I want to turn this into a bar????

I have something similar to this that someone has left out in the street cuz they didn't want it. The wood was damaged in areas. I sanded it. Used wood putty filler in damaged areas and sanded those smooth. Used same wood putty to fill in holes where original handles went and replaced original with brushed nickel knobs. Came out pretty cool looking.

Start by leaving it just the way it is. I'd get new handles/knobs, it's a beautiful piece of furniture, but you might want to wash it with Murphy's oil soap, dry completely. Next, try some Wilbert's lemon oil, to keep the wood moist so it doesn't dry out. Send us a picture of the inside, there is more to be done with this.

It is beautiful as it is, and more valuable to leave it stained, rather than painted. Just my opinion, though.

Stain darker with gel stain and seal with poly. Spray all the brass-ware brushed silver. Purchase 2 antique keys, spray as well and fill key holes with epoxy inserting keys. Use those as "knobs". Also, if that's where it's going to stay, use a diverter on the air duct. Your liquor shouldn't be exposed to the changing temp. Good luck!

I agree with Ebbjdl to leave it alone. This is a pretty piece all on its own. It's not technically an antique, but it fits well with the antiques you already have I would put a glass top on it to protect the wood and make sure you have enough shelves for the stuff you want to store inside. Go to a glass shop with the measurements and ask for a double strength pane of glass. It won't break the bank.

The only thing I might do is to change out the handles.

I would paint the sides and doors white with chalk paint, add glass knobs - stain the top and legs. Inside add a rack to hang wine glasses - it will be cute!

Many people who make bars out of furniture like this remove the center panel from the bottom doors and install lighting inside to show off their bottles & glasses. The panels can be replaced by plain glass or etched glass to dress it up a bit. Etched glass is a DIY project, usually with a pattern drawn on glass with etching cream (a stencil or even a printout under the glass works) Here's a pic of what someone else did except they took the doors off. That's okay too. I personally like the look of the etched glass but it's more work. It's not exactly the same piece of furniture that you're starting with, but it's as close as I could find.

http://www.nocturnalooze.com/detail/5338/bar-cabinet-diy-home-bar-cabinet-from-an-armoire-wine-cabinet.html

Good luck and have fun with your project!

I agree with both Ebbjdl and Roxaneg, leave the piece alone, it will go better with the antiques that are in their natural stained state. The glass idea inserted in the top is an expellant idea to safeguard the wood. If you don't like the shiny look of the glass, you can make or purchase a suitably sized place mat on it and it will also protect both the glass and the wood from oops's like dropping a bottle or glass on it. The pulls also need to be changed to something that is a little more noticeable, like pewter. I hope this helps!

I also agree about not painting it but leaving the finish as is. I would not remove the doors as glasses this close to the floor would always be dusty. I like the idea of the glass to prevent damage to the wood top, but even better would be a lovely tray that fit just right! Oh, I also like those metal tags for liquor if you use decanters rather than the liquor bottles themselves!

Connie here is a thought to ponder. You could paint the color you wish than get some cloth that has the design that you would want. dip it into a starch solution and apply it to the panels of the door. so cute! or you could get a cloth with a very antique feel to it. Good luck with what you choose to do

Thanks!

It looks like this piece needs some refinishing, so I wonder what it could look like if you took out the door panels and replace them with glass. You could add some shelving and wine glass holders inside and even some simple lighting so then you can see through the doors to show off what's in cabinet.

Like the idea of glass covering the top. Maybe add a fun fabric under that glass to make it stand out

Love it the way it is as it matches my end tables & my extra sofa & 3 chairs. I would add glass to top with clear dots to keep glass up off wood so glass doesn't sweat when cold drinks are set on top.