We all love a kitchen island, and if you’re lucky enough to own one, congratulations — you have achieved the ultimate kitchen goal. However, if like many of us you simply don't have the budget, space, or even option to have one right now, perhaps because you rent, rest assured that we have got the next best thing. Yes, that’s right, renters and small homeowners, a cool kitchen trolley could actually be the ultimate storage solution you’ve been looking for.
Versatile, and non-permanent, a cute kitchen trolley can tuck into just about any corner, and be moved around your room as you need it. Something of a chameleon in the kitchen, or even living room, it'll keep all your utensils, drinkware and more organized, and very much within reach.
As you will see, kitchen trolleys are now very stylish too, whether you get yours from your favorite Amazon furniture brand, or another store like Amara, Ikea or Wayfair.
9 kitchen trolleys to make life a little easier
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The answer to any storage dilemma and much more affordable compared to your average kitchen island cost too, whether you want yours to feature a little space for making sandwiches or a built-in wine rack, we're here to serve you all the best kitchen cart options.
This sleek metal kitchen cart is giving complete industrial vibes. It's totally on-trend in terms of looks, but ultimately puts functionality at the forefront. With a large bottom space suitable for storing just about anything and a table top great for keeping a few items on display, there's nothing we don't love about this kitchen trolley.
This one is dedicated to the chefs out there with its butcher block countertop. Equally ideal for preparation as it is for serving up food, kitchen trolleys with solid wooden table tops are great for those with minimal kitchen workspace — especially those who enjoy hosting. It even has a handle to help you pull the cart to where you need it. Remember to seal your butcher block countertop to keep it in great condition too.
If you do have a little bit more kitchen space, but not enough to include an entire kitchen island, this one on wheels has a spice shelf, towel rack, draw and wooden table top for all your cabinet space needs. Fix it in place with its locking casters or move around as you wish. Who knew you could get a kitchen island–esque setup for only $80?
For boho-chic, this bamboo kitchen trolley will hold all of your accessories in style. With three woven baskets, it's big enough to keep your kitchen essentials. Plus, you could even hold bathroom toiletries and towels in there if you wanted to use it somewhere else in your apartment — its cool design will make a seamless, modern addition to every kind of home.
This slim four-tier storage cart is designed with studio-apartment livers and flat sharers in mind. Let it complement any other small kitchen storage solutions you have. It can be neatly tucked in next to the couch or in the corner of any room. Discreet but still wide enough to store all of your necessities, it's the household helper you didn't know you needed.
Brimming with mid-century style this classic kitchen trolley mixes metal and oak, for a design you're sure to love for years to come. Some may class it as a bar cart, but we think it's versatile enough for all types of entertaining, and some. Roll it into any room with its tiny feet or fix it into place using the casters.
Contemporary and cute, you can't go wrong with this multifunctional kitchen cart. There are three layers for supplies of all sizes and it comes in a choice of four fun colors — awesome if you're working with a no-frills space that needs a dose of personality. You can use this one outdoors too, since it comes with an anti-rust coating. Perfect if you have a small balcony or patio.
Can a kitchen trolley be glamorous? We think so. This gorgeous gold cart complete with mirrored shelves, looks so good that you'll forget all about wanting a kitchen island or a more permanent piece of furniture. Whether you use yours to serve up cosmos or coffee, take storage to the next level with this art-deco display.
Forget rectangular trolleys, this round cart is ideal to add softness to a space via a really practical piece of storage. We love how this one looks in the bathroom, but it will work equally as well in a tiny kitchen or living space too. Dress it with house plants, candle sticks or other decorative trinkets for an understated addition to any room.
How we chose these kitchen trolleys
Louise loves nothing more than a sleek storage solution that looks just as good as the rest of the decor at home:
"Living in a small rental apartment with two friends means we don't have too much room for our individual things, as well as space for decorative items to go on display without it looking overly cluttered. These carts are great for this kind of space, as they provide additional room for an affordable price. As someone who paints, I have the Amazon Basic cart in my bedroom, where it holds all my art supplies, from brushes to canvases, colors and more. I also own the black metal bar cart from Ikea — which my housemates and I LOVE. It's in-keeping with the industrial vibe of our home, and showcases the cocktail sets, glasses and accessories that we like to keep on display, and to hand for when we have guests come to stay".
How to select a kitchen trolley: from style to practicality
If you're in the market for some extra storage space, for just about anything at home, then a kitchen trolley is a cool and versatile solution. With affordable options available on Amazon for as little as $30, to more expensive, design-led pieces that might push $100, they make a great alternative to a whole kitchen island, display cabinet or even storage box.
There are a ton of different types to choose from too. Whether you're looking for a way to show off your favorite trinkets, your best tumblers or to give you a little more countertop space, there are plenty of cool looks that will suit your budget and lifestyle needs.
What can you store in a kitchen trolley?
Kitchen trolleys honestly have no limits. They may be called a kitchen trolley, but we think they are great to use all around the house — especially if you rent, have an open plan living room, live in a studio or even a camper van.
From fruit bowls, to toiletries, makeup, glassware and more, they are great for storing anything that you want to keep organized but within reach.
When thinking about what to keep in yours, consider where you'll keep it and then what you use the most in that space day to day. Cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils are most conveniently kept in a kitchen trolley. But if you're keeping your cart in your living space it might be where you keep a cocktail shaker, plus the remote and a couple of cool magazines to ease up space on your coffee table. The choice is yours.
