Repurpose A Sewing Table Into An Outdoor Bar Cart To Stay Cool This Summer

If you've been looking for creative ways you can repurpose old furniture, this DIY bar cart is a great project for those that have a sewing machine table sitting in storage. By removing the sewing machine from the center of the table and replacing it with a metal tub or food serving dish, you can transform it into a simple, modern bar cart that can be folded and put away. For those that don't already have a sewing table, you may be able to find one at a thrift store or yard sale to DIY your own unique bar cart.

This project will require a jigsaw, a sander or sandpaper, and paint or wood stain. For those that plan to keep the cart outside, you might consider using a stain or paint designed for the outdoors. You might also gather some scrap wood to add a lower shelf to the table for extra storage and support. Additionally, adding a towel bar or ring, hooks, or even a bottle opener onto the sides of your bar cart can make it really useful when preparing your home to host summer parties.

To be able to turn your old sewing table into a bar cart, you'll need to completely remove the sewing machine. With some versions, this may be as simple as unscrewing everything and taking off any hinges, but with older tables, this might be a bit difficult. Now, you'll need to decide what type of metal container will hold your drinks. The stainless steel serving tray with handles for about $12 at Walmart would be a good choice, as well as the rectangular galvanized tub for just under $19. Alternatively, if you want a sleeker, more modern looking container that will sit flush with your table, the Winco stainless steel steam pan for about $26 on Amazon is perfect.

Once you've chosen your tub, place it over the hole in the table and draw an outline around it. This will let you know how much of the table to cut out with your jigsaw for it to fit. With some sewing tables, the underneath may be empty and you might need to screw on some wood planks to support your container. Sand around the cut area to ensure there are no sharp edges and test to check that your metal bin will stay in place. This is where your ice and drinks will be kept, while the top part of the table that folds out can be used as a counter.

Now, you'll want to think of ways to decorate your bar cart. You might choose to stain the wood and leave it looking rustic, or sand the entire piece and paint it. Before this, you may want to remove any handles on the front, especially if you plan to replace them. Alternatively, you might consider using decorative contact paper on the sides for a different aesthetic.

To add a shelf to the bottom of your bar cart, measure the area between the legs of the table and cut a piece of scrap wood to size. Paint or stain it to match your table and use corner brackets to screw it onto the legs. You might want to replace the original handles with a sleek towel bar or a drawer pull that could double as one. Alternatively, you could place S hooks on the bar to hang tools, like an ice scoop, from the side of your cart and install a towel ring for your rags. To make this upcycle even more unique, try adding some cool bar features, like the brown metal bottle opener from Hobby Lobby for about $3. Now, you can fold open the table and fill your metal bin with ice and drinks, place glasses or decorative fruit on the counter, and store extra supplies on the lower shelf. When the party is over, simply remove and dump the bucket and fold your bar cart back into a regular table.