Make an upcycled cocktail cabinet

Interior designer Michelle Purcell shares how to transform a vintage cupboard into a cool cocktail bar.

Published: April 17, 2024 at 2:53 pm

Inject a bit of cool glamour to your living space with this cocktail bar, upcycled from a vintage cupboard. Eggshell paint will give your cabinet a subtle sheen but you can use any paint suitable for wood for this project. To add extra glitz, use gold leaf to highlight certain areas, or choose a metallic wallpaper for the backing.

How to make an upcycled cocktail cabinet

You will need

  • Old kitchenette cabinet or dresser
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Wallpaper offcuts
  • Scissors or craft knife
  • PVA glue
  • Etched window film
  • Sandpaper
  • Eggshell paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Squeegee or old credit card

Step 1

Use a screwdriver to remove the cupboard handles. Keep the handles and the fittings safe as you’ll need to replace them later.

Step 2

Using sandpaper, gently sand the entire surface of the cabinet to remove any loose paint and create a key for the new paint. Wipe away any dust and debris with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

Step 3

Apply two coats of eggshell paint to the whole cabinet, inside and out, allowing it to dry thoroughly between coats.

Step 4

Once the paint is dry, reattach the cupboard handles, or swap them for new ones if you wish.

Step 5

Measure the area at the back of the cabinet and cut a piece of wallpaper to the same dimensions using scissors or a craft knife. Attach the wallpaper to the back of the cupboard using PVA glue. Allow to dry.

Step 6

Measure the area of the glass door panels and cut two pieces of etched window film to the same dimensions. Alternatively, you can order the film made to measure from companies such as Purlfrost.

Step 7

Make sure the surface of the glass is thoroughly clean, then apply the window film following the manufacturer’s instructions. Static cling films are applied using soapy water, while others are self adhesive. With either type, use a squeegee or old credit card to press the film flat to the glass and push out any air bubbles.

Craft guide courtesy of Michelle Purcell. Photography Caroline Mardon

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