With entertaining season upon us, what's a more fitting project than a versatile little bar cart? A sturdy — but rather ugly — thrift store find, this little microwave cart gets to live on with an (arguably more fun) second life.
The writer at She's No Martha had a hankering for a sleek little cocktail station, and she dressed up her $20 find with some white paint and some handles on the sides. With a little styling, she now has a beautiful, functional piece that didn't break the bank — and she also has an excuse to throw a party (or at least declare it to be "cocktail hour" whenever the mood strikes!).
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I like it - much better than the cheap laminate wood look. But I would love to see what it would look like in, say, red or peacock blue.
This looks great. I love it! I have been looking forever for a bar cart, and I never see them, but I see microwave carts all the time. I never even thought about using one as a bar cart. Maybe now I'll be able to find something suitable!
Yup, way better but I do would have liked to see it in another color...but the white seems to suit the decor.
Agreed with the above. I think the white looks very generic -- like it could have come from any old store. But it is an improvement!
What a lousy selection of commenters.
Great job! Love the handles added and color.
Well done! I recently bought an inexpensive red metal tool cart to use as a bar cart (http://www.amazon.com/Service-Capacity-Welding-Swivel-Wheels/dp/B004UC6NOG). I removed the handle so it's the perfect size and added pretty little touches so it's not utilitarian looking. I highly recommend it if you're on the hunt for an inexpensive alternative!
Ooh, that is cute! What a good idea.
Well done.
Don't like the leaning picture --- now you can't roll the cart away from the wall.
Nice one, Elizabeth!
Call me boring, but I like the white. There are a ton of ways to add color, and, with white, you have a functional piece of furniture that you can dress up how you like. Good job!
Great work!
Pretty, pretty! The white makes it look elegant with all the metals and the art. Nice idea using big enough handles for the towel, too. Great job!
Looks fine for what's on the cart & nice against the warm grey wall color. Yes, in a different setting, other colors could work. Big improvement over 'before'.
@caitwalked, what are we supposed to say? She bought a bar cart and painted it white. Aside from commenting on the improvement (is it better or not?) and the color (white or something else?), there ain't much to say.
This is actually pretty great. I really like the color and finish. Simple. Clean. Nice work!
http://diligentdesigner.blogspot.com/
LOL, caitwalked.....I signed in just to say AT comment trolls.....they must lead such brilliant lives.
Love the cart. Gives me lots of ideas and I can imagine it in Red or Blue. I don't have to "SEE" it...
Can you show us a pix?
Great redo!
@ Elizabeth Ho
What a handsome cart. I agree that with the handle removed it would make a great bar.
that used to be a classic mid-century modern bar cart and now it is not.
Too bad she didn't cover those ugly sides but just painted them. Other than that, nice work!
Actually, that used to be a TV cart. TVs used not to be the focus of our lives, and so they would be rolled out for viewing. My grandparents had that same cart.
I like the white color - it lets the liquor (or liqueur, what have you) stand out.
Just tried to take a few with my iPad- not great but they'll do!
http://followgram.me/i/328371741663217914_19861841
http://followgram.me/i/328371461928306934_19861841
Lookin good,..the colour palette (pale duck-egg and beige )is fab
Love that red cart, Elizabeth Ho! You're right, perfect for the same use!
Well for cripes sake- whether it's white... or purple or orange with green polke dots... THAT'S not the point! The point here is that these folks took a bland looking rollaway cart & turned it into something that fit THEIR decor!!! In the foto I see white walls, white area carpets, grey floor, white picture on the wall... so they decided to continue with their decor/color scheme. What's the problem? If people don't like the color white that these folks chose then get a cart & paint it whatever color works for your decor. Personally I think it looks great & I have a similar cart in the garage. I've been considering painting it with a southwest theme since that is the decor style of where I am living at the moment. This inspired me. Well done. because if the point of AT is to inspire us with the ideas culled from others then they've succeeded. Why do people assume that we ALL need to decorate the same exact way as everyone else? If that were the case we'd all STILL be living in caves with bearish husbands decorating the walls with etching of bison hunts!
I'd like to see how you did the sides Are the painted white or did you leave them as they were.? (i.e. in the "wicker look?"
I have an old bathroom wall unit that is made out of fake wicker and really cheap wood that I have been contemplating painting, which is why I ask.
@ amisdottir, where is the "classic mid-century modern bar cart" that used to be??
I only see a generic microwave or TV cart.
Really O__o
And those "ugly sides" are cheap laminate so painting on them is perfectly fine. They are not textured or something.
Everyday is more evident that some people here don't read the text...
Great redo. Love it.
The picture can be moved....
Love bar carts! Great job!
Loved this comment!
Hi KathieC: I used one of those super primers that will stick to anything. Maybe give that a try?
Thanks for the cheers -- and the other interesting comments. This was actually painted a light gray but I don't think it shows well in the photo. I can't recall the color... just a sample I had on-hand. I just painted over the side veneer (after some debate as I loved the texture). Oh, and the photo does get moved to various parts of the house so no worries there!
(ShesNoMartha)