India, July 29 -- There was a time when I thought bar carts belonged in sprawling homes with dedicated entertainment rooms and a permanent guest list. In my mind, they looked beautiful, but they also felt unnecessary. Lately, though, I have been spotting them everywhere. In compact apartments, cosy living rooms and even dining corners that double up as workspaces. Some hold cocktail essentials, others display books, candles, ceramics or fresh flowers.

The more homes I looked at, the more I realised a bar cart is no longer just about serving drinks. It has become one of those pieces that can instantly make a room feel more inviting without taking over the space.

Curious about why this once niche piece of furniture has become so popular, ...