I’ve had this vintage sewing machine cabinet for a couple of years. I’ve always wanted to make a drink station out of one of these old cabinets. I’m still on the fence about whether this cabinet should be a side table or a drink station.
Vintage Sewing Machine Cabinet
This vintage sewing machine cabinet has definitely seen better days. I’m always happy to find these cabinets without the machines. I actually brought this home in the Fall of 2016. And then it sat!
How to Make a Drink Station
Then about a year ago, I found the perfect galvanized tub to turn this sewing cabinet into a drink station. It’s from the Better Homes & Garden selection at Walmart. I had painted the cabinet white and put it in storage.
Remove Chippy Veneer
When I got it out, I noticed that the veneer was in bad shape. So, I used a putty knife to start chipping away at the veneer.
Most of the bad veneer came right off with the putty knife.
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To smooth the rough veneer, I used my orbital sander.
Add a Bottom to Sewing Machine Cabinet
The drink station (side table) would need a bottom to help support the galvanized tub. The pictures are pretty much self explanatory.
Kreg Jig Joinery
Of course I used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes to secure the bottom into the cabinet.
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In addition to the pocket hole screws, I added small cleats to the sides to make sure the bottom of the drink station would be strong enough to hold all the weight of the beverages and ice.
A frame was added to the base of the sewing machine cabinet. I used scrap wood, and mitered the corners on the top of the base.
Frame the Lid or Top to Rest Securely
In order to keep the top of the drink station secure, I added a frame that sits securely in the base.
I made sure that the tub was going to rest securely in the sewing cabinet in order to bring this drink station together.
Add Faux Drawer or Door
To cover up the hole in the front, I added a piece of scrap wood, and trimmed it out sort of like a picture frame. I’m not sure what happened to the original piece that came with the sewing cabinet.
Easy Painting with Paint Sprayer
I used my trusty Homeright Super Finish Max to paint the drink station black. THAT was a year ago, almost to the day that I drug it out this year to change it up.
Sewing Machine Cabinet as a Side Table
But first, let’s take a look at the drink station as a side table. I really never liked this table in black. I didn’t even take it to Glendale 2018.
Sewing Machine Cabinet Makeover
One year later and I revisited this sewing cabinet to finally turn it into a drink station I love.
I used some Dixie Belle paint in Drop Cloth to do a light coverage over the black. (gotta love that name)
Drink Station Made from Sewing Machine Cabinet
Here is the drink station ready to party! The large galvanized tub holds a lot of ice and drinks.
The top of the sewing cabinet side table is still available if it’s needed. I think it’s a win/win! Pin this now so you can find it later.
gail
See More Sewing Cabinet Project Ideas
We are just getting ready to turn an old sewing machine cabinet into a faux card catalog unit. Can't wait to finish it...……..I think I'm going to gift it to my daughter-in-law who is decorating with farm style items.
Ohhh, that sounds awesome! I'd love to see it when you're done. Maybe you could share it on my Facebook page?
gail
I love it. I left the top on mine to put bottles or hors devours on, my husband made a small shelf holder that’s on hinges for extra support. It’s a parsons brand table so it’s a little bigger where the sewing machine goes. So I just had to take the front piece that held the machine up. I went to a restaurant supplies store and bought a busser’s black tub. It fit perfectly, on the tiny drawer I added a bottle opener. It opens to the remotes for the TV, cable, Apple TV, and fan it sits on the patio. It’s in a clear coat right now, I can’t decide if I want it painted or not. If I paint it (and you know I’m adverse to white or cream) I’m sort of stuck with that color to decorate the porch.
Paint! It's my toughest decision. I guess that's why I'm stuck on the glaze.
Busser's tub! Excellent idea.
Isn't it so fun redoing junk?
gail
that is SO nice. i would jave a hard time deciding on which to use the table for! great job with finish.