Outdoor-Friendly Neo-Victorian
Lone Star Trading Company (Top) Artisans in Mexico forge this wrought-iron version, which includes mesh shelves and built-in bottle holders. ($89, 29 1/2 by 27 inches, 888-883-9971)
Ballard Designs (Middle) Sealed with auto-body primer, the welded-steel, vine-scrolled Trenton withstands rust, chipping, and peeling. ($380, 34 by 37 1/2 inches, BallardDesigns.com)
Brown Jordan (Bottom) A favorite among hoteliers for its durability, John Caldwell's aluminum Day Lily II cart comes in 19 finishes. ($2,995, 37 by 40 inches, BrownJordan.com)
IKEA (Top) Styled like a tapered-leg, '50s-era table—the Stockholm benefits from an easy-care, stainless-steel bottom shelf. ($229, 29 by 35 inches, Ikea.com)
Anthropologie (Middle) The Anders pays homage to midcentury Danish design—while showing off the glow of American cherrywood. ($698, 27 1/2 by 33 1/2 inches, Anthropologie.com)
Alvar Aalto for Artek (Bottom) Designed in 1936 by the Finnish architect, the birch-and-laminate "901" trolley features playfully large wheels. ($2,020, 22 by 35 inches, Matter, 212-343-2600)
Koch Originals (Top) With corner railings that suggest an architectural motif, this acrylic-coated steel number looks gilded but not glitzy. ($297, 32 by 27 inches, 14ushop.com)
Arteriors Home (Middle) Depending on the setting, the Connaught's pared-down lines can read Park Avenue posh or downtown cool. ($921, 35 by 30 inches, Fine Home Products, 800-896-7135)
La Barge (Bottom) A formal cast-brass frame ensures this oversize stunner's destiny as an heirloom-to-be. ($3,200, 37 by 40 inches, lLaBargeInc.com for stores)
Target (Top) Every aspect of the Roaring Twenties model—from its anything-but-subtle rings to that jet-black shelving—begs for attention. ($230, 30 by 30 inches, Target.com)
Jamie Young (Middle) An ultraslim 15 inches wide, this stylish chrome spacesaver will triumph over narrow nooks and galleys.($850, 28 by 31 inches, JamieYoung.com)
Ralph Lauren Home (Bottom) A nickel-plated brass showpiece, the Modern Metropolis includes a handsome rosewood shelf that swivels out. ($4,625, 28 by 31 inches, 888-475-7674)
Outdoor-Friendly Pop
Brands on Sale(Top) The colored-steel frame and heavy-duty casters mix industrial elements with vintage airline flavor. ($50, 26 by 33 inches, BrandsonSale.com)
Frédéric Sofia (Middle) Loaded with efficient extras, the Luxembourg combines a lift-off tray, bottle slots, and a clutter-stashing compartment. ($650, 26 by 36 inches, ConranUSA.com)
Richard Schultz Design (Bottom) Intended to stand up to corrosive ocean air, the "1966–55" cart's smooth enamel layers have made it a hit for 40 years. ($2,728, 26 1/2 by 39 1/2 inches,
Minimalist
Adesso (Top) The intersecting metal outline of the X-it recalls the shape—and portability—of old-school TV trays. ($126, 28 by 28 inches, WalMart.com)
Bo Concept (Middle) This slender option shines in small spaces—thanks to an open, barely-there structure of black lacquer and glass. ($449, 28 by 25 inches, BoConcept.com)
Ligne Roset (Bottom) More authoritative sideboard than dainty tea cart, this steel-and-oak option sits on commercial-grade wheels. ($1,615, 29 1/2 by 31 1/2 inches, Ligne-Roset-USA.com)
