The mid-century trend seems to be everywhere right now — from architecture to furniture and interiors, the 1950s are back in a big way.

And in the true spirit of “everything old is new again”, one of the mainstays of 1950s living rooms is making a comeback, too.

The Foxed Mirror Bar Cart from West Elm

The bar cart is enjoying a renaissance and with it has come all the elegance and glamour associated with hosting cocktail hour at home.

Interior designer Marie Turner describes the bar cart as a “travelling party”. “Mad Men and martinis—there’s something grown-up and fun about the resurgence of the cocktail hour,” she says. “Look for one with extra storage and a rail that holds everything in place.”

A scene from Mad Men

And of course, cocktail hour just wouldn’t be cocktail hour without the right accessories. Stock the basic glasses: wine, lowball or rocks, and highball glasses, as well as something for cocktails such as martini or coupe glasses.

And for an uncluttered look, don’t keep all of your glassware on the bar cart but decorate it with the most commonly used.

Emily Burns from online retailer Wayfair says: “Use trays to group like items together for a neat and tidy cart. “Bar carts should be visually appealing, so display just a few of your favourite glasses and bottles rather than putting everything out.”



Bar tools are also a necessity: a cocktail shaker, bar spoon, a jigger to measure and a muddler ( like a pestle) if you’re serving mojitos.

If you’re not a drinker, the bar cart is still stylish, functional and versatile so consider using it as a side table, traymobile or for extra kitchen storage.