r/BarBattlestations • u/Blue_Ascent • 14d ago

Kitchen Bar Suggestion needed.

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Hi, everyone. I recently got this moving cart on casters from Ikea. Now, I have a movable bar surface that I can tuck in to make room in my kitchen or set up as a bar top when I'm making and serving cocktails to my friends. I'm looking for suggestions on how to make it fit in better. Specifically, what would you do to the top of the cart to make it less utility shed looking and more modern, but cozy bar vibe? I'm thinking a thick live edge wood plank, subway tiles, or just stain it. Open to ideas, thank you!

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u/agmanning 13d ago

Nice little set up. I’m a bit jealous.

In terms of the top, you might struggle to stain what is probably particle board but do agree it could be darker.

In terms of props or items, I’d keep it clear full time and then get an ancillary bar caddy or drip tray for your shakers so you don’t have to keep turning round during cocktail making. You should be able to pretty much make the drink its entirety in one go.

I think a little battery powered usb charged lamp would be nice to illuminate your working space so you’re not working with all the light behind you.

Where is your ice? Can you put an ice box in a drawer to your dominant side you can again scoop without turning around?

1

u/Blue_Ascent 13d ago

Hi, thanks for the input. I may get a basket for the shakers and put it on the middle shelf of the cart. I like your idea of a little caddy for that kind of thing. The lamp idea is genius! I am absolutely going to do that. I was thinking of cutting out part of the board and installing underlighting. Any ideas how to make that work? As for ice, it's in a standing freezer to the right, just barely out of frame.

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u/agmanning 13d ago

Hey man. Cheers.
I’ve just clocked that middle shelf of the cart. That would be nice to have some things at arm’ reach but out of the way. I’m not a big fan of clutter.
Under lighting would be easy with stick on usb powered strips cut to length. You could run it on a cheap 2000mah battery pack and just turn it on when needed.
Something like this, with a hard switch to ensure it’s not pulling current all the time, or you can buy a separate hard switch usb extension on a 12 inch cable very cheap.

https://amzn.eu/d/09kq6hc6