12 Ideas for Your Whiskey Barrel - The Bar Design

12 Ideas for Your Whiskey Barrel

Do you love the look of unique furniture that will draw attention and make a statement in your home? If so, you may fall in love with a whiskey barrel bar cabinet! Whiskey barrels are a great way to add character and practicality to your home. They are great for do-it-yourself projects or for purchasing existing pieces. 

This article will give you some ideas for transforming a whiskey barrel. This is an exceptional project for whiskey lovers or those who can track down an oak whiskey barrel. 

Whiskey Barrel Projects

Whiskey barrels add a rustic and old-age charm to your home. They are long-lasting wooden barrels that are sturdy and can last up to ten years (even longer if you put some TLC into them). It's time to track down an old-school whiskey barrel and create a one-of-a-kind piece from it. 

We will share some of our favorite ideas for transforming a whiskey barrel. 

1. Outdoor Side Table

whiskey barrel bar cabinet

If you're looking for a simple project that makes a big statement, an outdoor side table is a good choice. Instead of buying a bunch of materials, you'll need a whiskey barrel and perhaps a sealant. To create an outdoor side table, you'll just have to cut your whiskey barrel in half and flip it over. The underside of the barrel is a perfect place to place decor and use as a tabletop. In order to keep your barrel pristine in the elements, seal it if you have to. 

The beauty in this is that one whiskey barrel can make two outdoor side tables. Place them next to your favorite Adirondack chairs or outdoor sectional. This is a perfect addition to your patio decor. It is also a suitable place for guests to set drinks and snacks. 

2. Rocking Chair

whiskey barrel bar for sale

Rocking chairs have made a comeback. They are perfect for nurseries, media rooms, and reading corners. Whiskey barrels have curved wooden planks. This is the perfect shape for a rocking chair. You'll have to deconstruct the barrel and rebuild it following a tutorial. This can be a time-consuming project. However, it brings a rugged and rustic vibe to your home. It can also be used outdoors on your porch or patio. 

There are plenty of DIY tutorials online for you to look through. With a good construction, this chair can become an heirloom that is passed down through generations. 

3. Firewood Holder

oak whiskey barrel

What better object to hold your firewood than a repurposed whiskey barrel? If you have a fireplace or old-school fire stove in your house, you'll have to store firewood. Finding a firewood holder that adds character and charm can be difficult. Thankfully, you can make one yourself with the right materials. 

A firewood holder made from a whiskey barrel will utilize both staves and barrel rings. It is a relatively easy project that shouldn't take much time. This is a great place to start if you're new to DIY projects. You can use the metal parts from the barrel for this and save the remaining wood for another project. Put it next to your fireplace for a rustic charm in your home. 

4. Planters

whiskey barrel bar

There's nothing like beautiful flowers in the spring and summertime. Unfortunately, purchasing planters can be expensive. Furthermore, storebought planters can lack character. Make whiskey barrel planters if you want a customized look that draws attention. 

Whiskey barrels are pretty large in circumference. This means that you can easily plant several flowers there. Like the outdoor table, you'll cut the whiskey barrel in half. This will give you two planters. Once you've done this, fill the barrel with nutrient-rich soil and plant the flowers of your choice. Your plants will thrive, and they will beautifully complement your DIY barrel!

5. Floors

whiskey barrel floor

Are you looking for a statement floor that not everyone will have? Consider using repurposed wood from a whiskey barrel. This will add so much detail. It would be a perfect addition to a storefront. Include any boards with ink or stamps for a unique look. If you opt to do this, make sure you use a proper sealant and polisher. You will want to make sure your boards are durable and long-lasting. 

We recommend touching base with a flooring specialist or carpenter. This will ensure that your new installation won't peel or warp. 

6. Bar

whiskey barrel bar table

Western bar like a whiskey barrel? We don't think so! A whiskey barrel bar would be straightforward to make. Use one or two whiskey barrels as the foundation. Purchase a tabletop or piece of wood. Secure it to the barrels that will act as its legs. Stain the entire unit to match your space. 

If you don't want to DIY a bar, consider buying one. Several online vendors offer whiskey barrel bar cabinets, so you can find one that fits your needs. 

Whiskey barrels are large and sturdy, so they will stabilize your bar for drinks and snacks. Add some bar stools around it to complete the look. This will bring the beauty of reclaimed wood into your next gathering. 

7. Trash Can

whiskey barrel trash can

Is there anything more unsightly than a plastic or metal trash can? They definitely aren’t made to be pretty. However, you can change that. Making a whiskey barrel into an outdoor trash can is especially smart. It will be a perfect place for either garbage or recyclables. It will add to the decor instead of taking away from it. 

Cut the top of the barrel out and line it with a garbage bag. You could also place a plastic bin inside of the barrel or add hooks for the bag to sit on. This will help secure the bag once you start throwing trash inside. 

8. Wine Rack

wine barrel wine rack

If your partner loves whiskey and you love wine, then this DIY is for you. Building a wine rack can be a little tricky. You’ll have to gear up and grab a hammer, drill, and saw. However, this project will make a big statement! Store all of your favorite wines on this beautiful rack. You can create a rack that will stand off of the ground. You can customize the rack to fit as many bottles as you need.

Another play on this idea is a whiskey barrel shelf. You can place your favorite items there to display to guests. 

9. Rain Barrel

whiskey rain barrel

Say goodbye to unsightly plastic rain barrels. Doing good things for the Earth (and your garden) doesn’t have to be hideous! After all, whiskey barrels were designed to hold liquid. This means that it can certainly hold the summer rain at your home! 

The rain barrel will collect precipitation. You can recycle this water to water your grass and garden. This is a great way to add character to the exterior of your home AND practicality. It is a great way to make a big difference in your water consumption. 

This project is very simple. You'll just have to add a spout to the barrel's bottom to attach a hose. You will want to keep the barrel whole to catch as much water as possible. 

10. Candle Holder

whiskey barrel candle holder

Few things are cozier than lighting candles on a fall or winter evening. A candle holder as your centerpiece or on your mantle is an excellent addition to your home. Consider repurposing a plank from your whiskey barrel to use as a votive holder. 

You’ll just have to remove one of the boards from the barrel. Sand down the edges so they sit flush on your table or mantle. Drill holes to hold the votives throughout the plank. Place small glass votive holders to put tiny candles in. This will draw attention and add to cozy nights at your home. 

11. Lazy Susan

whiskey barrel lazy susan

Lazy Susans are not out of style but have become more stylish. You can create your own serving tray with a barrel hoop. This will add a rustic quality to your kitchen table. It is a simple way to add beauty to your home. 

You can serve hors d'oeuvres and drinks to guests on this one-of-a-kind tray. If you don't want the mobility of a Lazy Susan, opt for just a serving tray. Use the top of the whiskey barrel and add handles on either side. 

 12. Wreath

whiskey barrel wreath

Are you looking to decorate your front door? We love the look of a wreath! Consider getting a simple wreath made out of the barrel hoop. You can then glue faux flowers around the wreath or to the bottom. We love the look of pair metal on the top half accented with fake succulents on the bottom. You can also find flowers and colors that accent your house beautifully. You can hang it on your door by purchasing a convenient over-door wreath hook. 

Conclusion

Adding some DIY projects to your house can make a huge impact! Whiskey barrels are well-loved for their charm and rustic feeling. Thankfully, there are many ways to incorporate an old-school barrel, such as a whiskey barrel bar cabinet. Whether you want to DIY a project or purchase an already-made piece of furniture, this is a great way to repurpose previously used barrels for your home.