Image: Brittany Smith
I would consider myself an enthusiastic entertainer who tries her best within a restrictive space. You see, I live in an apartment and while it’s perfectly comfortable for me and my husband, things can get a little squishy when we host loved ones. I already abide by a few small space hacks, like an extendable dining table and realistic prioritisation of appliances but, when I’m hosting I want that extra little something. That final frivalous flourish.
When shaking up a cocktail or serving wine, I want my beautiful glassware and delicious ingredients displayed nicely on a piece that makes a serious style statement, without taking up a lot of room. I scoured the internet for ideas on how to elevate Ikea cabinetry to suit my needs but ultimately, I needed something more flexible.
This came in the form of a bar cart. Compact and portable, it ticked all the boxes for function and had a metal and glass form that gave me serious Gatsby vibes. I’ve probably loved the look of bar carts ever since I first saw Richard and Emily Gilmore’s bar cart in Gilmore Girls, so this purchase was a long time coming and had to be taken seriously. After checking out some of the most popular bar carts on the market, I was ready to commit.
Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ metal and glass bar cart verdict
- Our rating: 9/10
- Why we rated it a 9/10: It has a glamorous, art deco aesthetic that adds a bit of glitz to your interior. It’s compact, making it perfect for entertaining in smaller spaces. Lockable castors ensure both flexibility and safety. At $259.99 (it’s normally priced at $299.99 but is currently on sale) I think it is reasonably priced.
Pros
- Elongated octagonal shape that adds visual interest
- Compact size perfect for entertaining in smaller spaces
- Lockable castors mean flexibility of movement and safety
Cons
- Mirrored shelves mean high maintenance upkeep as dust is very visible
- Castors aren’t perfectly smooth but get the job done
- Flat-packing requires a bit of assembly time
What’s so special about the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart?
It delivers Art Deco style in a compact and portable form – perfect for moving about small spaces and entertaining guests.
Key features
- Made from steel and mirrored glass with anti-shatter film
- Holds up to six wine bottles (but I have definitely stored at least 10 bottles on that bottom shelf with no issues)
- Elongated octagonal shape for visual interest
- Lockable castors secure the bar cart in place
- Gold metal frame for a touch of glamour
- Can be used as a small console to display other items
‘Bahamas’ bar cart: materials and size
Frame made from: 100% steel
Frame dimensions: 78.5cm width x 42cm depth x 77.5cm height
Shelves made from: Mirrored glass
Shelf dimensions: 78.5cm width x 42cm depth
Colour: Gold and mirrored glass
How to use the ‘Bahamas’ bar cart
The steps aren’t complicated at all!
- Assemble the bar cart. This can be done by one person comfortably but does require a mini wrench.
- Position in your desired interior space.
- Decorate as your heart desires! Glassware, tea sets, even perfumes can all look gorgeous atop this bar cart.
Results from our test
I will never be a professional stylist so sharing my own images, with my own glassware, honestly makes me nervous. But I’ll put it all on the line for this bar cart.
There’s a lot of inherent flexibility thanks to the size and wheeled design. Sometimes I place the bar cart against a wall, sometimes I have it positioned next to the end of my kitchen benchtop, where the open plan kitchen becomes the living area. Whether I’m hosting our annual Halloween party or Thanksgiving (my husband is American), I can easily place it nearby.
I also simply love the Art Deco look of this bar cart. It’s a gorgeous base so even with my amateur styling, it looks beautiful and chic.
What do the experts think about the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart?
Most reviewers loved the elegant 1920s look of the bar cart.
“We waited until it was on promo because it’s quite expensive. A bit difficult to keep dust-free as everything shows, but it’s gorgeous and fits in with our 1920s themed space,” said one five-starred reviewer.
“Purchased this gorgeous drinks cart a year ago and it has finished off our bar area. Easy to manoeuvre. Beautiful quality glass shelves and gold frame work. Very happy customer,” said another.
Overall, is the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart worth it?
For me, absolutely. Though you need to assemble this yourself, I’m someone who loves assembling flat-pack furniture (so take this with a grain of salt), but I didn’t break a sweat. The frame feels very sturdy and I’m happy with the quality of the materials used. I absolutely love that you can style this product in so many ways, so highly recommend it.
Where to buy the Temple & Webster ‘Bahamas’ bar cart
Temple & Webster, $259.99 (was $299.99).
If the price point suits you but the style isn’t quite up your alley, Temple & Webster sell many other bar carts. They are available in a range of styles and materials so you can easily find one to suit your home.
