Bar Carts Are Out, Book Carts Are In—4 Tips to Try the Space-Saving Trend

For true book lovers, surface at home can serve as a bookshelf. While it’s arguable that there’s no such thing as having many books, you might be looking for novel ways to house your treasures without resorting to teetering piles.

Another bookcase isn’t always the answer, though, especially if you’re tight on space enough as it is. Instead, consider repurposing a bar cart as a bookshelf and put your to-be-read list on wheels.

Why Repurpose a Bar Cart as a Book Cart?

Many design experts would agree that multifunctional pieces add an eclectic look to a room; for example, using a storage trunk as a coffee table or a bureau in lieu of a time-honored TV stand or entertainment center.

Even if you don’t drink, a bar cart makes a compact and portable spot to stow books. Consider it an elegant upgrade to the more basic yet totally functional library cart.

Perhaps you already are using a bar cart for its intended purpose. In that case, you might slide some bottles around to free up space for a few books.

If you’re into classic literature, books and spirits are the perfect pairing; we think F. Scott Fitzgerald and Dorothy Parker in particular would be pleased to know their books scored a spot on your bar cart.

How to Style a Bar Cart as a Book Cart

Not all bar carts are created the same, but most will offer at least two shelves. You could stack books on them just as you would a regular bookshelf, of course.

But since this is no ordinary bookshelf, get imaginative with arranging your various tiles. Here are a few ideas to get the wheels turning (pardon the pun) on your novel home library:

Pile Up Coffee Table Books

Why should your coffee table have all the fun? Arrange your largest, heaviest books on a bar cart. It will free up space on your actual coffee table—so much, in fact, that you might even decide to subtract the table for more floor space in your living room.

Accent With Decor

For some, books are decorative enough, but a bar cart allows room to play around with accents. You might add some eye-catching bookends, which hold your stacks up as well as offer an attractive aesthetic.

You could add picture frames or compact decorative pieces, like candles or a compact lamp. Or, you could simply decide to twine lights around the rails for some ambient lighting. 

Arrange Books by Color 

Book covers come in every color of the rainbow. Consider picking a hue or two and arranging books accordingly on your bar cart. 

Organize by Theme or Authors

Keep your favorite books easily accessible by adding only certain books or authors to your bar cart. Add decor that complements the theme, like dragon or faerie bookends for a fantasy series.

Where to Place Your Repurposed Bar Cart

While the size and layout of your space might restrict where you’d put a bookshelf, you’ve got much more flexibility when it comes to your bar cart. Consider some of these spots for your novel library:

• Arranged in front of bookcase: Books on top of books? Absolutely! Give your shelves some breathing room by placing books on the cart that are next up on your reading queue.
• Next to other furniture: Unlike a high bookcase that needs to be attached to a wall for support, a bar cart just needs a bit of floor space—floor space. Try as a side table next to your favorite reading chair, beside your bed as a nightstand, or behind a sofa. You might even slide it right up to your kitchen cabinets to hold all your cookbooks.
• Tucked into a corner: It’s a no-brainer to roll a bar cart right into a corner. Experiment with placing yours flush against the wall or at an angle. 
• In front of a window: Books double as decor, so go ahead and put them on display for the neighbors or passersby to see. Don’t worry about blocking natural lithe; the open design of a bar cart will still allow it to filter into the room.

Of course, the real beauty of a bar cart is its mobility. Go ahead and test out various spots until you find the perfect one for your literary treasures.