15 Great Whiskey Barrel Furniture Projects

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Whiskey Barrel Furniture…..unique, robust and practical

Barrel furniture encompasses a huge range of useful items from chandeliers to wine coolers and armchairs to wine racks.

The barrels have been made by skilled coopers out of seasoned oak, so they are extremely durable.

 

The Making of Barrels

This old film shows the traditional way that barrels are made. Towards the end you will see how an apprentice is initiated into the Guild of Coopers

 

Sourcing Second Hand Barrels

Look online for old barrels, or contact your local winery, distillery, or brewery. They just might be willing to sell you one!

Celtic Timber are the leading suppliers in the UK. In the United States you will find barrels at Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Company

Dimensions of Barrels (Celtic Timber)

• 40 Gallon… Height – 880mm End dia. 550mm
  

• 55 Gallon… Height – 1020mm End dia. 550mm Traditional hogshead

• 55 Gallon… Height – 880mm   End dia. 625mm Dumpy

• 120 Gallon… Height 1320mm End dia. 625mm Butt

There are plenty of ways to use oak barrels, either by keeping the casks intact or deconstructing them. The wooden staves and metal hoops can be used to create something completely unique.

After searching for the most innovative designs, here is my choice for the top 15 whiskey barrel furniture ideas……

Barrel Table

You can use glass or wood for the table top or make a larger table by supporting the top with two barrels.

The space under the glass can be decorated wth wine corks, beer bottle tops, wine labels….

Bedside Tables

One whiskey barrel will make a pair of matching bedside tables. You could cut a hole in the side of the barrel and install a shelf for the storage of medicines, books and much more….

Barrel Cooler

This barrel has been prepared with loving care.The hoops have been polished and the barrel stained making it a striking feature for any home or restaurant. Another example of the versatility of barrel furniture.

Barrel Bar

How appropriate to turn a whisky barrel into a bar to serve drinks from. The shelf is probably made from the top of the same barrel.

Rocking Chair

You will have to deconstruct a barrel to make this rocking chair.

Adirondack Style Chair

This style of chair, which was created by Thomas Lee in 1903, gets its name from the Adironback Mountains in the North of New York State.

Wall Art

This colourful piece has been made from barrel staves framed by a barrel hoop.

Chandelier

You may think of a chandilier as a multitude of twinkling glass facets. However this design has a much more rustic look, which makes it ideal for a farmhouse kitchen.

Outdoor Chair

 

This is my favourite chair…..such a robust, simple design. You can probably source all of the staves required from just one barrel.

4 Chairs and a Table

Just two barrels will enable you to create this innovative outdoor table and chairs.

Wine Rack

This wine rack, which would enhance the appearance of any restaurant or bistro, can hold around 80 bottles.

Bourbon Armchair

 

What a splendid tub chair. The patina and markings on the timber tell the story of the wood’s life before it became a chair.

Barrel Clock

 

This barrel top clock has great character. I bet it could tell a few stories as well as the time!

Wine Barrel Bench

 

This bench has been made from thoroughly sanded and stained staves……last a life time.

I hope you enjoyed my selection of whiskey barrel furniture…. perhaps it will inspire you to make a piece for yourself!

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