Durability
Most bar carts are made of metal and some combination of tempered glass or wood, to accommodate the heaviness of the larger glass bottles. If you feel you might need a little extra support, check the weight limits on the bar carts you’re looking at. Generally, they will hold up to 15 pounds, which should be enough to hold quite a few bottles. Berdek says that if you plan on making drinks on the cart itself, “glass shelving will make it easy to clean.”
Design
While monotones will always go with your space if you’re unsure, Berdek has some suggestions for people who are very focused on their design aesthetics. “If you're more boho, try a natural finish, such as wicker or caning details,” says Berdek. “For a more sleek look, go with an antique brass or a black and wood option.”
Storage
While lots of people just use their bar carts to store their wine and liquor bottles, they are also great spaces for storing wine and different cocktail glasses. Many bar carts already have wine glass holders built-in, and all of the spaces that are lower on these carts could definitely be utilized to store these glasses. Definitely take your beverages of choice into consideration, as some carts prioritize larger spirit bottles, while others have built-in options for wine bottles.
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How high should a bar cart be?
While this is really up to you, according to Berdek, the typical bar cart usually sits around 30 to 34 inches high. This allows the cart to be easily accessed, and it makes it easy for those who are hoping to use it as a serving space as well.
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What should be on a bar cart?
Most people use bar carts to store spirit and wine bottles that would take up unnecessary space in the kitchen. Some racks even prioritize wine bottles, which is great if this is your drink of choice. The smaller areas on bar carts are set aside for things like shakers and cocktail glasses—basically all of the accompanying items that would take up a lot of cabinet space in your kitchen, but that are definitely needed if you want to make a delicious drink. Berdek explains that “they also make great plant stands, and record player and record carts.” He also suggests using them as a stylish way to present coffee or tea stations.
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Are bar carts practical?
Bar carts are certainly practical if you already have multiple options in your home when it comes to spirit and wine bottles, as they provide much-needed storage. Most of them also have wheels on them, which makes them ideal serving options for parties and even makes it easy to roll them outside.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Brittany Loggins is a writer who has researched and written articles for Real Simple, Women’s Health, The Cut, and The New York Times, among many other outlets. For this article, she scoped out customer reviews and tapped Filip Berdek, an interior designer and the set director behind Born Interiors, to determine which bar carts satisfied elements of both design and functionality.