Bar carts have long been considered a chic home staple—stylish, compact, and effortlessly cool. But like many design trends, they’ve sparked some debate in recent years: Are bar carts still in style, or have they become passé?
If you’re wondering whether to add a bar cart to your space (or retire the one you have), let’s break down both sides of the argument.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
🎉 The Case for Bar Carts: Still Stylish, Still Functional
1. They’re Compact Entertaining Stations
Bar carts are a dream for small spaces. They offer a mobile, stylish way to serve drinks and snacks—perfect for hosting without needing a full home bar setup. For apartment dwellers or city homes, they’re often a practical solution.
2. They’re Highly "Instagrammable"
Bar carts are made for styling. From vintage decanters to artisan glassware, they’re a great place to show off beautiful items—and your personality. Add a plant, a candle, maybe a stack of cocktail recipe books, and you’ve got an instant statement piece.
3. They’re Multi-Purpose
The modern bar cart isn’t just for booze. People are using them as coffee stations, plant stands, skincare carts, or even mini office storage. Their versatility gives them real staying power in a world where furniture needs to do more.
4. They Evoke Old-School Glamour
Think Mad Men-style sophistication. Bar carts carry a retro elegance that never fully goes out of style. Done right, they add charm and a sense of celebration to any room.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
🛑 The Case Against Bar Carts: Time to Move On?
1. They Can Feel Overdone
Let’s be honest—bar carts had a major moment in the 2010s. So much so that they started to show up in every Pinterest-perfect living room. Some designers now see them as a "starter pack" item rather than a sophisticated choice.
2. They’re Not Always Practical
If you don’t entertain often, a bar cart can easily turn into a dust-collecting corner piece—or worse, a clutter magnet. Open shelving also means constant upkeep to keep it looking styled instead of messy.
3. Built-In Bars and Cabinets Are Taking Over
Many modern homes now feature built-in wet bars or beautiful cabinetry that seamlessly integrates drink storage. These setups offer a cleaner, more elevated look than a freestanding cart.
4. They Can Look Themed, Not Timeless
Bar carts often follow specific trends (think gold frames and faux marble trays). Without careful styling, they can lean a bit too “decorated” instead of organically designed.
So… Are Bar Carts In or Out?
The verdict? It depends on how you use them.
Bar carts aren’t out—they’ve just evolved. The overly styled, matchy-matchy carts may feel dated, but thoughtful, functional, and creatively repurposed carts are still very much welcome in modern homes.
If you’re planning to use it regularly (and not just for looks), keep it. If not, consider swapping it for a closed cabinet, floating shelves, or a mini bar setup that better suits your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Like any trend, it’s less about what’s “in” or “out” and more about what works for you. Love your bar cart? Keep it, style it, and use it. Think it’s time for something new? There are plenty of sleek, modern alternatives that offer the same charm with a fresh twist.
At the end of the day, the best home décor reflects your lifestyle—not just the latest design debate.
