Designers Agree: Bar Carts Are Over—Here’s What Works Instead
At one point, bar carts were a fixture of every living and dining room, but now some designers say they’re are falling out of vogue. Though bar carts are primarily used to display liquor, special glassware, and cocktail essentials, they’ve also been a place to show off decor, including coffee table books, vases, and small plants. Having become popular in the early to mid-20th century, bar carts experienced a major resurgence during the 2010s. “I’m honestly tired of the bar cart—it’s just one more thing to dust and keep neat and styled,” says interior designer Sarah Scales. But this isn’t the only factor that is contributing to bar carts’ decline in popularity—in fact, most pros have stopped using them not for aesthetic reasons but due to practical concerns. Below, a handful of designers share three main factors that have steered them away from weaving bar carts into their projects. Design: House of Winsor Interiors; Photo: George Grey PhotographyRather than bar carts, some designers prefer to recommend a spacious cabinet or built-in bar to organize entertaining essentials in style.❌ They’re Not Functional or Sizable Enough Lauren Winsor, the founder of House of Winsor Interiors, finds that a standard bar cart doesn’t provide enough storage or surface space to accommodate an actual entertainer. “There is never enough room for all items required for a full bar—ice, glassware, mixers, liquor, garnishes, et cetera,” she says. Ian Parker, the founder of Parker + Co, feels similarly. “To put it simply, the reason we have stopped using bar carts is that often they just can’t handle the workload,” he says. “Bar carts get overcrowded quickly, which leads to a mess.” ❌ They’re Not the Right Height for AdultsGiven that bar carts are low in height, they don’t make it easy from a practical perspective to quickly whip up a cocktail, notes Adnan Anwar, founder of Adnan Anwar Design. “As someone who is 6’1”, they don’t provide a very comfortable surface for making drinks without hunching over a lot,” he says. asbe//Getty ImagesInterior designer Ian Parker says it can be challenging for most people to keep a bar cart looking polished and organized.❌ They’re Too Accessible for Children While adults don’t want to crouch down while mixing up martinis, young children may be all too comfortable reaching over onto the bar cart and accessing something they shouldn’t. “When we design for families with small children, having open and accessible bar carts allow for too many things within reach,” explains Caitlin E. Struble, founder of Winslow Design. Alternatives to Bar CartsBoth Winsor and Parker agree that a built-in bar is a great approach. However, those who don’t have the space or ability to add one of these into their home should at least turn to a cabinet instead, Winsor suggests. That way, she explains, “There are multiple surfaces for storage, and everything can be closed away when the party is over.”Anwar agrees and recommends chests, desks, and sideboards rather than bar carts. “Use a tray to define the space and keep things organized,” he offers. “Glass floating shelves above can also make it more of a zone and add extra storage if need be.”Related StoriesSarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelancer who produces interior design, travel and lifestyle content. Her work is featured in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Plus, her personal spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz and more. More
