Secretary Desk to Bar Cabinet in 3 Simple Steps

Having an at-home bar is the epitome of luxury and style. Not only does it provide a dedicated space for entertaining and serving drinks, but it also becomes a striking design focal point. For those with limited room, finding an option to create a bar that won't dominate the space can be tricky. But with some creative repurposing, secretary desks make for gorgeous compact home bars.

Secretary desks have built-in storage compartments that lend themselves perfectly to barware display. Their petite size suits small home layouts where a full-sized bar would overwhelm. By converting a secretary desk into a bar, you amplify its functionality while adding vintage character or modern flair. Read on as we explain how to easily transform secretary desks into cabinet bars in just 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Secretary Desk

Assess Drawers and Cabinets

Start your secretary desk bar project by taking stock of the existing storage spaces. Secretary desks typically have an upper cabinet section with shelves or a interior drawers. The lower central drawer often extends into a drop-front writing surface. Evaluate what areas will work best for storing barware items vs. liquor displays.

Remove any contents cluttering up the desk drawers and cabinets. This clears the way for your new bar supplies. Consider donating or selling items you no longer need to make more room. Clean all surfaces thoroughly before styling.

Check Structure and Stability

Before loading up your secretary bar, confirm it sits solidly on the floor without rocking or leaning. Wobbly bases won't properly support barware. Use shims to level if needed. Also test weight bearing load by placing books or other heavy items inside.

Inspect the desk joints, legs and hinges for Sturdiness. Tighten any loose screws or glue joints. Address repairs for lasting integrity through many years of use as a bar.

Style with Paint or Stain

Adding color through a bright coat of paint or rich wood stain gives your secretary desk bar its own signature look. For contemporary bars, try bold hues like navy blue, charcoal gray or even glossy red or green. For more traditional charm, keep natural wood tones.

Whitewashed finishes also impart Farmhouse character. Target distressing or antiquing for shabby chic vintage flair. Paint the desk interior a contrasting color to spotlight bar contents.

Step 2: Style the Bar Interior

Essential Barware and Accessories

It's time to outfit your secretary desk with chic bar essentials. Stock glassware like wine glasses, highball tumblers, and martini glasses to suit your beverage needs. Include corkscrews and bottle openers, cocktail shakers, muddlers and strainers based on your mixology interests.

Consider special touches like customized coasters, napkin holders, ice buckets, or drink trays to uplevel hosting duties. Floating shelves above or beside the desk provide additional display space for accents and decor.

Liquor and Mixers

Fill your bar with mini to full-sized bottles depending on available storage space. Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey and tequila tend to be popular home bar spirits. Vermouths, liqueurs, bitters and other specialty options encourage cocktail experimentation.

Stock complementary non-alcoholic beverages as mixers and modifiers including club soda, tonic water, juices and nectars. Citrus fruits, olives, cherries and fresh herbs cater to different drink garnish needs.

Special Touches

Consider portable temperature control with chilling ice buckets. Accent lighting spotlights your artisanal glassware and glittering bottles. Trays corral bottles, ingredients and tools when not on display.

Coordinating artwork introduces color and whimsy. A small stool tucked underneath suits seated sampling. Stack decorative books related to spirits and cocktails to reference recipes.

Step 3: Add Finishing Touches

Seating Ideas

Pull up a sleek matching backless stool for belly up bar enjoyment. Or opt for a compact bench for gatherings. For a space-saving standing bar, style with tall director's chairs nearby for resting cocktail in hand.

Display Tips

Curate favorite glassware and spirits attractively inside the secretary bar, playing with heights and angles. Showcase decorative bottles like absinthe fountains or grappa dispensers. Perch dainty cordial glasses together.

Edit bar collections to avoid clutter while spotlighting cherished possessions and conversation pieces. Rotate seasonal ingredients and latest mixology gifts into the display.

Style to Suit Your Taste

Modern clear or gold-rimmed glassware pops against dark lacquered cabinetry. Antique cut-glass decanters and mercury glass amp up the old-world bar vibe. Kitschy bar-themed accessories lend a playful note.

For boho charm, collate assorted glasses together alongside dried botanicals and pieces of geode. Or channel your inner mixologist arranging tools and bitters amidst industrial-chic finishes. The styling options are endless.

Transforming a secretary desk into a stunning home bar requires just a few simple steps. After preparing the existing storage space, add lights, stools and your barware collections for a fully functioning and fabulous entertaining station. With some creative styling, you'll never look at your old secretary desk the same way again. Cheers to repurposing furniture finds into conversation-starting bars!