The bar cart has been the premier way to display glassware and spirits for some years. In 2025, we're looking towards new ways to decorate and organize. Sarah Michelle Gellar is leading the charge.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress shared an Instagram post in her dining room featuring an unconventional home bar idea: a bar shelf. Her six-level shelf features stylish glassware on the bottom four shelves and spirits on the top two. Open sides turn the contents of the shelves into decor for the bistro-style space. Gellar's furnishing features wooden platforms paired with dark iron for a modern, industrial look.
If you're wondering 'what's replacing the bar cart?,' the bar shelf is a wonderful candidate. Megan Slack, Head of Celebrity Style at Homes & Gardens explains: 'As we move away from minimalism, the push for more personalized interiors has grown, especially in celebrity homes. Remaking your bar cart into something more interesting that fits perfectly into your space can give a room this interesting and unique style.
Sturdy and versatile, this wooden bookcase would be an interesting and elevated way to display your glassware and spirits. The tall shelves create space to feature items of different sizes.
These versatile glasses will open up your wine and look gorgeous on your bar shelves. Even better, they're on sale.
Serve drinks and looks with this simple but impactful glass. If you choose an open-concept storage solution like a bar shelf, this is a great choice to make sure everything looks stylish.
To emulate her idea, first, choose a shelf that works with your dining room storage idea. For instance, Sarah Michelle Gellar has chosen an industrial shelf to add interest to her neutral space. If you have a more farmhouse-style space, wooden shelves might be a better fit. Modern shelves with curved edges could go well in a contemporary room.
Next, choose glassware that you would be proud to show off. A variety of glasses for different beverages can create a look with different heights and shapes to create visual interest. I also love the idea of sourcing spirits in beautiful bottles from local shops or places where you travel to feature on the top shelves, as Sarah Michelle Gellar has done.
Homes are evolving, and so are home bars. A bar shelf is a versatile, visually interesting, and useful way to keep up.
