I’m currently restoring a cocktail bar, which I’m really enjoying. However, as is often the case, it's turning out to be a lot more work than I initially anticipated. At first glance, it seemed that I would just need to remove or reattach the faux leather front and surround. Upon further inspection, though, I realized that the entire faux leather needs to be replaced, along with all the foam, which has deteriorated into a sand-like substance—a common issue I've seen.
So far, I’ve removed most of the faux leather and accessed the top and side by taking out screws and staples. The more components I remove during the restoration, the more work—or potential issues—I uncover, which extends my to-do list.
Here’s what I plan to do:
- Replace the vinyl with high-quality faux leather.
- A caster is broken, so I’ll replace all the casters unless I find a spare.
- General cleaning and tidying up, along with repainting the interior.
- I’ll definitely replace the wired lamp inside with a rechargeable battery-operated one, which is much safer and more convenient for the owner since it can be lit anywhere.
I've noticed that some dealers opt to replace the casters with legs, but I prefer to keep things original. The casters allow the bar to be easily moved around the house, and since it’s summer, it can also be placed in the garden without hassle.
What's interesting about these cocktail bars is that they’ve lasted a long time despite being designed for speed over craftsmanship. This one is from the 1960s or 70s and remains very functional—far better made than most modern furniture.
Check back on my stock to see how it turned out, and feel free to contact me if you have a project that needs attention.