12 Bar Cart Upgrades That Look Expensive
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
A well-styled bar cart is less about how much you spend and more about what you choose. The right bar cart upgrades can instantly elevate your space, making even a small apartment feel like a boutique hotel lounge or a downtown cocktail bar. From luxury-looking cocktail shakers and vintage-inspired glassware to playful bar cart accessories, statement candles, and cheeky décor, these details do the heavy lifting, no renovation required.
Whether you’re hosting friends, styling your kitchen corner, or refreshing your home for entertaining season, these affordable bar cart finds prove you don’t need a celebrity budget to achieve a high-end look. Think expensive-looking bar accessories, cocktail décor that feels curated, and pieces that balance function with personality. Ahead, discover 12 bar cart upgrades that look expensive, all shoppable, all stylish, and all guaranteed to make your at-home happy hour feel a little more elevated. Let’s get into it!
Cherry Picked…
Garnish Cocktail Shaker
$48
This polished silver shaker gets a playful upgrade courtesy of a sculptural cherry topper. Equal parts functional and decorative, it’s the kind of bar tool you leave out on display because it deserves to be seen. The stainless steel construction keeps things sleek, while the garnish detail adds just enough personality to feel collected, not kitschy.
Cherry Bomb Cocktail Candle
$34
This cherry-forward candle smells like a perfectly balanced cocktail- dark cherry, red fruit, and a hint of floral wrapped in warm vanilla and sandalwood. It’s flirty, indulgent, and surprisingly chic, making it the ideal finishing touch for a bar setup that feels styled, even when the bottles are empty.
Garnish Cocktail Spoons
$36
Each spoon is finished with a miniature garnish- cherry, olive, chili, or lemon- turning a simple stir into a design moment. They’re playful without being precious and instantly elevate everything from martinis to after-dinner espresso.
Garnish Tongs
$22
These polished stainless steel tongs feature a subtle garnish icon on top, blending form and function effortlessly. Practical enough for everyday use, stylish enough to leave resting on your bar cart between rounds.
For Those Who Like It Dirty…
Retro Dirty Martini Wall Art
$8
This compact canvas brings vintage bar energy to kitchens, carts, or drink stations. The retro design feels intentional rather than ironic, perfect for filling that awkward wall space above a home bar.
Dirty Martini Cocktail Candle
$35
Bright citrus and leafy olive notes give this candle a clean, elevated scent that feels more hotel bar than novelty gift. Light it while hosting or keep it burning long after last call for a space that smells quietly expensive.
Dirty Martini Kitchen Towels
$8
These towels pull double duty: actually useful and undeniably fun. Styled over a bar cart handle or folded beside glassware, they add a wink of personality without disrupting the aesthetic.
Fun & Flirty…
Two Tumbleweeds – Mixology Dice (New Edition)
$20
Roll the dice and let chance decide your cocktail. With nine color-coded cubes covering spirits, mixers, citrus, and more, this set turns drink-making into an interactive experience—ideal for hosts who like their parties a little unpredictable.
ban.do Cocktail Measuring Jigger
$17
This two-tone glass jigger is equal parts functional and decorative. Leave it out on your bar cart as a pop of color, or use it to measure pours with precision- no hiding in drawers required.
Funny Quotes Cocktail Napkins
$12
Crisp white napkins stamped with a perfectly dry sense of humor. They’re the easiest way to make your bar setup feel intentional, and guaranteed to get a laugh before the first sip.
INSETLAN Vintage Glass Cups
$33
With an origami-style silhouette and subtle European flair, these glasses feel far more expensive than they are. Perfect for cocktails, spritzes, or even morning iced coffee—because good glassware shouldn’t be reserved for nighttime only.
“This Bar Is Open for Boozeness” Art Print
$19
Printed on thick matte paper, this bold sign adds personality without overpowering your space. Style it leaning against bottles or hung just above the cart for a playful finishing touch.
A great bar cart doesn’t need to be overstuffed, it just needs the right pieces. Thoughtfully chosen bar cart accessories, cocktail tools, and home bar décor can instantly transform your setup, making it feel elevated, intentional, and ready for entertaining at any hour. From expensive-looking cocktail shakers and vintage-style glassware to playful accents that add personality, these upgrades prove that style is all about curation.
Whether you’re refreshing your space for hosting season or building a home bar from scratch, these affordable bar cart upgrades deliver maximum impact with minimal effort. Save your favorites, mix and match the details, and let your bar cart do what it does best- look chic, spark conversation, and make every pour feel a little more special.
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