Building a wine barrel coffee table is a fun upcycling idea that even new builders can do as their first project. Learn how to build this wine barrel coffee table.
This is not just a stylish wine barrel coffee table. it’s also spacious storage for keeping miscellaneous items in the living room. So if you are looking to improve your living room, this is one great idea you can do!
But if you are not confident about cutting a wine barrel in half yourself, you can ask your supplier or a local woodworking shop to do it for you. This will make the entire project a lot easier. :)
Now what’s also nice about this DIY project is that you can use leftover timber for the tabletop and the base. It doesn’t matter if they’re pallets or oak – your wine barrel coffee table will surely look beautiful in a rustic way.
You can also use glass as your tabletop if you want to use the compartment like a shadowbox for displaying certain items.
If you plan on building this for your outdoor area, you can install a small fire pit too, to keep you warm during the winter!
This wine barrel coffee table idea is a piece of furniture that certainly meets style and a lot of functions! What’s not to love?
Have a look at some different versions of a wine barrel coffee table from our album below. Then learn the step-by-step tutorial by scrolling down to the tutorial by DIY-er cmatthews13!
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Contents
Building a Wine Barrel Coffee Table
Materials
- Old Wine Barrel
- 1x4x3/4″ Oak Timber
- Oil Rubbed Bronze Colored Paint
- Carriage Bolts
- Wood Screws
- Piano Hinge
Tools
- Ruler and Pencil
- Cordless Drill
- Jigsaw
- Random Orbital Sander
- Angle Grinder
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Spirit Level
- Measuring Tape
Instructions
Supplies: Buy a barrel. Hopefully, your supplier will cut the barrel for you. This will save you a lot of time, energy, and any headache.
Make it pretty: I removed the steel bands for this, however it probably would have been just as easy to leave them on.
I then used oil and rubbed bronze colored paint to repaint the steel bands, and then re-attached them. Then, I replaced the screws with new carriage bolts.
Create the base: Creating the arches for the base was probably the toughest part of this project. There are a couple of good videos that demonstrate this pretty well. The picture shows how I used a ruler to create the half circle for the base. Basically, you divide the width of the barrel from where you want the base in half.
Then add a bottom board to support the base and the runner.
The top: I used three-quarter inch oak panels that I happened to have. These were left over from a previous project. Otherwise, I would not have spent the money as they get a little pricey. I glued them, and then used a pocket hole jig to secure them from the underside.
Then I used two support braces.
Frame: I used oak 1 x 4s to create a frame for the top to rest on. This was not an easy task as getting it secured to the barrel was tough. I ended up having to use some corner brackets along the bottom side of it to ensure that it would not fall apart if anyone tried to pick up the table. You can see that in the pictures.
Assembly: I moved it inside the house to do the final assembly. Basically, while it was upside down, I marked the barrel while the base was in place. That way I could drill some pilot holes from the outside in, and then later attach screws from the inside out. Once I put it together, I was able to screw the barrel in place with the base. Then, I set the top on it and added a piano hinge to the backside, which offered a small storage space inside.
Full Disclosure: These two guys really helped me make this happen…
Thanks to cmatthews13 for this great project!
Choosing the Right Wine Barrel
Creating a wine barrel coffee table starts with selecting the perfect barrel. This choice will influence the overall appearance, durability, and functionality of your finished piece. Below are detailed guidelines to help you pick a suitable wine barrel for your coffee table project.
Assess the Barrel’s Condition
- Visual Inspection: Look for a barrel that is structurally sound, with staves that are intact and tightly fitted. Check for any signs of rot or severe weathering, as these could compromise the stability of your wine barrel coffee table.
- Smell Test: A good barrel should not have any off-putting odors. A mild wine scent is acceptable and can add character to your coffee table, but any smell of mold or mildew is a red flag.
Consider the Size and Proportions
- Barrel Size: Standard wine barrels typically have a height of about 35 inches and a diameter of 28 inches at the widest point. Ensure the size matches the space where you plan to place your wine barrel coffee table.
- Proportions: Depending on the design, you might prefer a barrel with a wider middle to allow more storage space inside the table or a slimmer profile for a sleeker look.
Source Responsibly
- Local Wineries and Vineyards: Contact nearby wineries or vineyards. Many sell their old barrels, which not only gives you a chance to pick the perfect barrel in person but also supports local businesses.
- Specialty Retailers: There are retailers who specialize in reclaimed wine barrels. These vendors often offer barrels that have been pre-inspected and treated for furniture use, making them a convenient option for your wine barrel coffee table.
A well chosen wine barrel will guarantee that your coffee table will be a focal point in your living area, fusing distinctive design with useful utility.
Design Variations for Wine Barrel Coffee Tables
A wine barrel coffee table can be a statement piece that adds charm and character to any living space. Exploring various design variations can help you tailor your project to fit your personal style and functional needs.
Here are several creative ideas to inspire your wine barrel coffee table design.
Incorporate Different Tabletop Materials
- Wood: Using reclaimed wood as a tabletop adds a rustic touch and sustainability aspect to your wine barrel coffee table. Hardwoods like oak or walnut can provide durability and a rich texture.
- Glass: A glass tabletop allows you to view the inside of the barrel, which can be used as a display area for decorative items. It adds a modern touch and can make the space appear larger.
- Metal: A metal top can transform your wine barrel coffee table into an industrial-style piece. Materials like copper or zinc add durability and a unique patina over time.
Add Functional Features
- Storage Solutions: Consider creating a hinged door on the side of the barrel or a lift-up top to use the interior as storage space. This functionality makes the wine barrel coffee table not only beautiful but also practical.
- Mobility: Adding casters to the base of your wine barrel coffee table can enhance its functionality, making it easy to move around for different uses or cleaning.
- Customized Bases: Experiment with different base designs that can change the height and look of your wine barrel coffee table. Options include using wrought iron legs for an elegant feel or a stacked wooden base for a more traditional look.
Explore Artistic Elements
- Carvings and Inlays: Adding carved designs or inlays can personalize your wine barrel coffee table and make it a true art piece. Themes can range from vineyard-inspired motifs to more abstract, modern designs.
- Paint and Stain: Customize your wine barrel coffee table with paint or stain to match your decor. Consider whitewashing for a shabby chic look, or a dark stain for a more formal appearance.
Combine with Other Materials
- Stone or Marble: For a more luxurious wine barrel coffee table, adding a stone or marble top can elevate the overall design. This is particularly fitting in a more formal living room or in spaces with a contemporary decor style.
Integrate Lighting Features
- Interior Lighting: Install LED lights inside the barrel to highlight the interior, especially if you are using a glass top. This adds an enchanting ambiance to your room and can showcase any display items within.
- Underlighting: Adding soft lighting under the base of your wine barrel coffee table can create a floating effect and enhance the mood of your living space, making it a standout feature especially in dim settings.
Utilize Alternate Finishing Techniques
- Burnt Wood Finish: Applying a Shou Sugi Ban technique (Japanese wood burning) can give your wine barrel coffee table a distinctive, durable, and weather-resistant finish with rich, textured charcoal hues.
- Epoxy Resin: For a truly custom look, use epoxy resin to fill the gaps in the wood or to create a colorful and durable tabletop. Mixing in elements like stones, shells, or even bottle caps can embed personal touches and memories into the table.
Add Expandable Components
- Drop Leaves: Incorporate drop-leaf extensions to the sides of your wine barrel coffee table, which can be lifted to expand the surface area when needed. This is ideal for entertaining guests or when extra surface space is required.
- Nested Tables: Design smaller, nested tables that can slide out from under the main tabletop. This variation is particularly useful for providing additional serving space while maintaining a compact footprint.
Decorative Enhancements
- Stenciling and Decals: Use stencils or decals to add decorative patterns or motifs to your wine barrel coffee table. This can range from vineyard-inspired imagery to more modern, geometric patterns.
- Hand-Painting: For those who are artistically inclined, hand-painting your wine barrel coffee table can turn it into a bespoke piece of art, reflecting personal stories or favorite themes.
Eco-Friendly Adaptations
- Solar Panels: For outdoor wine barrel coffee tables, incorporating small solar panels can provide energy to power the lighting or charge devices, making your furniture not only stylish but also functional and eco-friendly.
- Recycled Components: Use other recycled materials in conjunction with the wine barrel, such as recycled glass for the tabletop or salvaged iron for the legs, to enhance the sustainability of your project.
These design variations allow you to create a wine barrel coffee table that not only enhances your living space but also reflects your personal taste and lifestyle needs. With so many options, you can ensure that your coffee table will be as unique as it is functional.
Conclusion
Building a wine barrel coffee table is a special chance to furnish any living area with a useful centerpiece that exudes rustic appeal. Your table can be made to suit your own style and the décor of your space with the appropriate materials and a little imagination. Along with improving your house, this project demonstrates your skill and dedication to upcycling.
