7 Ways to Use Utility Carts

Named for its utilitarianism, the multi-purpose utility cart has always been a flexible piece of furniture. It's not hard to find one at hardware, industrial, medical, and kitchen supply stores, and it has a wide range of functions...

In a kitchen, it creates extra counter space.

A rolling bar is a great addition to a party.

When you're entertaining outdoors, it can move from the kitchen to the patio.

In a home office, it makes a great laptop, printer, or file caddy.

As a portable media or record player stand, it moves from room to room.

In a laundry room, it's a great organizer and folding station.

Use it as a side table stacked with magazines or books.

Other ideas? Let us know in the comments below.

Photo: Pibbs Utility Cart with Drawers from Cosmetic Solutions, $218

Comments (10)

in the past I've used them as closet organizers and dressers as well

I have one in my front closet, to store shoes I don't wear regularly, and also my exercise equipment (dumb bells, etc.). They're out of the way, but having a cart on wheels makes it easily accessible when needed.

I love rolling carts, whether they are called "bars," "utility carts" or anything else. I think furniture on wheels is just a plain good idea. I remember seeing Vicente Wolf's first published apartment, and everything -- everything! -- was on nice big wheels. All subchromatic, of course.

I have one that I put my sewing supplies on. (Sewing machine, fabric, notions, patterns) When I'm sewing I can move it to my work area (since I'm not fortunate enough to have a dedicated crafting area) and when I'm done I can roll it away so it's not taking up space in my main living area.

Every piece of furniture should have wheels! I have wheels under my living room low table, best-idea-ever, I use it so much, and when I have friends over I just roll it to the side.

i'm the same as laetitiae; mine's fabulous for sewing!!

We have one in the kitchen that we put our microwave on, and store our serving dishes in the middle, and our pots an pans at the bottom. It creates more "cabinet" space in our wee kitchen.

I have a small cart tucked in a closet with laundry supplies, its super helpful and makes me feel organized :)

It can be an arts and crafts corner for kids. A place to store supplies and even display their works.

It can even serve as their lemonade stand for summer. Just put a poster to cover the back (facing front). :)

I use a cheapy one from Target to stash all of my grooming products. I don't keep these items in the bathroom (1) because I don't have the space (2) I like to maximize the life of my makeup, which means not storing them in areas that regularly get hot and humid. It's convenient and I can move it around my room depending on what I need it for.