I need ideas for this vintage record player

Question

Top piece left side lifts. Top left is a small area that can hold something. Under this area is the rest of left side of cabinet area..good size for storage yet the access is from rear of cabinet. The right door opens with 2 shelves. I was thinking it could possibly be a small bar storage, not really excited with that idea, would love to get more use from it, ideas for the refinish?

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Kathy Christiano Ciavarella what a lovely piece! I can't help but think bar serving piece. It looks like it would be difficult to strip so I would recommend trying to maintain the top with wood grain, but then paint the rest to the taste of your decor. On the top piece where there are the slots you could add some depth by painting the inner most slot in black, maybe even some black on the support pieces. I hope you update us with the finished product.

Kathy Christiano Ciavarella · Answer

Thanks Gail I will definitely post final picture.

Olwen · Answer

Definitely a bar server. Painted glossy black. Mirror for the door recessed panels and maybe for the top as well.

David Shelley · Answer

Chalk Paint should work just fine as well to cover the top unless for some reason you really want the wood on top. You could also paint it a contrasting color inside. A dining room sideboard, server, buffet could be nice as well - something to put some dishes in or serving pieces, linens, etc... for entertaining.

Kathy · Answer

Dave, I am thinking of chalk paint, yet still thinking the purpose of the cabinet.
I'm sure I will enjoy it.  I have to decide the color now.

Mandy Brown · Answer

I know you said you weren't crazy about the idea of a mini bar, but if you put a small piece of molding around the edge of the left side slightly under the rim to act as a cleat, you could insert a metal tub to serve as an ice bucket for chilling bottles or serving ice with drinks and the rest of the bottom on the left could be used for storage for cups, napkins, etc. The shelves on the right side could be removed and replaced (or possibly reused) to make a wine (bottle) storage area (criss-cross shelves). I'm not sure how sturdy the shelf on the left is when it's open or if it folds all the way down, but it could be used to hold glasses or you could just use the top of the right side for that. Small casters on the bottom would make it portable as well. When not it use you can empty the ice bucket, close it all up and have it for a decorative piece.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Kathy Christiano Ciavarella I did a rethink and have another idea. You could put a thin board where the inner cabinet has a hole. If your bathroom or kitchen or dining room has the room to place this piece, you could refinish it to fit that room and use it for storage. I refinished a small cabinet for our bathroom and use it to store medication, toilet paper and personal care appliances. Worked out great and the extra storage is much needed.

Debbie Cannon · Answer

How about painting the whole thing with brilliant white emulsion and then decoupage some patterned paper in the centre..may need to take the handles off first..I recently did this with an old oak cabinet and it looks amazing...mod podge works well as a glue and a varnish...hope this helps

Ann Edmondson · Answer

In a den or living room this would be great for placing the X-box or similar game console in. In a teen's room you could set up the game console with a small wall mount TV on the lid that lifts open by moving the bracket further back so the lid is upright. Then the game console could go on the right side. The hole in the back would be perfect for wires to come out of.

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Kathy Christiano Ciavarella just found this on another member's blog - check out the feet she attached to her cabinet. A similar type would look splendid on this cabinet regardless of what you do with it.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

A good carpenter should be able to figure out a way to get the front panel to function as a door. I would just clean this up, touch up the stain, and condition.

Belinda Todd · Answer

If you have enough room in your bathroom how about purring a tall laundry basket in the left side for wet towels and use the other side for storage.

Kathy Christiano Ciavarella · Answer

Well I'm done with my piece!
I'm going to use it as a bar! Top section I may add ice bin or small sink... Side cabinet for glasses..
Lower door back up supplies.

After sanding it I found solid walnut..
I varnished it and end result is $15 well spent.. 1930 magnavox radio
Player upcycle to bar / entertaining center!

Kathy Christiano Ciavarella · Answer

Any comments or suggestions?

Tracy · Answer

Love that you kept it original. I love it - now just find an antique whiskey flask and shot glasses to put on top!

Kathy Christiano Ciavarella · Answer

Great tip Tracy ! Thanks

Gail Salminen · Answer

@Kathy Christiano Ciavarella what a great job! It looks beautiful. Thanks for posting an update :)

9530106 · Answer

I knew that it was walnut, and was so hoping you would not paint it. Job well done-you saw the piece's TRUE beauty. There are so many vintage bar glasses, etc., you will have fun finding just the right 'gems' for your new bar!

I need ideas for this vintage record player

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