I built my own tiki bar using the top of a 1970s step-back cupboard — and it’s the perfect size for a small home bar. I bought the cupboard for just $10. And I am not lying: Making this bar took less time than making this 2-minute video with all my DIY tips!
- See all the stories about my Mahalo Lounge project here.
Lynne says
Wow, Pam no one would ever know that was a colonial buffet top! Well done. What is the top? Did is miss that in the video or text? I will agree with you, it does need a little “weight” at the bottom for the sake of balance and sturdiness.
I can’t wait to see the bar stools you’ve chosen.
Jay says
Had to wait until I got home to see the you tube segment, blocked at work. I could not believe the transformation of the piece. Did you know before hand that was what you were looking for or it did just pop into your head while at the Restore? Such creativity.
Pam Kueber says
Hi Jay, as I recall, I was nosing around in general, including for something that might be repurposed into a bar, and then I saw the step-back top, measured it, ogled it, and voila!
Melinda says
Looks great. Thank goodness for the ReStore! Half the stuff in my house has come from there.
Kelly Wittenauer says
Nice work! And you found a perfect top for it. Look forward to the big Mahalo Lounge reveal!
Love Dan’s idea for a uploader.
Off topic, but I noticed the “visitor’s posts” have disappeared from the FB page. What’s up with that?
Pam Kueber says
I don’t know about FB. It gets quirky. I’m sure the visitors posts will return soon.
Markie Crossman-Dixon says
Very creative use! We are planning to reno/ restore a ’58 Shasta trailer and have decided to use a tiki theme, so I’m really enjoying your projects.
Robin, WA says
Pam, you so clever. That’s really amazing.
Geronimom says
And THAT’S why I love this site – the creativity and unique ideas here never cease to amaze or inspire -thank you! Such a great way to upcycle something that many consider passe’ nowadays (I may be the lone holdout on that – I love having my mom’s old (colonial style, no less????) china cabinet…but if I didn’t, this would definitely be something fun and useful to consider doing with it. Your bar looks awesome with all that gorgeous tapa cloth – can’t believe you got such a good price on that, as well. As an aside – do you plan to install a foot rail on the bar? The bar in our Tikiator bar does not have one and it has been something I have regretted not having since people lounging there tend to try to rest their feet against the bar instead of on the barstool rings..????. Can’t wait to see how it all eventually comes together!
Dan says
I love projects like this, giving new life to ‘orphan’ furniture. On a much smaller scale, I found a cool hexagonal Danish Modern side table top at an estate sale for $4 – the legs, alas, long MIA. I cut the handles off a wire laundry basket, painted it my favorite orange, and now have a neat little faux Bertoia piece.
This may have been done already, but how about some reader submissions of rescued and refashioned furniture?
Carolyn says
And what did I take away from this very informative 2 minute video?
ASTRO!
But seriously folks, I’m so glad there are creative people who can see how to re-purpose items that were probably fairly well-made in their prime but don’t fit into our current sensibilities instead of just dumping them. And then sharing how-to’s.
Uncle Atom says
Great idea, I love repurposing and the bar looks great and practical. If the glass could be removed you could also get some 1/8-inch board and cut it to the size of the glass and use your front covering to face the wood – that would let you keep the doors intact.