This DIY Serving Cart Tutorial was part of a themed makeover I used to do each month with my blogging friends. The theme for this project was “Glitz and Glam”. Fun, huh?! When we got the list of themes for the year, I tried to keep mental notes of what was coming up when I was out shopping for treasures. I found a broken 1970’s serving cart that I knew I could change into a glamorous bar serving cart in a few steps.
The yard sale I found this at was at the home of a little lady in her eighties. She only had $2 on the cart and kept apologizing for the top shelf being broken. She said they used this cart all the time in the 70’s and she tried to glue the glass back together at one point. The broken glass was not an issue and I told her I would be able to fix the cart and make it a beautiful piece again. She was happy about that.
This cart is not my style, but I can appreciate all kinds of styles. I love “carts” in general and this one had a great shape and the wood and gold mix had to be all the rage back in its day.
The gold on the metal parts of this cart had lost its shine over the years, but the wood on the legs was in great condition. I was super excited to find out that the wheels still worked perfectly.
(Affiliate links are used in this post so you can find the products I used to make over this cart. You can read my full disclosure HERE.)
Supplies Used In This Serving Cart Makeover:
Jigsaw
“Dark Walnut” Minwax Stain
“Bright Gold” Rustoleum spray paint
Painter’s Tape
Newspaper
Piece of wood
To fix the broken glass, I removed the bottom glass shelf and traced it on a piece of wood.
Then, we cut it out with a jigsaw.
I stained the piece of wood with “Dark Walnut” Minwax Stain.
I moved the glass shelf to the top and put the wood shelf on the bottom.
Now it is time to add the “glitz and glam”.
I used newspaper and painter’s tape to cover the wood on the legs.
I removed the two shelves and the wheels before I painted.
“Bright Gold” Rustoleum spray paint added glitz and glam to this coffee shop bar cart.
Look at her now!
The gold and the wood together……….. lovely.
The wheels even stand out more now.
The mix of the glass and wood shelves worked very well.
This Coffee Shop Bar Cart is perfect for all kinds of things. It is so much fun getting to play “stylist” with each project I do. I set up a full tea and coffee shop on this cart. It really is a great piece to have when you entertain. You can hold all the necessities in one place and everyone can get to it all as they need it.
A young couple was chomping at the bit to have this piece in their home. I love that they are going to be making memories with this piece just like the eighty year old lady I bought it from had. Repurposing and recycling at its finest.
This cart has come a long way since its glory days in the 70’s. It is always fun to step outside of your norm/comfort zone and try something new.
I found some amazing serving cart options online if you don’t have a cart to make over:
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If you liked this serving cart project, you will love these transformations:
Antique Chest Of Drawers Makeover
Awwwww. That’s so cute!! I want a cart, too. Adorable, my dear. Susie from The Chelsea Project
Thanks Susie!
I have a bar cart with missing glass that is awaiting a transformation… I may just have to cut out some wood inserts. Thanks for the inspiration! ;o)
Your welcome! Good luck!
I am a sucker for bar carts as well! I love what you did to this! Just Beautiful!
Hugs,
Karin
Thanks Karin!
Such a unique piece! I actually like the wood bottom better than the original glass. Beautiful makeover!
Thanks Amy!
Loving how unique that cart is! Those wheels and thin legs are personality plus too! Around here that would sell in a second! I’ll bet you use it much more than you think too. Pinned!
Thanks Wendi!
You did a fantastic job bringing this vintage cart back to life, Lindsay! Love the gold with the wood. The previous owner would be so thrilled to see it beautiful again! 🙂
Thanks Christy!
Lindsay, I am so impressed with your vision for this piece! It is wonderful and would love to have it! Great job.
Kim @huntandhost
Thanks Kim!
Excellent new look!
THanks!
Lindsay, the gold and wood together are fabulous! You made it a really lovely piece again. <3
Thanks Jen!
I’ll bet the lady from whom you purchased this bar cart would be tickled pink to see it now that you’ve given it a refresh. It looks lovely and I can see it being used in so many spots in a home. I know that the young couple who purchased it is tickled pink to have this piece in their home.
PS – I’d like to find one of these at a yard sale!
Thanks Paula! I just picked up another one for free at a yard sale. It is not as nice thought so don’t know what I can do with it??
Lindsay,
The bar cart you turned back the years to its gamour days. Beautiful refresh and greag story.
Happy Creating,
Karen Marie
THanks Karen!
Awe, what a cute story behind this cart. I bet she would be so pleased to see how you brought her beverage cart back to life and that a young couple will be creating new memories with her cart. Beautiful makeover, Lindsay! Pinning 🙂