Bar Cart Styling 101: How to Make Your Drinks Station the Chicest Spot in the Room

Let’s be honest - your bar cart isn’t just for pouring cocktails. It’s a whole moment. Whether you’re working with a vintage brass trolley or a sleek IKEA hack, styling your bar cart is the easiest way to add personality to your space (and impress your guests without actually trying). Think of it like curating your own little corner of cool-girl chaos - just with more glassware and way better lighting.

So, whether you’re styling a vintage trolley, a floating shelf, or a random slab of stone you’re calling a “cocktail station,” here’s how to make it look so good it hurts.

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Start With a Vibe

Your bar cart needs a mood. Are we going moody martini lounge? Coastal brunch? Retro matcha and mezcal? Pick an aesthetic and let that guide your glassware, colors, and accessories. Think of it like building an outfit - just with more olives.

Add the Main Characters (Your Glassware)

This is where the magic starts. You want pieces that stand out without feeling like a Pinterest try-hard.

• Stainless Steel Martini Glasses – Sleek, sculptural, and borderline intimidating. (Click Here)

• Shell Stem Coupes – Because you’re a coastal cowgirl at heart. They’re weird, elegant, and everyone will ask where they’re from. (Click Here)

• Amber Tumblers – For the old fashioneds you pretend to make but really just use for iced coffee. (Click Here)

Mix shapes, mix eras, mix vibes. If it feels a little off, it’s probably perfect.

Style With Objects That Do Nothing (But Look Amazing)

Welcome to the world of aesthetic clutter. Here’s what to scatter around:

• Cocktail Books – ‘The Cocktail,’ ‘Bubbly,’ ‘Pop Art’… all the classics that no one reads but everyone wants.

• Western Boot Match Holders – Functional? Kind of. Adorable? 100%. Get them in blush, cream, and tan. (Click Here)

• Coasters & Tray Sets — Add dimension, elevate your glass game, and make you look like you have your life together.

Layer Like a Pro

Layering is the difference between “cute” and “this looks like it belongs in a magazine.” Stack books, overlap glassware, lean framed prints against the wall, or add taper candles for drama.

Hot tip: Stack on varying heights. Use a shell dish, a tiny lamp, a chunky book — anything to build visual interest.

Add Something Unexpected

Here’s where the cool girl energy really kicks in. Add one weird, unexpected piece that shouldn’t work - but absolutely does.

• A single abalone shell for sea witch energy

• A lone citrus fruit like it was casually placed and forgotten (lemon > lime)

• A mini sculpture or something borderline kitsch (extra points if it’s from a thrift store)

This is what makes people say “Wait where did you get that?”

Final Touch: The Lighting

Soft lighting is non-negotiable. Bonus points if your cart is near a window for natural light, but otherwise, pop on a warm lamp. Think squiggly base, pleated shade, dimmed-down glow. Not bright, just moody.

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Style Guide

So whether you’re curating your dream bar cart or just casually spiralling on a Sunday night, here’s your no-fuss formula: mix your glassware (steel, shell, amber - go wild), stack up aesthetic books that no one reads but everyone loves, and throw in a few pointless-but-pretty objects for good measure. Add some unexpected textures (think: abalone shells, citrus, cowboy boot match holders), set the mood with warm lighting, and pour yourself a drink you’ll pretend you didn’t just Google.

Want to copy the vibe?

Here’s everything you need to recreate this look - from statement glassware to the little extras that pull it all together.

Benable @ Lenny Rhodes

Happy Shopping x