Kitchen Cart

A kitchen cart is a great solution for spaces that have room for an island, but not the budget. A kitchen cart can come in a number of sizes and finishes to suit any style and space.

Some kitchen carts are designed to act more like a storage shelf on wheels. They can be easily tucked into a small space, often on the side, and pulled out to access excess pantry items such as food, bowls and small appliances.

In Europe, where free-standing kitchen units, as opposed to built-ins, are more common, often a space between kitchen cabinets and under the countertop is left open. This provides the perfect location for storing a kitchen cart. When the homeowner is cooking and needs additional counter or serving space, it is pulled out. A kitchen cart that is stored in this manner also make great dining spaces in a small kitchen – being pulled out to eat, and tucked away during the rest of the time. They also provide a handy, easily accessible storage space.

In the United States, where kitchen spaces tend to be larger, a kitchen cart has become a popular option for homes with a larger floorplan. A kitchen cart like this is used very much like an island, to add functionality and character to a space. Homeowners can purchase everything from basic carts with butcher block tops, to pieces that are designed to look like vintage furniture complete with marble work surfaces. Other kitchen carts offer open space below for storing wine, and hooks on the side for easy access to kitchen utensils. Finish colors on a kitchen cart can also vary from colorful paint, to metal to light and dark wood stains.

The average cost for a smaller kitchen cart is a couple hundred dollars. They can be purchased at home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot or such home design stores as Linens N Things & Bed, Bath and Beyond. A larger and more expensive kitchen cart can cost between $500 and $1000. More expensive and elaborate versions can also be purchased from Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel.

However, one thing to consider when purchasing a kitchen cart for use in your kitchen as an island is whether or not the kitchen cart is two sided. A two-sided kitchen cart provides an appropriate look and feel if you were going for an island look. Where a one-sided kitchen cart would look finished on one side, with a drawer, fancy knobs, etc., and be plainly finished on the backside. If however, you are more interested in extra storage, or being able to move the kitchen cart into another room for storage, then a one-sided kitchen cart would be the best selection for you.

For more information and ideas on how to leverage a kitchen cart, or even how to build your own, check out your bookstore’s home décor magazines.