How to Repurpose a Piano into a Bar/Drinks Cabinet

Piano repurposed into a bar

I had seen a repurposed Piano on Pinterest and knew it was something that I wanted to try, but mine would be a bar.

Looking on Facebook marketplace, I saw a piano at my local for sale site for $120.  Which in hindsight was a lot of money just to strip it down.  I have since found that there are lots of people out there that are giving them away if you will collect. And like with all my projects I do try and make the project my own. 

Repurposed piano

I had planned out what I wanted to do and went from there. I know from past projects anything relating to alcohol always sells.  And after completing this project I will say, this is not a quick project, there was so much work involved that I did not expect.  But after a few months, the results were worth all the hard work.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

How to repurpose a piano into a bar

Remove all the large panels

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I was not too sure where to start so I thought I would remove all the removable panels and go from there.  The 2 big panels one on the top and the bottom were just clipped in place so I just had to unclip them and they came off.  The keyboard lid was just attached with one large hinge and many small screws so that was also easy to remove.

Once the keyboard lid was removed the front panel that supports the lid just lifted off. I did not want to leave the keys inside because they were a really horrible yellow colour. 

I had already planned to make that section a drinks counter.  The key just lifted off and the wood with the spikes on for the keys I also removed.  They were glued in place.  I used a paint scraper to get under them and loosen the wood so I could pull them out.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

Cutting the Piano strings

Pianos are around 400kgs.  It is the weight that will put most people off buying them because they are so hard to move.  To lighten the weight in this piano I wanted to remove the harp and strings from the back. To start with I used an angle grinder and cutting discs and just cut through the wires.  This proved to be very dangerous. 

They are pulled so tight around the harp and when cut they came flying off with some force I was lucky not to get hit with the piano wire.  It shoots back like a rubber band, so be very careful.  My husband then stepped in to lend a hand and released the tension on all the string first before we cut them off.  This took a very long time.  He used a drill and driver attachment to loosen them all. And the cut them using pliers.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

Removing the harp in the piano

Once the strings were removed I was able to get to the bolts that held the harp onto the back of the piano.  I was unable to screw them out because of the weight of the harp.  So we lay the piano on its back which helped with removing the very heavy harp. It took two of us to slide the harp out the top of the piano. 

 All the pieces you see on the back of the piano in the image below were glued in place. I did try and remove them with paint scrapers and a hammer but the wood did get damaged.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

I had already planned that I wanted a mirror on the inside top of the piano where the glasses would be. So that meant I had to remove all the pins.  This was another very time-consuming step.  I used a drill with a driver bit to unscrew all the pins.  I did keep the pins I am not too sure what I will use them for but I always find something.

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

Covering the base inside

Once all the pins were removed I used an orbital sander and 120grit sanding discs to clean up the back.  The back of the piano is not the prettiest to look at so you can cover it like mine faux Snakeskin leather fabric .

To glue the fabric in place I used spray adhesive and around the edges, I used a staple gun and secured the fabric to the base. To hide the staples, I cut small strips of wood which I screwed into the base to make sure the fabric did not peel away.

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

Restore the wood

Next, I wanted to restore the outside of the piano.  It might look good in the pictures but there was a lot of damage to the veneer. I personally did not like the light brown colour I thought it looked boring. I sanded down the big sections using an orbital sander and 120grit sanding discs and finished using 240grit discs. 

The legs and the round sections at the top I used paint stripper to remove all the old varnish and stain.  I added the stripper using a paintbrush and let it sit for a few hours until the varnish started to lift.  I then used a hard scrubbing brush with warm soapy water to scrub off all the old stain and varnish.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

Repair the veneer

The veneer on the piano lid was lifting in a few places. I did not want to pull it off any further so I used a syringe with a thick needle to push glue under the veneer and clamped it in place while the glue dried.  To prevent the glue from sticking to the clamps I added some cling film which worked great.

Piano Repurpose

I stained the piano using cedar stain and gave it 2 coats of satin polyurethane using a paintbrush.  In hindsight, I would use spray polyurethane because in some areas I did have paintbrush marks lucky it was in hidden areas. Or a wipe on poly would work great.

Next, I wanted to make a counter to pour drinks on. To make the counter you can use plywood cut to size, mine was covered in a marble laminate.  You can now replace the legs.

Recycle A Piano into a bar drinks cabinet

Add some wine rack to the piano

I made some wine rack to store wine bottles down the bottom of the piano. I cut 2 planks of wood 1200cm by 20cm and cut holes using a hole saw. One plank had 1 1/2 inch hole and the other using a 3 1/2 inch hole. And then used a table saw to cut the planks in half. The wood with the smaller hole goes in the front and the neck of the bottle sits in the groove. 

Add some shelves

So I had to screw the front racks on the outside and I used screw caps to hide the screws. I forgot to take pictures of the next step.  I cut 2 pieces of wood to be my shelf supports. They were cut to the height between the lid and the plywood below.  They looked really ugly So I cut a design in the middle and on the outside using a jigsaw. 

You will need to add a groove into the shelf for the glass to slide into to keep it secure. Using a scrap piece of wood cut it to size and screw it into the wall of the piano.  The shelf will sit on top of the wood. I had the glass cut to size once I had built the shelves. For a more glamourous look, you can add a mirror to the back of the shelves.  If your piano is like this one you will notice that the back is not even.  You can add a piece of plywood first before you add the mirror.

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

Adding a mirror

The mirror was attached to the back using liquid nails and you can add a simple frame around the mirror edges. I made some glass holders using 10mm plywood and I cut slots into the wood at intervals for the wine glasses to slide into.  I attached these to the roof of the piano using spacer blocks so there was room for the base of the glasses to fit into.

The new modern glasses are a lot fatter so you will need to leave a bigger gap. Once the shelves were fitted I screwed the 2 sides back in place using L brackets.

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

Add LED lighting to the piano

Before I glued down the mirror I drilled a hole large enough for the wire of some LED lights to fit thought. You can fit the lights out of sight down the back.  I would recommend adding the lights because they create a pretty effect at night. The light and the reflection of the glasses in the mirror are really pretty.

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

Finally, I used some Brasso to clean up the foot peddles on the piano.

After a few months of work, this piano looks stunning, just waiting for a buyer to come and buy it. 

Final product

Purposed piano

These pictures are not the best because they were taking in my workshop.  The piano was too heavy for me to move around to get better pictures. So I put up a sheet and put down a carpet to hide the mess in the background.

How to repurpose a piano into a bar

How to repurpose an old piano into a bar/ drinks cabinet

If you are looking for ideas for your next project why not try making a patio cooler made from recycled materials

If you are looking for any of the items used in this project, please consider using our links. By clicking on the links we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Which helps us come up with new and exciting ideas to share with you. Please feel free to share or leave a comment we would love to hear your thoughts.

How to repurpose a Piano into a Bar
Repurposed Piano
Repurposed Piano
Repurpose a Piano
Repurpose a Piano

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64 Comments

  • Reply
    Emilia M Birtch
    November 24, 2016 at 4:11 am

    that is gorgeous! so creative!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      December 2, 2016 at 6:58 am

      My only creation I have been unable to sell. Asking $750 but cant sell it.

      • Reply
        Andrea
        February 21, 2017 at 4:29 pm

        I can’t believe you can’t sell it!!!!! It is gorgeous!! Where are you located??

        • Reply
          Anita Holland
          February 22, 2017 at 5:03 am

          I live in a little country town in NSW Australia, think that is the main reason I am having problems selling it.

  • Reply
    Dianne Yonan
    February 21, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    That is beautiful. Excellent job. I’m sure you’ll find a buyer eventually.

  • Reply
    Lila
    February 21, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    As a pianist, I find this insulting. Poor piano. So sad.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 22, 2017 at 5:01 am

      I respect you opinion, and I agree it is a shame but so many pianos end up in the dumps, so rather turn it into something that can be used.

  • Reply
    georgia
    February 21, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    I have a piano like this I would GIVE away. Northern Colorado

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 22, 2017 at 4:58 am

      Better to give it away and let someone use or repurpose it than have it sent to the dump. So many creative ways to repurpose them. Someone will be very grateful for you generous offer.

  • Reply
    Nancy
    February 21, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    I’d buy this in a heartbeat.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 22, 2017 at 4:55 am

      Thank you, I put a lot of work into this project.

      • Reply
        Linda at Mixed Kreations
        February 16, 2020 at 5:05 pm

        A lot of work but well worth it. It’s beautiful! I’m sure the right person will come along soon.

        • Reply
          Anita Holland
          February 16, 2020 at 11:52 pm

          Thank you so much, I did eventually sell it.

  • Reply
    Mary Favara
    February 21, 2017 at 6:34 pm

    That is really amazing and beautiful. I’m sure someone will fall in love with it.

  • Reply
    Nancy
    February 22, 2017 at 2:34 am

    I think it’s beautiful – the problem with it might be that it’s a large piece of furniture. I had to give up my beautiful piano because it was too big for my new townhouse. But anyone who has the space would love this! And I think your price is reasonable so hang in there, the right buyer will certainly come along!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 22, 2017 at 4:54 am

      Thank you, I think living in a small country town is the issue with selling this. But will hang on.

  • Reply
    Mac
    February 22, 2017 at 4:44 am

    Great job ! I’ve never seen this done before.

    That is a fair price.

  • Reply
    Sharon Williams
    February 22, 2017 at 11:16 am

    I am considering one from my church that is in poor shape to repurpose in order to hold historical documents, pictures, etc. The church is 120+ years old and would like to display items so I was thinking of a roll around cabinet that could be brought out during social functions. Thanks for the tips on removing the insides

  • Reply
    Diana Lassahn
    February 22, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    Just gorgeous. Having refinished furniture I appreciate all the work that went into this. Beautiful finish job. Hang in there someone will buy it.

  • Reply
    Betty Wampler
    February 22, 2017 at 2:32 pm

    What a beautiful way to redo this piano. Wish you lived in Indiana.

  • Reply
    Chas Greener
    July 11, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    This turned out absolutely fantastic. As a musician myself I have made an unplayable clarinet into a lamp.- love this repurpose. Thank you so much for sharing!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 12, 2019 at 3:41 am

      Thank you so much, I will pop over and have a look sounds great.

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    July 27, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    Oh my word Anita, this is STUNNING. It turned out so beautifully. Wow!!!!!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 28, 2019 at 12:20 am

      Thank you so much, Michelle, it was my first and last expensive repurpose. And in the end, it would not fit in my house so I had to sell it. lol

  • Reply
    Michelle
    July 31, 2019 at 5:05 pm

    I am amazed that you looked at a piano and saw a bar. That is awesome! It turned out beautifully!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 1, 2019 at 1:15 am

      Thank you! This was my biggest and most expensive repurpose but it did turn out great.

  • Reply
    Nina Lewis
    August 1, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    You did an amazing job!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at out Party in Your PJs link party.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 1, 2019 at 11:27 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment.

  • Reply
    Rhonda Gales
    August 3, 2019 at 6:22 pm

    What an amazing upcycle! I will be featuring your post on my Sunday’s Best linkup.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 4, 2019 at 9:45 pm

      Thank you so much for the compliment and the feature.

  • Reply
    Amy
    August 5, 2019 at 3:58 am

    I don’t drink, but this is awesome! Found you at snickerdoodle create bake make.

  • Reply
    Veronica Lee
    August 5, 2019 at 5:18 am

    WOW! I’ve never seen anything like this! How super amazing! I am certain you’ll find a buyer eventually.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 5, 2019 at 7:14 am

      Thank you so much, This was an older post I have since sold it.

  • Reply
    Marie
    August 10, 2019 at 3:03 pm

    You always come up with the most ingenious ideas, Anita! This is AMAZING and now I want a piano. Pinned 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 10, 2019 at 10:20 pm

      Thank you Marie, I was always told my ideas so different that is why I was encouraged to start this blog. I just need to improve my writing skills. The piano was my biggest and most expensive project, now I stick to using recycled materials. Thank you for Pinning my project.

  • Reply
    T'onna | Sew Crafty Crochet
    August 10, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    Beautiful piano! The transformation into a wine bar is amazing and such a creative idea! Thanks for sharing at the Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Link Party!

  • Reply
    Alexandra
    August 10, 2019 at 4:11 pm

    This is an incredible transformation, while keeping the original keys and pedals in tack. Gorgeous piece! I have chosen it as one of my features at this week’s Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Party, which goes live today (Saturday) at 5pm EST.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 10, 2019 at 10:21 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind comments and the wonderful feature.

  • Reply
    Julie Briones
    August 12, 2019 at 5:58 am

    Such a super upcycle of a used piano, Anita! The new finish you put on it is beautiful, and it’s such a smart idea! Wish I could fit something similar into My Wee Abode! 😉 So good to have you at Tuesday Turn About!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 12, 2019 at 8:19 am

      Thank you so much Julie, I put a lot of work into that piano and I was really happy with the outcome.

  • Reply
    Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
    August 22, 2019 at 11:34 am

    Love this upcycle!! Gives a whole new meaning to “piano bar” 🙂

  • Reply
    Beverly
    August 22, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    Anita,
    There are no words to explain how gorgeous the piano update is. You are amazing and I know that it must have taken so much time. You are so creative. Congrats, you are being features on Thursday Favorite Things. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2019/08/thursday-favorite-things_22.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 23, 2019 at 6:44 am

      Thank you so much for your great compliment and for the feature. The piano was my biggest project to date and loved how it turned out.

  • Reply
    Julie
    August 24, 2019 at 11:53 am

    This is so quirky and fun, it’ll be one of the features at Handmade Monday tomorrow evening 🙂

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      August 24, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment and the feature. Greatly appreciated.

  • Reply
    Christina Woodcock
    February 16, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Anita, all I can say is WOW WOW WOW! I know repurposing a piano is hard work! You turned something old into a gorgeous piece again!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 16, 2020 at 11:54 pm

      Thank you Christina, I had always wanted to make one and it turned out better than I could have hoped.

  • Reply
    Maria Brittis
    February 20, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    very nice idea, love the look

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      February 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      Thank you so much, it was the biggest project I have attempted.

  • Reply
    Sara
    July 20, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    Unbelievably incredible project! Make me wish I drank more just so I could make one too, but I’ll just live vicariously through you!

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 22, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      Thank you so much Sara, I don’t drink that much either and had to sell it in the end because I had no room left in my house. lol

  • Reply
    Michelle Leslie
    July 20, 2020 at 10:59 pm

    Blown AWAY!!!!!!!!!! Geez Anita, it looks amazing. I never realized how many things were inside a piano and we have my Mom’s one standing in the lounge. It’s more than 100 years old and solid wood, so we won’t be changing it anytime soon, but I will be keeping an eye out for a cheaper/damaged one after seeing your masterpiece.

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      July 22, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      Than k you, I would have to admit I was heartbreaking taking it apart. So much work goes into making them it is incredible. But not many people play the piano at home anymore so they end up at the dump.

  • Reply
    Marty Walden
    July 25, 2020 at 2:09 am

    Absolutely wow! So much work but what a project! Great job!

  • Reply
    Jeanne
    December 31, 2020 at 3:37 am

    Another cool project. Did you save a lot of the workings for steam punk projects? I can imagine there are you would have a lot of material!

  • Reply
    Richard
    January 16, 2021 at 7:35 pm

    Lovely job great to see such talent, I hope you found a buyer! I’m just pulling apart my old piano but the kids love playing with the harp so I’m leaving it in and polishing it up with Brasso ( its a product we have in Scotland and it makes all the strings shine!) Did you do anything with your old harp after it came out?

    • Reply
      Anita Holland
      January 17, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      Thank you so much Richard. It is funny you ark about the harp. I am doing the harp and the panels at the moment. The harp I plan on doing up as a garden “sculpture”

  • Reply
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