17 best drinks trolleys for creating the perfect at-home bar
The best drinks trolleys blend style and practicality with ease. Whether you're channelling your inner Gatsby, or embracing a more minimalist aesthetic, a well-chosen bar cart can elevate any space, from your living room to your dining room, or in fact any other room that could do with a glam storage solution – why not give your bathroom a glow up with a nippy drinks trolley that can slide over to your roll top, whilst displaying your favourite bath products?
The rise of the home bar has brought about an array of choices for drinks carts. A drinks cabinet with bottle holders and dedicated space for wine glasses ensures your barware is both organised and displayed with flair. Retailers like Swoon, Dunelm, and John Lewis offer a wide range of options, from the functional to the fabulously decorative, while on Amazon, you can find everything from a minimalist Scandi drinks cart to a more extravagant art deco serving cart.
But a well-curated drinks trolley isn't just about aesthetics – functionality is key. The top shelf can be reserved for your most frequently used items, while the bottom shelf offers additional storage for mixers and less frequently used glassware. This ensures everything you need is within arm's reach, making entertaining a breeze.
So whether you're setting up for a small gathering or a grand celebration, the right drinks trolley can make all the difference. Take the time to find the drinks trolley that not only fits your space but also your lifestyle. From the clean lined to the all-out ostentatious, there's a perfect bar trolley out there just waiting to become the centrepiece of your next get-together.
SKIP TO: What are the best drinks trolleys in 2024? | What should you put on a drinks trolley? | How do you style a drinks trolley? | Our top picks
The best drinks trolleys – at a glance
- Best drinks trolley overall: Aero Drinks Trolley, £269, Swoon
- Best art deco-inspired drinks trolley: Healy Drinks Trolley, Metal, WAS £399, NOW £319.99, Dunelm
- Best value drinks trolley: Drink Trolley, Black, £24.99, Wilko
- Best contemporary drinks trolley: Darcy Round Drinks Trolley, WAS £129, NOW £64.50, Very
- Best mid-century inspired drinks trolley: Manhattan Marble Drinks Trolley, £379, Atkin & Thyme
What are the best drinks trolleys in 2024?
It really depends on what you're after. A bar trolley with a metal frame, glass top, and mirrored shelves exudes a luxe vibe reminiscent of the art deco era. And a small drinks trolley packs a big punch, perfect for showcasing your finest glassware and decanter. For those who adore a retro twist, consider an old school serving trolley with castors. The mobility makes it not just a stylish piece but also a highly functional addition, easily transitioning from a side table to the centrepiece of your next soirée.
If your taste leans more towards the modern and minimalist, a round drinks trolley with clean lines and a stainless steel finish might be on your wishlist. The beauty of a minimalist design lies in its versatility – it's a seamless fit in a Scandi-inspired living room, or a contemporary dining room.
For industrial style lovers, a simple bar trolley featuring a metal frame and glass shelves offers a perfect blend of form and function. These trolleys often come with plenty of room for your favourite tipple, mixers, and an ice bucket, and they prove as practical as they are chic, turning your collection of barware into a focal point.
What should you put on a drinks trolley?
The size of your bar cart, along with its storage capabilities, will help decide exactly how much you can fit on it, but at the very least, it should have enough space for your best-looking bottles of booze, as well as some pieces of statement glassware — like glamorous champagne coupes, stemless wine glasses, and a decanter filled with whisky or wine. And to make sure everybody is catered for, we'd also recommend adding a trusty alcohol-free bottle of gin or rum to your selection of spirits.
How do you style a drinks trolley?
Arranging your bottles, glassware, and bar accessories on your drinks trolley is far easier if you've got different heights and shapes to work with. After all, if possible, you want to make sure that every individual item can be seen.
It's worth noting that a handsome drinks trolley does not need to be stored away when the party's over. To really dress up yours, play around with decorative pieces like candle holders, vases of dried or fresh flowers, and coffee table books. Also, pick accessories that really play into the aesthetic you're hoping to achieve — for example, if you're going for an art deco martini bar vibe, then try cocktail shakers, a chic stand of bar tools, and a leaning mixology print. It's giving Gatsby.
For our edit of the best drinks trolleys to buy to suit all budgets – keep scrolling.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H75cm x W40cm x D40cm
- Materials: Steel
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: The Aero drinks trolley in brass is a lesson in understated glamour. And it's as practical as it is pretty. Compact and angular, it features two fixed shelves for bottles and glassware, while it can be easily wheeled around thanks to it inconspicuous (note: also brass-coloured) castors.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H78.7cm x W75cm x D45.7cm
- Materials: Glass and iron
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: Looking like it’s been rolled right out of a 1920s speakeasy, this bar cart oozes art deco elegance. It comes in both bronze and champagne colourways, and makes the perfect mixology cart for whipping up celebratory martinis.
Save when you shop for drinks trolleys with these Dunelm discount codes.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H75cm x W47cm x D63cm
- Materials: Brass plated metal
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: Like all of Soho Home's offering, this beautiful bar cart is inspired by the gems you'd find in the brand's members' clubs – specifically the vintage drinks trolleys used in Soho House's exquisite bars and dining spaces.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H77cm x W70cm x D40cm
- Materials: Iron, glass
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: Crafted from iron and finished with lacquered brass, this circular drinks trolley is one heck of a looker. With its two glass shelves, it also proves highly practical, and best, over time, it will develop a characterful antique patina.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H77cm x W84cm x D36cm
- Materials: Iron, marble, glass
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: The Manhattan is a standout for its slimline silhouette. It exudes luxury with its black glass top, rust-coloured marble shelf, and black metal frame. Perfect for mid-century lovers.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H91cm x W49cm x D53cm
- Materials: Metal, MDF
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: Offering an alternative take on art deco or industrial style drinks trolleys, the Darcy boasts clean contemporary lines and a light pink and white colourway, giving cool Scandi vibes. The perfect addition to summer soirées, inside or out.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H85cm x W80cm x D40cm
- Materials: Steel, mango wood, marble
- Additional features? Yes – removable trays and a large bootle rack
Why we love it: Sharp and stripped-back, this industrial-style trolley has been made with a mix of steel, black marble and mango wood. Our favourite part? It’s got to be the statement zig-zag wine rack.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H76cm x W68cm x D35cm
- Materials: Metal, glass
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: This is a product that looks and feels much more expensive than it is. In fact, at under £25, it is an absolute steal. Key features include two glass shelves, a sturdy handle, and swivel wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H76cm x W43cm x D30cm
- Materials: Alloy steel
- Additional features? Yes - 360° rotating casters
Why we love it: Its bright gold colourway brings a bit of glitz to its otherwise industrial stylings. The trolley features a sturdy metal frame and tempered glass shelves, plus, its 360° rotating wheels make it easy to move, and it’s super practical with easy assembly.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H72cm x W51cm x D51cm
- Materials: Metal, glass
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: Adding a dash of stylish flair to gatherings is this chic wheeled drinks trolley – available in contemporary chrome or antique brass. Its circular frame and glass shelves make it pleasing on the eye, while there's plenty of practical storage – plus it comes with a 10 year guarantee.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H83cm x W75cm x D41cm
- Materials: Stained wood, clear glass, and brass-plated steel
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: With its retro silhouette and slatting, warm acacia timber material and simple glass tabletop, there's something unmistakably mid-century modern about this retro trolley. But what truly brings it all together? The subtle brass detailing — which feels like the perfect contemporary touch.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H55cm x W35cm x D35cm
- Materials: Metal, glass
- Additional features? Yes – lockable castors
Why we love it: We do love a versatile product, and this nippy number from Ikea is just that. The black metal trolley can be used for drinks, as a handy extra kitchen unit, or even in the bathroom. It can be picked up and moved from room to room with ease, and it definitely won't break the bank. Petite and purse-friendly.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H74cm x W64cm x D32cm
- Materials: Mirror and metal
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: With its silver frame and chic mirror shelves, this drinks trolley has a contemporary yet understated feel — but could also easily be dressed up with a few sparkly accessories. Plus, its slim oval silhouette makes it perfect for slotting alongside a desk, or the arm of a sofa.
Save when you shop for drinks trolleys with these Next discount codes.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H80cm x W83cm x D43cm
- Materials: Steel and white marble
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: A truly decadent duo, white marble and polished brass always look opulent when used together. With its stylish swooping curves, this two-tiered trolley is a statement art deco piece of furniture.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H81cm x W62cm x D41cm
- Materials: Iron and tempered glass
- Additional features? Yes — 4x bottle slots
Why we love it: A stunning accent piece, this glamorous trolley will instantly garner interest with its three layered tiers and its gorgeous antique brass finish. To really play into the vintage aesthetic, style it with glamorous crystal glassware, and plenty of shiny cocktail equipment.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H78cm x W68cm x D34cm
- Materials: Glass and metal
- Additional features? No
Why we love it: If art deco glamour is the look you're going for, then a gold drinks trolley with a round silhouette and shiny glass shelves will definitely help you achieve it. This one fits the necessary requirements — and is also helpfully considerably less expensive than it looks.
Save when you shop for drinks trolleys with these La Redoute discount codes.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: H92cm x W46cm x D46cm
- Materials: Metal
- Additional features? Yes — segmented hidden storage in the globe
Why we love it: There's a whole lot to love about this bar cart. A must-have for a bold and maximalist home, there's plenty of hidden space inside the disco ball to store your spirits and mixers of choice — and the mirrored tiles will make the whole room glisten when the sunlight hits them. Essentially, it's the kind of bar cart that'll make you want to throw a party the second it shows up.
