Ditch Your Bar Cart For An Even Cuter Alternative You'll Wish You Tried Sooner

Ever watched your favorite bottle tumble from your bar cart? Whether you're hopelessly clumsy, own a mischievous cat, or have little ones at home, trolleys aren't the most family-friendly type of booze storage. They're also not practical for large liquor collections. This brings us to a pretty charming bar cart alternative: bookcases. That's right, we're talking about converting a bookshelf (which you probably already have) into a custom home bar. It's inexpensive, can be personalized on a whim, and to top it off offers all the storage one needs to house their barware, spirits, and more.

For those without a bookcase, you have a few options. One, you can check out your local thrift stores and scour Facebook Marketplace to find affordable alternatives. Another option is to purchase one from a retailer, though this will likely be the priciest choice. Finally, you could build it yourself — we've got just the IKEA hack to DIY gorgeous built-in bookshelves if you want to go this route. Maybe even try another IKEA hack to create built-in storage under your stairs if that area of your home is sitting empty. Regardless, your bookcase can be open-styled, closed with doors, or feature a mix of both. Ready to channel your inner mixologist? Pour yourself a drink and let's dive into the bookcase bar trend and how to style yours like a pro.

The first order of business: sprucing up the unit. If your bookcase is longing for a makeover, you might want to lighten the furniture if it's in a dark stain you hate or paint it. For the latter, painting it the same color as your walls gives the illusion of a built-in setup even if the piece isn't floor-to-ceiling or wall-spanning. Take it a step further by adding wallpaper on the back of the shelves. Then, light up the shelves with LED lights, which are guaranteed to deliver cozy lounge bar vibes after work hours.

Once you're satisfied with the look of your new biblio-bar, it's time to set it up. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are all great places to entertain, so make sure your beverages aren't too far away from these spaces. As for styling, have your special bottles pop at the top, followed by decorative (yet functional) details sprinkled throughout. Think cocktail books, stylish glassware, small vases for straws and mixing spoons, and a tray to highlight your signature drinks on.

Even better, you could fill the rest of the shelves with your favorite reads to create a space where literature and drinks meet. Not only does this add visual drama, but you'll also be the coolest host in town. And if you still have room, throw in a cute speaker, some art, and a few plants to finish off your personality-packed bookcase bar.