I love midcentury basements that have been decorated in kitschy, escapist styles. And the #1 favorite theme back in the day seems to have been: Whiskey barrel furniture (and don’t forget yer wagon wheel light to go with.) I recently spotted this huge, complete, pristine-looking 19-piece set of whiskey barrel furniture on Facebook Marketplace. Thanks to seller Joseph for giving me permission to archive this classic time-capsule living room suite — complete with fabulous bar and game table! Anyone out there with an empty basement ready to decorate in one fell swoop, for pick up only in Moulton, Pennsylvania?
The furniture was made by Vista Industries of Louisville, Kentucky. Louisville… Bourbon… Whiskey Barrel furniture. That makes sense. On a larger level, the whiskey barrel furniture trend seems to go hand-in-hand in mid-century America’s fascination with Westerns. I talked at length about this phenomenon in this interview last year with Collector’s Weekly, “It Came From the ’70s: The Story of Your Grandma’s Weird Couch.” Gunsmoke, anyone?
19-piece set of whiskey barrel furniture, minty fresh
Back to this amazing set. As the listing says, it’s from the 70s, and I would agree, specifically from the colors: Avocado and dusty earthy coral. Above: The game table with gameboard designs printed right onto the laminate top.
The listing info includes:
19 piece retro 70’s whiskey barrel furniture made by Vista Furniture Inc, consisting of a game table, 4 chairs, couch w/matching chair, coffee table, 2 lamps, side chair w/ottoman, bar w/4 barstools, large bar w/bar back stool and wall bottle/glass holder. The set is in excellent minty condition. The set was cleaned and is like brand new. Made by Vista Inc dates to 1970s.
No detail is spared — you get whiskey barrel chairs, fully upholstered, too.
The whiskey barrel bar is a deelite to behold — hail those original stools — and my husband liked that back shelf too. I can almost taste the… whiskey sours made from a powder mix, of course!
For your walls to go with, how about this 1970s novelty wallpaper from Hannah’s Treasures?
This wallpaper — it reads “Early American” to me more so than “Western” but still fits with whiskey barrels, I think — has all the right 1970s colors. Of course, you could also do wood paneling (like in the original room), but you know I love the over-the-top factor added by novelty wallpaper.
The inside of the bar isn’t much to look at. But look, a little stool for the bartender!
A pair of whiskey barrel lamps!
Above: The back detail of the whiskey barrel sofa.
Yowza, at $1,600 takes it all, that’s a lot of classic rumpus room for the money. Inspect the photos carefully and tehre are other items to ask about too!
Thanks again, Joseph, for the permission. We surely hope this set finds a loving new home.
Link love one more time:
Kathryn Asbahr says
I recreated this in quarter inch scale for a room box basement rec room. Even made a wagon wheel chandelier for over the table. Along with a pool table. This post was such a fun inspiration. I can always count on your posts for some fun ideas.
GMcKinney says
The diamond-back pieces are JC Penney originals. They really are the most amazing designs. I’d almost trade my Poulsen Seligs for the set.
Those twin barrel lamps are killing me. But, all sold already.
Jacquelyn Tensley says
Hi I have a set of whiskey barrel bar, chairs tables ECT. People don’t want to buy it they, want you to give it away. I love the sets you have shown.
pam kueber says
IDK, we see sets go for some dough-re-mi!
Jacquelyn says
Can you suggest a site to sell it on? My husband want that them in his cave.
pam kueber says
You could try places like Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, and ebay… those are typical go-to’s, I think.