Vintage Bookcase / Drinks Cabinet (with sides that open out)

This piece is such an amazing and clever design! It is an octagonal shaped book table, with two lockable side doors that open to reveal storage for both bottles and glasses. It also still has its original glass top! It was in a bit of a sorry state to begin with and didn’t function as it should. But has now been transformed and all is working well (pics include a before photo, rough design sketch and some process photos).

The inspiration for my design was ‘comfort’. Like an old cosy jumper, a hug from a loved one, reliability and peaceful moments. Hence, I have lined the whole inside of the central piece with wonderful soft fabric, for tactility and a soft surface for your books to rest against.

Outside of whole piece: I cut and shaped the design out of clay, to add interest and depth - it’s on all four sides. The green colour (two slightly different blended shades) was applied in layers to create a soft mottled appearance. I also hand painted the design on the top surface, as a continuation of the sides design.

Inside of both doors: lined with a fabulous abstract cobalt leopard print paper, and a black textured paper - so it looks gorgeous when the doors are open too! I have also put a little gold gilt around the edges of the purpose cut glass slots for an extra bit of glam and better visibility of the slots.

The base of central piece: inspiration was reptile skin. I made a stencil and hand painted gold upon a black surface.

The two little key tassels: I made these out of some tassel fabric and placed one of my vintage beads on top. Very cute. 

This piece is not only luxurious and handsome, but it is so practical. Providing a you with your favourite things, in one place, within arm’s reach… bliss :-)

*Please note that the glass has a few surface scratches from years of use - I don’t feel that these detract from the overall look, at all*

MEASUREMENTS: 

H - 22.5 inches (57.5 cm)

W - 22.5 inches (57.5 cm)

D - 22.5 inches (57.5 cm)

PROCESS HIGHLIGHTS:

🔶 Whole piece cleaned inside and out - old finish removed, then finely sanded

🔶 Doors removed, all hinges fixed, and side locks replaced.

🔶 Outside design drawn out, clay cut, shaped and applied to all four sides.

🔶 Outside green applied in layers, sealed in wax finish varnish

🔶 Base painted black, stencil made, then artwork applied to all bottom surfaces of central piece, sealed with a satin varnish

🔶 Fabric cut and applied on all side surfaces of central piece.

🔶 Paper decoupaged to inside of doors, sealed with satin varnish

🔶 Key tassels made and attached to keys

🔶 Top glass surface cleaned

🔶 Whole outside and inside base, waxed and buffed for added protection

*Care note: the exterior will just need a dry dust as and when - any cleaning chemicals, may damage the surface. The fabric applied, is used for upholstery. I have purposely not ‘sealed’ it, as I didn’t want to alter the appearance and tactility. So It would be the buyer’s choice whether to do this.

*Please also be aware that vintage/antique items I sell may have age related marks / nicks / patina, especially depending on the age and original purpose of the item. I see the beauty and history in these, so will either leave them in, or work with them to add to the overall aesthetic of particular pieces*