Upcycle a Hutch Into an Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Have an old hutch or cabinet at home that’s just collecting dust? Turn it into a beverage and food station for your outdoor entertaining area. Add a mini fridge and wine glass racks, and you’ll have yourself a multifunctional piece of furniture for serving and storage in no time.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Upcycle a Hutch Into an Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Have an old hutch or cabinet at home that’s just collecting dust? Turn it into a beverage and food station for your outdoor entertaining area. Add a mini fridge and wine glass racks, and you’ll have yourself a multifunctional piece of furniture for serving and storage in no time.

Upcycled Cabinet Mini Bar
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Materials Needed

  • a hutch or cabinet
  • mini fridge (measure to make sure it will fit inside your cabinet)
  • cabinet hardware
  • under-cabinet stemware rack
  • exterior paint
  • paintbrushes
  • paint roller
  • painter’s tape
  • canvas
  • drill
  • drill bit

Find an Old Cabinet

The bigger the better for maximum serving and storage space. Remove all items from the cabinet and move it into a space where you have plenty of room to work and paint.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Before

Find an old cabinet or hutch. The bigger the better for maximum serving and storage space. Remove all items from the cabinet and move it into a space where you have plenty of room to work and paint.

Remove Doors and Shelving

Start by removing the doors from the cabinet so you can easily access the inside. Remove all of the shelves as well so you can give the back panel a fresh coat of paint.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Remove Doors and Shelving

Start by removing the doors from the cabinet so you can easily access the inside. Remove all of the shelves as well so you can give the back panel a fresh coat of paint.

Replace the Hardware

If you'd like, swap out the existing hardware with fun and colorful knobs.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Replace the Hardware

If you'd like, swap out the existing hardware with fun and colorful knobs.

Drill Hole for Power Cord

Drill a hole in the center of the bottom back panel large enough to fit the power cord of your mini fridge.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Drill Hole for Power Cord

Drill a hole in the center of the bottom back panel large enough to fit the power cord of your mini fridge.

Paint the Cabinet

Using a roller, paint the cabinet with a bright color that will complement your outdoor decor. Let dry completely.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Paint the Cabinet

Using a roller, paint the cabinet with a bright color that will complement your outdoor decor. Let dry completely.

Add Stripes

For a bold touch, tape stripes on the back panel of the cabinet and paint them in a contrasting color.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Add Stripes

For a bold touch, tape stripes on the back panel of the cabinet and paint them in a contrasting color.

Add Wine Glass Rack

Maximize your space by hanging wine glasses from a stemware rack attached to the underside of a shelf. It’s easy to install with a screw or two on each side.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Add Wine Glass Rack

Maximize your space by hanging wine glasses from a stemware rack attached to the underside of a shelf. It’s easy to install with a screw or two on each side.

Install the Mini Fridge

Insert the mini fridge into the compartment with the power cord hole. Plug it in, and keep drinks, ice and food cool and convenient for your outdoor guests.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Install the Mini Fridge

Insert the mini fridge into the compartment with the power cord hole. Plug it in, and keep drinks, ice and food cool and convenient for your outdoor guests.

Prepare to Party

For your next outdoor get-together, fill your new bar and buffet with glassware, plates, napkins and other entertaining essentials. Serve snacks on the open shelf, and keep extra drinks chilled in the mini fridge.

Outdoor Bar and Buffet

Outdoor Bar and Buffet: Prepare to Party

For your next outdoor get-together, fill your new bar and buffet with glassware, plates, napkins and other entertaining essentials. Serve snacks on the open shelf, and keep extra drinks chilled in the mini fridge.

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