Bar Carts for Non-Drinkers

Sometimes, when I'm out thrifting and having no luck, my mind wanders back to the thrifty finds that got away. There was a day a few months back, when I was wandering through Urban Market (formerly Charlie's) and I spotted two swanky brass bar carts. They were each priced just right at around $35, and they didn't even look too bad as is. I had seen so many inspiring images with bar carts, but I remember foolishly thinking, "But I'm not a drinker. What would I put on it?"

Yes, it's true: I don't enjoy drinking. I don't have a problem with anyone who does-responsibly, of course-but I just don't enjoy it. For me, even one drink means a headache the next day. It's just not a good time:

So, in my case, stocking up a Mad Men-style bar cart in my living room would be pretentious and just silly expensive.

But, I have good news! Fortunately for people like me, there are some geniuses out there on the internet who have been looking into this problem for themselves. Take a look at all these amazing ways bar carts can be used to hold items other than liquor. If you find yourself in a flea market and you come across an amazing bar cart at a great price, buy it! You can always:

+ Load it up with books. You know how I love decorating with books. {Image Source}

+ Use it as a plant stand. Wouldn't it look great packed full of greenery and parked in front of a bright window? {Image Source}

+ Put your record player on top, and fill the bottom with your record collection. Uh-oh. I like books, plants, and records. Conundrum! {Image Source}

+ Store bathroom necessities. I don't yet have a real bar cart, but I do have an old microwave cart that is currently serving this very purpose in our bathroom. It adds some extra counter space to our bathroom, since we have a pedestal sink, and it's a great way to store the items that should be in plain sight to guests (extra toilet paper, guest towels, etc.). {Image Source}

+ Create a coffee station. Do you have "stations" in your home? I like the idea of a coffee station, where all the supplies are kept in a convenient place. This is really just the same line of thinking as a bar cart, just for coffee drinkers, and near an electrical outlet. {Image Source}

+ Or, you know, just use it like a shelf. The bar cart thing makes me want to designate it as a special place for only a certain category of my things, but a great looking bar cart would look just fine parked somewhere in your home and covered in all your well-curated stuff. Eddie Ross has a great step-by-step tutorial on arranging your belongings in an artful way, so check it out and don't be afraid to use that cart for whatever your heart desires!

So tell me...
+ Do you have a bar cart in your home? What do you keep on it?

+ Do you watch Mad Men?
-I'm a little obsessed, although more with the furnishings than the storyline.

Have a great day!