Based on the humble tea trolley, bar carts have become a staple in homes across the country. Small, portable and fun to decorate, DIY bar carts are brilliant for those with little space but a big love for beverages!
To help you make and style your own mini bar, we’ve collected some of our favourite modern DIY bar cart ideas from around the web. Once you’ve bought, built or upcycled your bar cart (Erin Spain has a great YouTube video showing you how to build your own DIY bar cart) you can get decorating!
There are plenty of bar cart decorating ideas in this article to inspire you. From chic DIY bar cart ideas to fun styling ideas, we hope you create your dream cart and kit it out with all your favourite drinks.
Grab a cocktail because it’s time to explore Gathered’s favourite DIY bar cart ideas.
15 modern DIY bar cart ideas
1. Mini DIY bar cart
Round Rose Gold Bar Cart
This compact bar cart is ideal for small spaces, and by maximising every section of the cart, you can create a space which fits a lot without looking cluttered. We love the rose gold finish which helps add a glamorous touch, and it's practical too as the space underneath is particularly handy for tall bottles and shakers.
Measuring just 40cm by 66cm, this neat bar cart is perfect for squeezing into small spaces and corners.
You can even wheel the drinks over to your guests with the nifty caster wheels, what a service!
Looking for styling inspiration for your mini bar cart? Check out blogger Kate La Vie’s gorgeous DIY bar cart below.
Her classy bar shows you can fit a lot into a small space.
We love how she’s used bar essentials to decorate. The gold lemon and silver twig bottle opener add both a pretty and practical element. These racks which go underneath bar carts are super handy. They allow you to hang glasses without using precious tabletop space.
2. Glass and metal finishes
- Buy now from IKEA ($99.00)
Glass and metal make the most beautiful bar carts. The combination looks both elegant and modern. Traditional glass bar carts can be very expensive which is why we love this IKEA hack from Living Fashionably Late.
Natalie has added copper paint to the glass bar shelving unit, giving it a luxe feel. Accessorised with her favourite drinks, glassware and some fun signs, this shelving unit makes a fab DIY bar cart.
3. Contemporary DIY bar cart
Make a statement with Little House on the Corner’s impressive DIY bar cart. This amazing black circular design is the perfect contemporary addition to your home. They made this bar from scratch and have shared their step-by-step tutorial on their blog.
To offset the striking black design they’ve accessorised with colourful pieces. The fresh flowers and fruit add a natural touch to the bar.
We’re obsessed with the fun cactus glasses! Find similar cactus glasses on Amazon.
If you want to get the look without the DIY, we've found a similar design for you to get your hands on...
Matt Black Round Drinks Trolley
This matt black drinks trolley is on the larger side, measuring nearly a metre tall and 83cm wide, but if you've got the space it's a real showstopper! The two glass shelves add a striking look, and thanks to its decent size, there's plenty of room for all of your favourite tipples, accessories and decorations.
We like the addition of the handle with this particular design which should make moving your trolley around an easy task.
Just like the drinks trolley above, you can decorate this model with flowers and photo prints for that homey touch.
4. Mix the modern with the vintage
Stacie Flinner has mixed the traditional with the modern in her DIY bar cart. The wicker cart and oriental ceramic pieces give this bar a unique look. It’s stunning but also practical, with all the alcohol and glassware neatly displayed.
They have played with the new and the old and this is something to consider when you’re decorating your bar cart. Mix charity shop finds with your spirit bottles and cocktail-making books with vintage glassware.
5. Simple DIY bar cart ideas
Gilchrist Serving Cart
- Buy now from Wayfair (£83.99)
DIY bar cart ideas don’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective! This lovely bar cart from Wayfair will fit with lots of different styles and aesthetics.
Bar cart decorating ideas can also be paired back. There’s no need for lots of accessories you won’t use. Stick to pieces which have a function and a neutral colour palette (if that’s your thing!).
6. Acrylic bar cart
Peekaboo Acrylic Rolling Two Shelf
- Buy now from CB2 ($399.00)
This has to be one of the coolest carts in our DIY bar cart ideas round-up! The sleek design would look great in traditional homes and bachelor pads alike. Add modern accessories or cocktail-making gadgets for a truly futuristic feel.
Looking for a non-alcoholic version?
If you’d rather have a coffee as opposed to a cocktail, then make one of these DIY coffee bar ideas instead. For a more kid-friendly version then head over to our DIY hot chocolate bar ideas.
7. DIY party bar cart
If you love hosting then this party bar cart is the one for you! Created by Style Me Pretty, this gold and marble cart uses sparkling decorations to bring it to life. They’ve turned a plain bar cart into something spectacular!
You can find a similar bar cart from IKEA.
Add tassels, handmade bunting and DIY party decorations to give it that celebratory feel. Colourful glassware and fun shot glasses also add a special touch.
8. Industrial DIY bar cart
Add a touch of the industrial to your home with this DIY bar cart. These can be built from scrap wood and metal piping, giving a handmade look. MarduX shows you exactly how they build their bar, teaching you how to apply the piping and how to distress wood.
We also love how this DIY bar cart has wheels, allowing you to move it around the house or bring it outdoors for summer soirees.
9. Disco bar cart
Disco Ball Bar Cart
- Buy now from Etsy ($220.11)
Groove on with Glam Globes disco bar cart! This glittering globe will be the focal point of any party. Plus it’s super practical.
Upcycled from a classic 16th-century cart, the top opens to reveal drinks and glassware inside. This is a brilliant design as it’ll keep your items dust-free and safe from little hands! There’s also storage at the bottom meaning there’s plenty of room for extras.
10. Patterned bar carts
Domenica Bar Cart
- Buy now from Joss & Main ($540.00)
Patterned bar carts make a statement in the best way possible. They’re the star of the bar and need very little accessorising to make them look cool. This Domenica Bar Cart by Joss & Main is an example of patterned bar carts done right.
The simple gold accessories let the pattern speak for itself. It’s also a really handy size, slipping into small spaces thanks to its wheels. We also love the holder feature, which will keep bottles secure and save them from smashing or spilling.
11. Mid-century bar cart
Bring some old-school glamour into your living room with this mid-century-inspired bar cart. This cart looks like it’s been picked up at an antique fair when in reality Lazy Guy DIY built it!
He shows you how to build this art deco bar cart over on his blog. It’s a brilliant hack for those who want the vintage look without the price tag.
12. Farmhouse DIY bar cart
Rustic but no less beautiful, Brownstoner has a wonderful DIY bar cart tutorial on their blog. Their DIY bar cart gives us a French farmhouse feel and is large enough to host an entire party. The glass racks and tea towel storage ensure every part of the cart is used to its potential.
We have so many bar cart accessorising ideas for this one! Fresh fruits and flowers would go perfectly with the natural wood. Vintage glassware as well as patterned crockery would give this bar even more of a French riviera look.
13. DIY TV bar cart
The best DIY bar cart ideas are the imaginative ones. Anything can be upcycled into a bar cart, it just takes a little creativity. This old-fashioned TV set has been turned into a quirky bar that will be the talk of the town.
Equally old tables, cabinets and shelving units can be turned into DIY bar carts. If it’s sturdy and has storage then the chances are it can become a bar.
14. Plants and rattan
Rattan and plants are a match made in heaven when it comes to interior design. They create a gorgeous 70’s style feel which is personally one of our favourite combinations.
Black and Blooms has used this dynamic combo to make a DIY bar cart we’re jealous of! They’ve used a mixture of plants to add height and interest to an otherwise plain bar cart. The wooden touches such as the crates and cups add to the overall hippie feel.
For your own rattan bar cart, we found this gem from Urban Outfitters...
Melody Rattan Bar Cart
- Buy now from Urban Outfitters (£409.00)
Featuring plenty of handy storage spaces, and boasting a boho-chic look with a retro twist, we adore this rattan bar cart! Surround with your favourite house plants for an utterly charming vibe.
15. Affordable DIY bar carts
- Buy now from IKEA ($39.99)
One of the most important things to consider when browsing our DIY bar cart ideas is your budget. There’s no point in building a fancy bar if you don’t have the means to fill it!
However, there are plenty of affordable cart options on the market for around £30 to £40 and they come in a range of colours. Chez Larsson shows you how they turned this plain trolley from IKEA into a nifty little bar cart.
Their bar cart decorating ideas take the trolley to the next level, proving you don't need a big budget to make something wonderful.
You can find a similar bar cart from Amazon for just £35.99.
Finding a DIY bar cart that suits you and your space
With so many DIY bar cart ideas out there it can be tricky to know where to start. To begin, think about these three things; budget, space and style. Once you know what you’re working with in terms of money and space, you’ll find it easier to look through our DIY bar cart ideas and find your style.
Remember it’s not just about the bar cart. We’ve included many bar cart decorating ideas because they can transform a plain bar into a beauty! Have fun with it and let your creativity run wild.
Not enough room for a DIY bar cart?
If these DIY bar cart ideas take up too much floor space then we’d recommend making one of our DIY bar shelf ideas instead. Mounted to the wall, shelves are perfect for apartment owners lacking in square footage!
