Asked on Feb 19, 2018

How to make a bar from old stereo cabinet

Molly
by Molly
I can follow directions but do not have the vision to do it. I want a place for glasses and liquor bottles
  7 answers
  • Ann Cherkas Halstead Ann Cherkas Halstead on Feb 19, 2018

    Very nice piece. 1st Clean the wood. I would remove the drawers and box 📦 n the space with wood. Leave this space open for bottles. I would give the hole thing a fresh coat of paint. I like white and turquois. Depends on your color selection. Do the tourquoise on the top and the rest white. You could add some color on the trim. Hit a thrift store for a wine rack to put inside and used the other space for glasses.


  • Mary Lou Mary Lou on Feb 20, 2018

    I'd use the drawer for storing an ice bucket, cocktail napkins, and other needed utensils/equipment for a bar. For the door area on the right. I'd remove the door and add wooden cross pieces to hold your bottles. In one of the bottom sections, add a hanging wine glass holder to hang your wine glasses and maybe use the other side for various cocktail glasses. I'd probably paint the cabinet with chalk paint in whatever color you like (just to avoid all the sanding and prepping). Finish with a coat of wax to preserve the painted finish. The main thing is to not be afraid to start! My theory is "it's only paint!" You can always change the plan as you go. Once you start, you'll have your own inspiration. Pinterest and Hometalk have unlimited posts that can inspire you and give you ideas. Good luck!

  • Gwe27350524 Gwe27350524 on Feb 20, 2018

    Watch HGtv's Flea Market Flip. They often make wine cabinets from furniture like yours. They have great ideas.

  • Janice Janice on Feb 20, 2018

    What a great piece you have to re-purpose into a bar. First, tear out all the stereo components and measure the various areas to know your space constraints. You can purchase hanging wine glass holders (plastic or metal) at Bed Bath & Beyond or at other retail stores. This could be mounted underneath the top on the right for convenient access to glasses. If there's enough height there you might be able to also store some highball or other glasses beneath. Depending on height, your liquor bottles might work where the turntable was....maybe find a round pizza pan that will fit well in that area and have your bottles in the round. You might consider keeping the top the original wood finish, painting the outside a bright or bold color that goes with your decor and then painting the inside in a contrasting color for a nice touch when you open any part of the unit. I have had wonderful success with Behr Premium Plus paint from Lowes for great coverage. For the bottom two doors, you might consider having mirrors cut to fit where the current light color area is. That would add a bit of bling! You could spray paint the handles whatever color...gold, silver, or whatever to contrast with the paint on the outside of the bar. When in use you could have an ice bucket in a coordinating color of the handles. I hope you post a pic after you've done the project. It can become a real stunner!

  • John Biermacher John Biermacher on Feb 20, 2018

    I posted a couple that might give you some ideas. This one (https://www.hometalk.com/diy/basement/furniture/record-cabinet-repurposed-into-a-wine-bar--25963806?r=1) has a link to the other. I usually start with a general idea and then tweak things as I go along. Good luck

  • Elizabeth Clark Elizabeth Clark on Feb 21, 2018

    Great idea! I also repurposed one that had a solid front similar to the right side of this one but had the sliding doors on top into a "Hidden" cat litter box placement. The cat had no "issues" and it certainly made a more attractive appearance than the litter box!