The tea cart used to be a staple in homes, but it's not so popular anymore. We think it's time for a comeback, since tea carts can be very practical in a small space. They're easily movable and they can pinch hit as a bar, side table, laptop workstation, or serving piece...
Although they can be tough to scout out, you can find them in the usual second-hand spots, from craigslist to antique stores to flea markets. Like any antique, prices can range from under $100 to several thousands of dollars. The 1950s two-tier tea cart from the top photo is $3,400 from Antiques on Old Plank Road. The aluminum-frame cart in the second photo is $1,600 from Modern Times. Another pricey, but beautiful, classic is Alvar Aalto's Tea Trolley. Less expensive versions can be found by keeping an eye out at thrift stores.
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I just ordered a tea cart from Ebay! It should be coming any day now and I'm so excited. Our house is VERY small. We don't have an eat-in kitchen and the only room that provides enough space for a dining area is down the hall from the kitchen. A cart will be perfect for bringing things to and from.
The best thing about the one I'm waiting so anxiously for, is it's collapsible!
view terminallygroovy's profile
Egads. They run $3700?! I'm going to stop passing them up at estate sales!
...I use an old 1950s metal typing table in much the same way as you suggest using a tea cart, and I love it. People are always asking me where I got the awesome laptop table.
view toomuchstuff's profile
In my house, we use our old-school tea trolley in two ways: as a side table for our sofa (see it? It's the little two-tiered gold number to the left of the cosmic couch — click the thumbs for a better view), and as a stand for our film projector. And, because it's on wheels, it can serve as an extra dining space during large gatherings. A great multifunctional piece.
view allisonlindsay's profile
I always thought the term was "pitch hit." Anyways, that top cart would make for a very nice bar. I agree.
view orangejuce's profile
Check mine out! I found it at the Broadway Antique Mall in January and fell in love with it the second I saw it. At $500, it was bit of a splurge for an impulse buy, but it's probably my favorite piece of furniture. So versatile! We keep it in our studio/office/library room as a "printer caddy", but I could find a use for it anywhere.
view Maria B's profile