Are you ready to make a statement in your home without breaking the bank? Today, the self-proclaimed “colour-wielding queen” and blogger behind PMQ for two, Ariel Garneau, is showing how to transform an Ikea® make-up table into a rolling bar cart using 1 part Peel and Stick Wallpaper and 1 part power tool mixed with 3 parts creativity. We feel confident that by the time you’re finished with this beginner-friendly DIY project, you’ll have a new favorite accent piece in your home and something to cheers to!

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog
Metro – Midcentury Modern by heatherdutton

Hello! My name is Ariel, and I’m the voice behind PMQ for two. I create bright, bold, colorful and creative home decor, DIYs and cocktails. I’ve been a long-time fan of all the lovely patterns and materials available on Spoonflower, so when I wanted to re-do my IKEA make-up table as a rolling bar cart, I immediately thought of Spoonflower for their woven wallpaper.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

This project was incredibly easy to do, took about an hour of my time, and has already expanded my entertaining capabilities. Bar carts are usually a bit smaller, shorter, and meant to house entire collections of glasses and bottles. However, for easy summer entertaining I wanted something a little more situational that I could easily roll around to help frame a space or an event. The make-up table was perfect for that because of its height.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

To put together this rolling bar cart upcycle, you’ll need the following items:

    • Scissors
    • Drill w/ bits for installing castor wheels & handles
    • Brass Castors
  • Lucite drawer handles

Step 1: Start by removing the glass top from the table (if you have one) and flipping it onto the ground so that the feet are in the air. You’ll be applying castor wheels first, so that you don’t have to get the paper dirty later.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

Like with all castors, drill first, and then add the wheels. Secure with the screws provided.

Make sure you add them at the same spot on all of the feet, in order to have stability and a smooth glide.

Step 2: Once the castors are attached, flip your table back over, and wipe it down to ensure the surface is clean and dirt free.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog  How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

Step 3: Start by applying the wallpaper design to the top of the table. I measured twice, and cut once, from the roll of wallpaper. Like with all wallpapers, start at one end, and only peel back a few inches to attach it. You’ll get a smooth application, and have an easier time applying it if you go slowly, inch by inch. It will also allow you to course correct a little more easily than with a giant piece of sticky paper.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

I used my wallpaper applicator provided with my order to smooth out the first few inches. I removed any air bubbles, smoothing as I went. Once you’re satisfied with the first round, peel back a few more inches and repeat the process until you’re done.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

Step 4: Repeat step 3 on each side of the table, the front of the drawer and the front of the table. You can take the time to match-up the pattern, or not. I chose to so I could create a seamless look.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

Step 5: Once your entire table is covered in the wallpaper, it’s time to add the handles on the front! I did all my measurements inside the drawer to avoid marks on the front. Following the installation instructions on the handles, I drilled holes, and applied the handles.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

Step 6: Give your glass top a final wipe down before adding it back to the table. You don’t want to get any stains or dirt on the design before you’ve even used it!

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog

And there you have it! A rolling, portable bar cart! I’ve styled mine here with some lamps, a record player, and all the fixing for a London Lemonade aka Gin and Lemonade.

How To Customize a Bar Cart In Under An Hour | Spoonflower Blog
Frizzle Cocktail Napkins from Roostery featuring polka dots by drapestudio

What will you make with yours? Make sure you visit PMQ for two to see how I styled it as a sideboard, instead of a bar!

Don’t stop at just a bar cart! See how to upcycle a thrift store bookcase using Smooth wallpaper and a fresh coat of paint. With over 650,000 designs to choose from in the Marketplace, you’ll be able to find just the pattern you need to complete your next home dec project. 

How to Repurpose a Table Into a Bar Cart | Spoonflower Blog


Meet the Guest Blogger
Ariel creates bright, bold, colourful and creative home decor and DIYs (and cocktails). She’s worn several hats to date, but she’s settled on the crown that comes with being a colour wieilding Queen and décor blogger, not to mention and business woman. Follow Ariel on her crazy journey called life while she figures what colour to paint the walls and where to hang that darn mirror over on her Instagram feed @pmqfortwo!