Add Extra Drinkware Storage With An Upcycled Solution

The secret to making a home bar the centerpiece of any room is using color and bold design to create a gorgeous storage solution that's a true standout. One simple option is to repurpose a portion of existing shelving by cleverly placing a speakeasy bar inside your IKEA bookshelf. However, if you really want to get people talking, consider DIYing some dedicated storage for your drinkware — even the everyday stuff.

As one DIYer showed off on TikTok, a thrift store is the perfect place to start your search for a second-hand cabinet on a budget. Just be sure to jot down the dimensions of your space before heading out, so you can choose a cabinet that won't overwhelm the room, but also won't disappear inside it. For this project, a wooden CD or media storage cabinet is ideal, as it has deep doors with additional shelving that offer plenty of space to store all your drinkware. In a pinch, such pieces are also available online, but they retail for around $100.

Once you've secured your media cabinet, it's time to transform it into a work of art using paint. Consider which colors best match your aesthetic and spend some time planning a design you like. The TikToker opted for a three-color checkerboard pattern, composed of eye-catching white, mustard, and sage hues, complemented by a solid-toned interior fully covered in a mustardy yellow.

Before picking up your paintbrush, clean the media cabinet. Dust it to remove any small debris, then wipe down the surfaces with a microfiber cloth and warm water mixed with a couple of drops of dish soap. If your thrift store find has a glossy surface, lightly sand it down with medium-grit sandpaper, making sure to dust and clean it afterwards. Once fully dry, apply a coat of primer, both inside and out, then use painter's tape to mark out your design. Stencils are another great option to create a design that will really make the piece pop.

While not mandatory, removing the doors and any hardware will make painting easier, especially if you're using multiple colors. Benjamin Moore recommends a 4-inch fine finish roller for the job, paired with a small paintbrush to reach nooks and crannies. Once dry, reattach the existing handles, or upgrade them to vintage pulls, and complete the DIY by screwing in hairpin legs, if desired.

Now it's time to fill your new secret bar with drinkware. Ensure you're storing your glassware correctly by screwing in a stemware rack (or two) inside for the more delicate wine glasses, which are best kept hanging upside down. To elevate the DIY further, you can also breathe new life into your shot glass display by placing an LED strip underneath it.