Bar Cabinets Are the New Bar Carts—Here’s How to Style Yours

The bar cart dates back to the 1800s, but many of us think of it as a mid-century modern staple, brought back into style thanks, in part, to the TV show Mad Men. Because who doesn’t want to feel like Don Draper every once in a while? Bar carts are cheeky and fun, plus they’re a great way to display your favorite coupes and highballs. The problem with them is that they’re not the most functional pieces, especially in a small space. Designers are well aware of this, and are making moves. Their new preference? The bar cabinet.

“Bar cabinets are definitely having a glow-up moment. Bar carts are fun and flirty, but bar cabinets feel more grown-up and intentional,” says Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN. “I’m seeing more clients want something that blends seamlessly into their home while still making a statement.” A bar cabinet is going to be your new favorite accent piece. Here’s why.

Why You Might Want a Bar Cabinet

“They’re like the chic older cousin of the bar cart—more storage, more function, and way more style potential,” Barney says. For one thing, they give you more hidden storage. While bar carts are beautiful, they also allow you to see everything and we mean everything. That functional but not-so-pretty shaker and zester are on full display and taking attention away from your glam glassware. Plus, cabinets protect your glassware and bar essentials from dust, so you don’t have to rewash each piece before serving a drink.

Bar cabinets also bring a lot of style to a space and the opportunity to pick out bold hardware and cool design features. “It also feels like a permanent part of the home rather than a rolling accessory,” Barney says.

How to Pick the Right Bar Cabinet

Just like any other piece of furniture, you want to start by thinking about size and scale. Will the piece complement your room without totally overwhelming it? Next, consider function. “Today’s bar cabinets often come with luxe features like integrated lighting, glass shelving, lined drawers, and mirror backing,” Bellizaire says. “These details add a sense of glamour and sophistication while also enhancing functionality.”

Barney notes that you also have to consider the vibe and whether you want your bar cabinet to stand out or blend in. ” I love using a bar cabinet as a moment to bring in a fun pop of personality, whether that’s through an unexpected shape, a vintage piece, or a bold color or texture that breaks up the rest of the space,” she says.

Where to Put It

Common wisdom would say the dining room, but realistically, you want to put the cabinet in the place where you actually entertain. If that’s the living room or the den, then move it in there! “When choosing the space, I focus on the overall flow of the home. Where will you be entertaining? The bar cabinet needs to be close by and easily accessible to both you and your guests,” says Ann Pulliam of Ann Pulliam Interiors.

How to Style a Bar Cabinet

Bellizaire recommends keeping styling simple and dressing your cabinet with a pretty tray, curated barware, a sculptural object, and a pretty floral arrangement. Leave the closed-off portions for your hard-working supplies, and make the rest look elegant. “Let the top surface tell a story that reflects the season or your signature cocktail,” she says. Barney echoes this thought. “It’s a great spot for a small lamp, art, or something unexpected to give it a lived-in, styled look.” Barney also likes the layered look, mixing vintage glassware with a few pretty cocktail books and something unexpected like a funky ice bucket.