Color Me Thrifty - The Bar Shelf

 

Bar Carts are all the rage of Pinterest and for most blogger home tours out there. But it always seems these adorable drink stations cost an arm and a leg. Not wanting to be left out I set out to create our own version... for less than $100!

It starts with getting a good cart / shelf. I found mine from Urban Outfitters for $60 including shipping. Then we asked what color you think we should paint it (since the yellow didn't fit with our color scheme). Global Blue was the winner and it looks fabulous!

The only other piece we needed was a wine rack element and we found the perfect one from Pier 1 Imports for $12.  It is actually stackable so when we eventually build a wine cellar we've got a starting piece. 

Then it was a matter of bringing everything into one place. Our cocktail and party books, the bottles of booze and the cocktail napkins and umbrella straws all made their way over. A small box labeled "misc" holds decks of cards, dice, and a few spare ping pong balls. Our travel sized poker set fits nicely along side our hand-painted Dayton Flyers wine glasses and our decanter. And, finally the humidor (cigar box) has found a home.

Since booze bottles come in all shapes and sizes it is easy to arrange them in an attractive way while also making sure they're each identifiable. We propped our favorites out front (remember Hendrick's from the French 75s?) but it is easy to pick out the others.

So, it is possible to have a bar cart for under $100* you just need to be a little creative. Up-cycle old shelving or bedside tables, check out local thrift stores or antique markets and shop your house. Little jars or bowls can be repurposed to hold straws, matchbooks or wine glass tags. The most important thing is that it is a useful space for you!

*Liquor store bill not included... throw a "stock the bar" party and ask your friends to help you complete your selection.

Color Me Thrifty - Bar Cart on a Budget

inspiration images via Pinterest | Urban Outfitters Shelf

It seems like everyone has a bar cart and I hate to be the one left out... but I don't have a spare $600 for the Society Social cart that I desire. I never advocate for knockoffs. But I do advocate for getting what you want at a price you can afford.

Enter the Urban Outfitters Tulip Shelf which is unfortunately now out-of-stock but the Urban Outfitters has a lot of good, affordable options is an excellent alternative. (As is the IKEA VITTSJÖ if you have room to go vertical. 

Now I really do like the yellow the only problem is that all of our furniture is essentially in one room (aka loft living) and unless I get all new furniture (an option sidelined by Danny pretty quickly) the yellow has to go.

Here's where I need your help. The bar cart / shelf will be in a corner on its own but will be in the eye line of our grey West Elm Henry Chair and a pistachio slash leaf colored love seat. We also have a black sideboard from Crate and Barrel, a black and chrome dining set from IKEA and a grey shelving unit from CB2 in the space.

I want the cart to add a pop of color but don't want it to draw attention. I've decided that a blue is a good choice but now I need your help picking from Ocean, Iris or Global Blue. 

Whaddya think? Which one should I go with? 

updated: the winner was... Global Blue! 
See the finished product here: Color Me Thrifty - The Bar Shelf