The Return of the Bar Cart: Affordable Options for Every Style
- Julie S. Olmstead
- Jun 4, 2020
- 2 min read
Recently a friend asked if I could help him find a bar cart. I knew this would be an easy task as this decor trend has regained lots of steam over the last several years. When I began scouring my typical shopping sites, I came across the history of the bar cart, which I think you might find interesting.
The cocktail cart was first popularized during the Victorian era and was called a "tea trolley". Housewives at that time would have tea time in the afternoon, and the tea trolley would be used to serve hot tea, biscuits, sandwiches, and snacks.
The tea trolley survived the end of the era and was still being used for the serving of non-alcoholic beverages until the end of the Prohibition. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the tea was replaced by the cocktail and the "bar cart" was born.
Between the Great Depression in the 1930s followed by World War II and the Korean War in the 1940s and early 1950s, the cocktail cart lost its popularity as it was a luxury that only the very wealthy could afford.
With the end of the war and cause to celebrate, the bar cart reemerged in the mid-1950s when entertaining became a way of life for the middle class. The handy wheeled cart made it easy to prepare someone a drink without having to go to another location such as the kitchen or dining room. Entertaining at home or the office with a fully stocked cart was more economical than going out to bars.
According to my research, the cart had all but lost its luster until the debut of Mad Men. The popularity of the series revived the sleek and sophisticated carts of the 1950s.
Here are ten stylish options, all under $300, in case you are in the market for your own beverage server on wheels.
This cart is spacious and open, which makes it perfect for storing bottles, glasses and other barware. Janiston Acrylic Bar Cart
I love the simplicity of this mid-century cart. So very Mad Men!!
This small round cart is the perfect solution for a small space.
There is plenty of room on this cart including a place specifically for wine glasses.
The shape along with the combination of metallic and acrylic makes the cart super sophisticated. You won't believe the price on this one!!
Industrial and sleek! Seven Antique Metal and Walnut Wood
This is the perfect option for outdoors. Wicker Bar Cart
While all of the options are from www.walmart.com, I did not set out for that to be the case. I actually found several of these carts listed elsewhere, but Wal-Mart just happened to offer the least expensive price. I am a Wal-Mart affiliate, but my "picks" and reviews of their products are exactly that, mine.
As always, thank you for visiting today and I hope you will check in again soon!!
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