Server Cabinets: The Best Bar Cart Alternative
One of the most elegant pieces you can introduce into your dining room or living room is the bar cart. Available in many different styles, the bar cart is classy and chic and makes hosting a dream. But they have their down sides, too. For some homes, it’s the perfect solution, but in others, it might not work quite as well. In homes with children, where displayed alcohol and easily bumped glass are a hazard, or in environments where individuals may wish to avoid temptations, it makes more sense to hide away the tipples. If this is the case, then you might be searching for a bar cart alternative that still brings something interesting to your room. For this, we have the perfect suggestion: the server cabinet.
Bar Cart or Cabinet: Which is Better
Ultimately, whether a bar cart or cabinet is better comes down to preference and a few other factors. One thing to consider is who will be in and out of the room where the bar cart or alcohol is stored. Is it safe to have these bottles and other implements within reach? If not, then a cabinet is for you.
However, if you are able to safely display your drink options, mixers, glasses, and supplies, then a bar cart is a great way to that in style. Additionally, a bar cart is a great option for mobile hosting; effortlessly move the drinks and food from living room to patio to kitchen to make sure everyone is taken care of.
Along these same lines is the idea of permanence. Is this a storage piece that you prefer to stay where it is or easily move and adapt to household needs? If you want a more permanent piece with a well-defined purpose, then we suggest a cabinet over a bar cart. But if you need adaptability then a bar cart is your solution.
How to Choose the Best Bar Cart Alternative
In our opinion the absolute best bar cart alternative is the server cabinet. This is a simple, often smaller, cabinet with doors that can lock and hide away alcohol, mixers, glasses, and other mixologist needs. Cabinets usually have two to three shelves that can adjust, plus drawers, and a tabletop that can be used for decorations and serving.
To choose the best bar cart alternative (a.k.a. a server cabinet) we recommend following these simple guidelines:
- Measure. Of course, measuring is on our list. Remember that this is a more permanent piece so it needs to fit comfortably in its designated space and be out of major walkways but still accessible.
- Select the number of shelves and drawers needed. Most cabinets are adjustable and somewhat customizable, but some have set arrangements. Ensure you account for every bottle height and every glass size, as well as space to store shakers, jiggers, strainers, spoons, straws, trays, and more.
- Materials. There are plenty of cabinets on the market, so you’ll have no trouble finding one that uses your preferred material. We wanted to note, however, that this is a great accent piece. Use the server cabinet to introduce a bright color, a bit of metallic shine, or a moody wood finish. This way it stands out, pulls guests into the atmosphere of the room, and becomes a gathering space instead of fading into the background.
The Best Server Cabinets to Replace Bar Carts
Depending on how much space you have and how many things you’re hoping to store, you may need to consider a full-sized credenza. But for most spaces, especially small apartments and living room areas, a modest-sized cabinet will do the trick. Below are our favorite cabinet options!
Belmont Cabinet
An answer to the need for compact furniture that serves multiple purposes, the Belmont Cabinet offers four hidden and three exposed storage shelves, as well as an upper drawer. Essentials and extras can be safely stored or displayed as needed while the beautiful natural wood brings an honesty and warmth to entertaining spaces.
The Mixer Cabinet
Adjustable shelves, locking doors, and fluted glass are just the beginning. The Mixer Cabinet is the ultimate drinks, curio, and credenza storage cabinet piece that, thanks to its variety of bright colors, brings whimsy and chic simplicity to any room it enters. Make the Mixer Cabinet a centerpiece of your holiday hosting and then enjoy the charm and versatility throughout the year as you celebrate the small joys of everyday routines.
Frame Semi Cabinet
The Frame Semi Cabinet is a lovely modern piece that embraces some symmetry and avant-garde character with its half-glass, half-MDF doors. Finishing off the minimalist cabinet is leather-wrapped handles and a cheeky glimpse of the treasures held within. We love this option because it is lifted off the ground on legs, further ensuring the safety of the bottles and glasses you store inside.
Be My Guest Bar Cabinet
One of Warm Nordic’s most eye-catching pieces, the Be My Guest Bar Cabinet was designed to be a natural alternative to the bar cart. Crafted from oak, wicker, and steel, this charming Mid-Century cabinet is propped on tall legs and has an open interior, with no shelves, that easily fits plenty of bottles and glasses. Additionally, the tabletop features a lipped edge to act as a built-in serving tray nothing will roll off of.
Enfold Sideboard - Tall - 3 shelves
The Muuto Enfold Sideboard has a gentle sophistication, delivering contemporary elegance that works perfectly for both modern homes and offices. Its clean architectural presence and Nordic functionality means it works perfectly for everyday storage needs but has plenty to offer once the party gets started, including a wood-block tabletop surface and a bit of a wall around three sides to keep things contained. Enjoy the movement of the rippled doors and the option of upgrading sizes with the Enfold low sideboard.
Find the Best Serving Ware at HORNE
Not everyday is a party, but when there is something to celebrate, do it right and your way with modern serving ware and furniture form HORNE. When a bar cart just doesn’t quite suit your needs or isn’t the safest option for your home, use a server cabinet to hide things away without sacrificing material quality or style. Shop the full HORNE kitchen and furniture collections and find the perfect pieces to make your cocktail or dinner party memorable.
