Our Home Bar: Repurposed Steamer Trunk

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The trunk (and floor) before a major overhaul

Hannah and I have always loved taking weekend drives up into the Smoky Mountains. Early in our marriage, while we were still trying to furnish our new (to us) home, we stopped at a little antique store on one of these drives. Filled primarily with the usual suspects, we did happen across one item that stood out: a vintage steamer trunk.

Joe Versus the Volcano

I’ll never let go, Jack!

We loved the look of it, and thought it would make the perfect end table or ottoman. However after a year or so, and a steadily growing liquor cabinet, we decided to repurpose the trunk. We removed four of the drawers, keeping the top for cocktail books & napkins, and creating shelving with the rest. We kept the fronts for the bottom drawers in order to hide the less attractive (or downright embarrassing) bottles. The left side had a perfect shelf at the top for a cutting board we already had, and underneath I put together a wine and glass rack with pine and a brad nailer. We liked the look of the unfinished wood enough that we’ve kept it that way.

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The steamer trunk is a conversation piece, and utilizing it as a bar has given us a beautiful and organized way to store our wine & liquor.

Plus, when the house sitter comes over, we can close it.

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Bar + Dexter photobomb on the far right

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On a related note, Hannah has a post on DIY’s Made + Remade today that will help you stock your own bar for the holiday season.

 

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2 thoughts on “Our Home Bar: Repurposed Steamer Trunk

  1. Great ideas! Looking to acquire a trunk from the Rents and create a version of this terrific bar. Keeps the Pulman in the fam too!

  2. I just recently purchased a vintage steamer trunk as well to do the same. If you have tips and tricks or how-to’s to share that would be great

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