Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Chinoiserie Bar Cart


I admit that I have a thing for bar carts. There is something so glamorous about a well stocked bar cart. Mine below is all ready for guests at all times save for ice. I always keep white wine and champagne chilled as well. My nickel and glass version from Restoration Hardware is quite classic in design. If you enlarge the photo you will see Chinoiserie touches including silver parasol cocktail picks and a silver pagoda bottle stopper. Isn't this antique Chinoiserie cart above to die for?


Here is my daughter's bar cart below-a great Art Deco version in chrome and black glass from Target we snagged a couple years ago. Be sure to check out this previous post I did on the Chinoiserie bar for more inspiration. eBay is a great source for vintage bar carts. Several years ago I read a great quote by an interior designer who said the only problem with bar carts was the concern that the host might roll it away!

24 comments:

  1. I LOVE bar carts...love, love, love them. I would put them in every room if I had the space. Mine is a brass, bamboo hand-me-down from my mother-in-law and it is probably one of my top 3 favorite pieces in my home.

    http://www.aestheticoiseau.com/2009/10/and-in-this-corner.html

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  2. I list Bar Cart under necessary home essential right after good linens and sharp knives. I'm constantly finding them at flea markets. Love your well stocked versions!

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  3. I too love bar carts and I'm currently in the market to get one. This weekend in the NYIGF and I will be on the lookout for one!

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  4. Bar carts are so elegant and the chinoiserie one is stunning!

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  5. The chinoiserie cart is stunning. I love the idea of bar carts but most of my friends drink only wine. I think the bar carts would make great moveable libraries.

    Off topic: I appreciated your well thought out (as usual) comments on Little Augury regarding anon comments.

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  6. OK, now I want a bar cart, these are both fantastic! I usually just set my up on my secretary, or small butler's pantry.

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  7. Target turns up surprising things, sometimes! I agree, there is something very old-Hollywood glamorous about a well stocked bar cart, filled to the brim with glimmering bottles and mirrored, reflective surfaces...

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  8. Not only are bar carts great furniture pieces they are essential for entertaining. I can see you are a great hostess.

    Firoozeh

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  9. This brings back memories of being a newlywed (to a Norther Italian) in the mid-70s. These little bar carts were ubiquitous in houses I visited near Torino or those of Italian ex-pats living in San Salvador in Central America. Do you know how hard it was for me to find a little bar cart back in my time? I finally located one in an exquisite furniture store in Tusla, Oklahoma. Must say, it's not overly stocked (has to be that American Puritanism kicking in), but spouse and I still resort to it as storage for his bottles of single malt. Glad to know my daughter will have a nice array to choose from amongst manufacturers nowadays!

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  10. LOVE the deco cart! For some reason bar carts are impossible to find here in Norway! Hopeless!

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  11. AO-They are actually great in bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. as side tables, storage, etc. Yours is lovely.

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  12. Chic Coles-I would love to own this one!

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  13. Home Before Dark-What about crystal decanters of sherry and port? As for anonymous commenters, why do bloggers allow them and then complain about them. Just say no!

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  14. Lauren-The Target bar cart is a reproduction of an Art Deco one I saw on 1st Dibs for $2500-it was $150!

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  15. Color and Style-They are wonderful for entertaining.

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  16. Donata-Great story-thanks for stopping by.

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  17. Dagny-Oh no-and I know Norwegians like to drink-I am part Norwegian!

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  18. You turned me on to the bar cart several months ago!! Insane!!

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  19. j'adore the parasol picks!! so charming.

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