Canned Goods Taking Up Too Much Storage Space? Grab A Bar Cart

One trend we can't seem to shake — nor do we want to — is the always fashionable bar cart. Providing a cozy little spot for you to display your most aesthetic bottles of booze, the bar cart is meant to store spirits and accessories while acting as a decorative piece of furniture. Often with two or three shelves of storage space, even if you've said goodbye to cocktails in favor of mocktails, there's no reason why you should get rid of the bar cart. Rather than shoving it in the garage, upcycle it by using it like a mini storage unit for canned goods.

Although a utility cart with wheels may be just as functional in keeping cans and pantry staples, there's something about a bar cart that's so darn aesthetically pleasing. Despite their potential to be easily wheeled in and out of view, they don't necessarily need to be hidden; the carts make for an exceptionally great out-in-the-open storage solution, given just how pretty they tend to be. So, why not use yours to showcase the most beautiful tins you have burrowed deep in your pantry?

If you don't already have one sitting around and are sold on getting one — choosing the best bar cart comes down to getting something that fits your kitchen's vibe that's also sturdy enough to hold plenty of cans and jars. Consider materials, color, and design when searching for a cart that fits your style. Once you've found your cart, here's what you need to know about properly stocking it.

Organizing your pantry-inspired cart is a matter of adding the basics (cans, jars, and tins) in addition to gorgeous accessories (fancy toothpicks, mini tools, patterned napkins) that also might be contributing to the clutter in your pantry. While it might sound a little counterintuitive, hoarding the cart with cans will cause it to look cluttered and blunt its chicness. To maintain the cool-kid aesthetic, equip the unit with a few of the fanciest and most colorful tins of fish, canned tomatoes, jars of spices, or whatever else has gorgeous packaging.

Beyond aesthetics, filling the cart with small and frequently used canned goods on the top shelf is a great way to make these items all the more accessible. Reserving the bottom shelf for bulkier and less reached-for items maintains the cart's stability while making it more functional for day-to-day use. As long as you're dedicated to keeping it tidy and well-stocked, we'd argue that there's nothing more stunning than a beautiful bar cart stocked with delicious things.