Or use it as a martini-making station, as Vanessa Dina, author of The Art of the Bar Cart, does. Jammed with spice jars and rolling pins, she would “roll it up to the stove then tuck it away in a corner, post-cooking.” Mason recommends keeping it in a central location for easy access, organizing the shelves according to category, like serving supplies. Similarly, when Gury lived in a tiny Brooklyn apartment, the Raskog gave her much-needed (and cheap) storage space. The “junk drawer on wheels,” as she describes it, has served her as a dumping ground for kitchen linens and cleaning supplies. “It’s the Ikea cart that’s doing the most in small-space kitchens across New York City,” explains Brittany Nims, associate director of e-commerce partnerships and business development at Vox Media. Its utilitarian Scandinavian frame has endeared it to our experts, all of whom praise its versatility. The Raskog takes the “best overall” blue ribbon as the most-mentioned cart by far. Steel, polyester powder-coated | Three tiers, movable middle shelf, four adjustable castor wheels | 13.75” x 17.75” x 30.75”
Or you could follow one of Lipkin’s tips: Many countertops are around 36 inches tall, and you should find a cart that matches that height so it “looks more at home in your kitchen, better than a short one would.” If you have a particular spot in mind, Elbert recommends marking those measurements with painter’s tape on the floor beforehand.
Size: The dimensions of a cart will determine whether it’ll actually fit into your kitchen. Do you find yourself getting frustrated with a lack of meal prep space? Are you desperate for a little more storage?” Really, the right design is about, as prop stylist Cait Gury puts it, “what your existing space is lacking. Wheels are another factor to think about - Zaslow recommends looking for those that can lock so your cart only rolls when you need it to (especially for uneven floorboards). Deciding between the two comes down to “whether you want to go for a more minimalist open-shelf concept or if you want closed doors to avoid visual clutter,” Elbert says.
Movable kitchen island with seating free#
Several of our experts mentioned getting a cart that features cabinets or shelves to free up precious drawer space. “Matching your cart color to your cabinets will create a more cohesive look,” Lipkin suggests.ĭesign: Speaking of aesthetics, we considered the interplay between form and function with every cart. You’ll also want to think about the aesthetics of it all. And plastic is always an option - this is what tiered trolleys are usually made from.
Movable kitchen island with seating professional#
“That’s why so many professional kitchens and gourmet shops use steel shelving.” Or you could go with heavy-duty woods such as maple or oak, says David Mason, owner of cabinet hardware business the Knobs Company. “You can’t beat steel when it comes to strength,” seconds Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers. Stainless steel, powder-coated steel, butcher-block, and quartz are all easy to care for.” Durable stainless steel can handle high temperatures, explains Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living. Interior designer Liz Lipkin sums it up best: “Take inspiration from kitchen surfaces. Material: Since these are kitchen carts we’re talking about - destined to be covered in tomato sauce and pancake mix - they should be relatively cleanable.