Give An Old Cabinet New Life With An At-Home Bar Flip

Whether you've had an old cabinet sitting around your home for ages or you just scored one off the side of the road, you can turn that old relic into a sophisticated bar cabinet with a little elbow grease and a few basic tools and supplies. A bar cabinet is perfect for creating all the glamor and convenience of a full bar without dedicating a significant amount of space (or requiring additional plumbing or construction).

Depending on the condition of your cabinet, you may need to perform any necessary minor repairs — such as hinge replacements — before beginning your bar cabinet flip. You should also decide on paint or stain colors for your finished bar cabinet. Featuring one color on the outside and another on the inside can create a fun, customized look for your new bar. In addition to paint or stain, you'll need some boards, brackets, and screws for building a shelf (or a pre-made shelf that fits your furniture piece). Gather your cabinet and supplies and prepare to wow. 

Once you've acquired a cabinet and completed any minor repairs, the first step is to staining or painting its outside and inside. Consider the vibe you're going for when planning your colors. Looking for farmhouse chic? Try a white paint on the outside and a dark wood stain on the inside. Want the ultimate in dramatic glamor? Reach for a high-gloss black paint for the outside and a metallic gold for the inside. If vintage is your style, consider painting the outside turquoise or avocado green, and the inside yellow, orange, or salmon.

Once your paint or stain has dried, it's time to create a shelf for your bottles. If you're not handy with tools, consider searching for a pre-made shelf that fits the dimensions of your cabinet's interior. You may be able to find one with legs that requires no mounting at all, like SunnyPoint's expandable spice shelf, available for $23.99 on Amazon. Otherwise, grab some screws, brackets, a board, and craft your own. Don't forget to paint or stain it to match your new bar cabinet's interior. Once the shelf is in place, you're ready to add your bottles of spirits, drinking glasses, and accessories. 

While there's no denying that just owning a custom bar cabinet instantly makes you cooler, adding a few extra touches to your creation can raise the bar even higher. Consider adding battery-operated string lights or push lights to the inside of your cabinet for a little festivity and functionality. You may also wish to use decorative contact paper to dress up the base and shelf of your cabinet even more.

If your cabinet doesn't already have them, consider adding legs to change the piece's style and stature. Styling your home bar cabinet can also take it in whichever direction you choose. A crystal decanter set, a cocktail smoker kit, or a vintage bottle of wine arranged on the top with a houseplant, candles, or hand-selected art pieces can all make a major style statement. Don't forget bar essentials like a corkscrew, reusable straws, and coasters, and you're ready to entertain. You can grab a full Cadobee bartender set from Amazon for less than $25, which will have all the essentials you need.