Styles of Kitchen Carts

Kitchen carts add both beauty and functionality to a kitchen. With a large variety of decorating styles and functional options, the choices can be overwhelming. There are basically three types of kitchen carts: carts/islands, microwave carts, and serving carts. First decide how you want to use the cart, then consider all the other choices that are available. Does this Spark an idea?

With or Without Wheels

Make it mobile with wheels.

First, decide whether you want the cart to be mobile. A movable cart --- one with wheels --- usually has heavy, locking wheel casters, so you can easily roll it to where you want it, then keep it securely in place once it's positioned. It can be great for adding style and versatility, increasing food preparation space, and adding extra storage to your kitchen. Should you want the cart to look more like a piece of furniture, then choose one without wheels.

Carts for Storage

Open shelves make getting to commonly used items easy.

There are several storage options to consider when choosing kitchen carts. Open shelves make it easy to get to commonly used items. If you purchase a cart with open shelving, then decide you don't like the look of everything showing, add large baskets to make things easily accessible but not constantly in view. If you want to keep clutter under cover, carts with cabinets add style and storage.

Drop Leaf

To add more work space, choose a cart with a drop leaf. A drop leaf makes the cart more versatile because it can add more room to create a small breakfast bar or more work space when needed. When it's not needed, you can fold down the drop leaf to maximize space.

Microwave and Utility Carts

Utility carts make moving food and utensils easy.

A popular style of kitchen cart is a microwave cart. Besides housing a microwave, which opens up counter space, they often have great add-ons like towel bars, knife racks, drop leafs, and outlet strips, offering maximum utility in a compact space. This style of cart is ideal for small kitchens or tight spaces. They also provide much needed storage for a small space. Utility carts are rugged and easily movable. Usually made of stainless steel, they are popular for commercial kitchens, but they can also be a valuable, sleek asset in a residential setting.

Choosing a decor style

A french country cart boasts a tile countertop.

Once you have determined the function, choosing a decor style will help your cart become part of the big picture. The most popular decorating styles are traditional, contemporary, French country, English country, and arts and crafts. There are easy ways to distinguish certain styles. Traditional style usually has raised panels, possibly with arches, and granite counter tops. Contemporary features flat panels and very little embellishment. White lacquer is popular with contemporary style. French country often has ornate moldings, and generally has tile or granite counter tops. English country features beadboard and glass cabinet doors, or cabinets without doors. Arts and crafts is inspired by 1920s-era architecture and features natural wood with glass doors, stained glass, and panel cabinet doors.