Guest Picks: Stylish Service on Wheels
Serving trolleys now have limitless designs and functionalities, as evidenced in this ideabook. Apologies for the high prices of most of the products featured here: It’s not meant to frustrate, but instead to show examples of some of the best designs available (and it turns out that these things are generally not cheap anyway). Who knew a trolley could become a wish list item? At the moment, my list is a long one! — Denise from The Swelle Life
You pick whether this is a mobile side table or a trolley or both. The design has that wonderful Scandinavian simplicity, which is made even more charming and serene with natural ash legs and a muted coral finish that warms up the metal trays and wheels.
The design of this trolley intrigues me with its combination of straight lines and curved elements, all popping in bright blue gloss. There’s a delicate curve at the end of the split legs that’s rather graceful; it’s a clear reference to the dancer’s pose that inspired the designer. It would also make great looking storage in the kitchen or dining room, or double as a very handy side table.
Coffee has become a sacred ritual in my house, and I love the idea of a special place to keep all things java together. This super stylish trolley is like a mini café in your kitchen, which you can also wheel into any room for service. Its red gloss front and chrome trim will look great in both retro and contemporary spaces.
Lucite gives this trolley a fresh twist, creating all kinds of presentation options within its transparent cylindrical structure. I’d have fun using it as everything from a bar on wheels with bottles and cocktail shakers to a delicate tea service complete with hand-painted china.
This is a thoroughly modern design that’s minimalist but not stark thanks to the elegantly upturned handles. I like that you can customize the wood combination, mixing white, black and natural ash. Plus, the tray is detachable, so you also get a gorgeous solid wood serving piece.
I have a thing for chunky painted wood trays, and this trolley features two that are not only a gorgeous shade of turquoise, but removable too. There’s a lot of geometry happening here with cylinders, rectangles and an angular frame supporting the upper tray. It would make a stunning complement to a decor of soft, organic shapes in neutral tones.
What an eyeful! This architectural design in stainless steel and glass has a glamour reminiscent of art deco. The top tray swings around on its own wheels, which lightens the look and presents an alternative serving option.
I love the idea of having a serving trolley, but like many others, I don’t have the space to use it as shelving or a side table when not entertaining (unless I want to play the “one in one out” game). This handy folding design may be a solution that doesn’t sacrifice good looks. At just 13½ centimeters in depth when fully compact, it can be stored in closets and maybe even slotted into other areas around the house.
For serious mobile service, this has three serving options in one. Use it as a unit, or remove the tray and shelf to use separately — I can see that double shelf being handy for cooling trays of muffins. The slatted teak is homey and rustic, though not too cottage-y thanks to the cobalt splash on the wheels, which are also teak and a gorgeous, unexpected feature.
Fermob is known for combining practical design with an unabashed love of color, and that’s what you get with this indoor/outdoor trolley bar in bright orange. It’s made of metal that has been treated to make it hard-wearing, yet it’s also a great interior piece that will work well in bright spaces with hardwood, concrete or ceramic floors and contemporary furniture.
White gloss trays and a slim, tubular frame in chrome make this trolley a light and airy alternative to the heavy wooden versions. Its minimalist, contemporary design is well-suited to those small yet upscale condominiums. I can see it near a wall of windows with lush plants resting on the top and bottom shelves, or as a stocked, portable bar.
This design warms my heart. The Canaletto walnut trays remind me of the TV dinner tables my parents had in the 1970s (though I’m certain theirs were faux wood grain). The chrome tubular frame is sleek and elegant, making what is essentially a substantial piece appear light and airy.
This is such a pleasing piece with all of its transparency, metallics and shine. I love how the linear elements of the chunky gloss frame, delicate chrome bottle holders and sleek glass shelves work together. It’s a rather glamorous trolley, and the tray with those lovely curved chrome handles can be used on its own for an elegant serving of drinks or canapés.
This kitchen trolley is a great looking and versatile piece of furniture. Its substantial structure with a worktop and shelves could serve as a mini island, table and, of course, mobile station for serving food and drink.
This iconic design from Richard Schulz’s 1966 collection still justifies its status nearly five decades after it was introduced. Clean, elegant lines punctuated by large, outlined white wheels make for a harmonious piece for the home. It’s designed for outdoors, but it’s such a pleasing piece that it would be equally welcome inside.
I love the combination of the butcher’s block in a lovely warm maple with the stainless steel base. This is a piece that needs a permanent place in the kitchen to serve as a handy additional worktop.
This 1992 glass and steel design is on the low side for a traditional trolley, but it’s certainly not compact. At nearly 7 feet long, it’s a more than substantial piece that would be best used as a table when not being called on to serve.
If you like a more industrial look to your service, this one’s all about the metal. The trays appear a bit clinical, but some fine crystal stemware will add a little life and sparkle.
What a fun piece! The stylized retro look and oversize spoked wheels are enough to prompt the planning of a vintage-themed party. This version of the design features a drawer that’s handy for keeping wine bottle openers and cocktail napkins.Next: 20 Essentials for the Home Bar
This design has been described as a Roman chariot crossed with Alvar Aalto’s iconic 901 serving caddy, which seems apropos. It’s such an unexpected sight that it may serve equally well as sculpture, especially in this chalky white version. It would be ideal for a minimalist space, either left as is or adorned with vivid flowers.
Q