If you’re (at a minimum) a semi-frequent visitor, you’ve probably seen me roll my bar carts all around the house. Even though I’ve talked about how versatile they are, I don’t know that I’ve ever showed how versatile they can be beyond entertaining. A few questions I am asked is “Where do you store them when you’re done?” and “What if I don’t entertain a lot? Is a bar cart practical for me?” The answer to both of these questions is connected- especially when faced with small space constraints and lack of storage, you can store these in plain sight! What if you have a small foyer/entry? Or better yet, a small bedroom? You want to maximize storage and simple side tables, while size friendly, a surface top alone negates the opportunity for storage. A solution for all these? A bar cart nightstand.
…and also indoors like when we hosted friends for the Fourth of July with a signature frozen cocktail (full post HERE).
Not efficient and as a result, storing guest amenities was tricky. Fast forward to today. I figured out how to killed two birds with one stone! I officially have a place to store the bar cart when I’m not entertaining, and, I’ve added more storage to this tiny guest bedroom. Total win-win.
I loved the lamp that was in here before but needed something taller and slimmer to maximize surface space. This concrete base lamp worked perfectly.
I won’t go through all the guest essentials since I recently compiled a list of luxuries and essentials (HERE), but notice a few items I’ve since incorporated based on your suggestions 😉 This sweet bud vase is available in a few different shapes and is small enough to sit sink-side, but is substantial enough to hold big blooms like these limelights, cut from our bushes. It’s also two-toned which makes it easier to use with grays/taupes/whites/colors, regardless of the shade.
I always like to keep a small trinket dish available for guests to corral their jewelry/pocket items and this footed bowl is perfect for the occasion. I’ve been a volcano candle snob for a while, only deviating occasionally, but I’m now yearning to put these handmade eucalyptus and mint candles everywhere I need a fresh scent. Y’all, they are so good. They come in various scents but this is a fav if you love “fresh and clean”. As a bonus, if you want to try before you commit to the larger size, the minis are only $3.99/each (HERE).
I have had our wifi password available to guests in the past, but not having found a cute (but small enough) frame, I always resorted to folding card stock temporarily. I think this tiny frame was made for brief guest info 😉 These frames are available in a set of three online (HERE), or you can find in-store at World Market individually.
With the cart having two drawers, I dedicated one to snacks/candy (with a tiny notepad)…
And one to bath essentials. I got this Magnolia hand cream specifically for my mom (the queen of magnolias 😉 ) but it’s a nice touch for any guest. I love these mini luxury soaps too – a way to treat your guests without wasting huge bars of soap. If you have never looked for note cards, soaps, and bath luxuries at World Market, you’re missing out 😉
I stored guest towels on the bottom, along with waters.
And the handle provides the perfect spot for extra linens/throw blankets.
So tell me. Have you ever used a bar cart as a more permanent piece of furniture? Let me know how and where in the comment section below!
You can see some of my other favorite bar cart looks HERE.
Kris {Driven by Decor} says
August 7, 2017 at 11:04 amLove this idea so much, all the way down to the tip for storing an extra throw on the handle – genius!
Kelley Nan says
August 7, 2017 at 1:05 pmKris, thank you! Like a Swiss army knife, it has a little something for everything 😉
Emma says
August 7, 2017 at 1:47 pmLove this! Your guest will never want to leave! Heck they just might stay! On second thought ? Maybe that’s not a good idea. Just kidding! lol ? it’s fabulous!
Kelley Nan says
August 7, 2017 at 1:53 pmHaha! Emma, thank you so much! Solved two problems 😉
Joni King says
August 7, 2017 at 11:32 amLove, love, love this idea! What a great way to store and have so many offerings for your guest! Another “knock out of the ball park” Kelley Nan! Hugs!
Kelley Nan says
August 7, 2017 at 1:04 pmJoni, thank you so much! HUGS to you!
Jennifer Gainer says
August 7, 2017 at 11:40 amSuch a great reuse of the bar cart for the winter months. I love it!!!
Kelley Nan says
August 7, 2017 at 1:04 pmJen, thank you! So helpful using it as a piece of furniture!
[email protected] says
August 7, 2017 at 5:52 pmI recently pinned a bar cart used as in place of a night stand. Love this idea Kelley and how you styled it. Everything your guests need within arms reach.
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:14 pmLauren, thank you and you are so right- I love thinking of those little luxuries I would love as a guest!
Brittany Hayes says
August 7, 2017 at 7:47 pmGIRL!!! This is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen! Love the little wifi frame too! What’s cute ideas! You nailed it as always! XOXO
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:14 pmBrit, thank you!! If you come stay with us one night, I’ll get it all set up for y’all 😉
Haneen says
August 8, 2017 at 3:47 amThis is fantastic, Kelley! Love the tips!
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:15 pmHaneen, thank you!
Kimberly says
August 8, 2017 at 9:32 amYou’re on SPOT every time…love this!!!
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:16 pmKimberly, you are too kind! Thank you!
Janine Coleman says
August 8, 2017 at 12:46 pmGreat post! I am going to use this idea for a nightstand for my daughter at college. Great for extra storage.
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:16 pmJanine, that would be perfect!!
www.betterbedsolutions.com says
August 9, 2017 at 11:40 amI love this idea! How unique and makes your guests feel so welcome and pampered. Thanks for sharing!
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:16 pmThank you!
Laurie says
August 9, 2017 at 2:16 pmReally love this idea! The bar cart looks absolutely beautiful there – a very versatile piece!
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:17 pmLaurie, thank you! I agree- they are so versatile!
Bree says
August 9, 2017 at 2:50 pmKelley, I really love this bar cart so much (I love all of your bar carts!)!! Love your styling too and as always your tips are on point!! Thanks for another inspiring post!! xoxo
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:17 pmBree, you are too good to me. Thank you! xo
Randi says
August 10, 2017 at 7:17 pmKelley I love this idea! The small frame with the wi fi info is my favorite! You are so clever! xo
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:17 pmRandi, I know I would feel pampered as a guest in your house but I would probably never actually see the guest room… I would be too busy hanging out in that kitchen!
Gretchen Thomas (Nan) says
August 11, 2017 at 9:41 pmI love this! Can’t wait to check out the drawers on my next visit. Ha!
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:18 pmHaha! Nan, they are ready for you!
Andrea says
August 18, 2017 at 5:32 pmThis is extremely clever. I think what really makes it is having the drawers too.
Kelley Nan says
August 23, 2017 at 12:26 pmAndrea, thank you so much! My former little table did nothing haha