This project was built and designed by Caleb from YouCanMakeThisToo. It’s a unique blend of woodworking and creative reuse, turning a non-functional upright piano into a stunning home bar with modern style and classic charm.
What started as a dated and unused piece of furniture is now a conversation-starting centerpiece. Caleb walks through each step of the process, sharing both practical methods and lessons learned throughout the transformation.
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The Idea Behind the Piano Bar
An old upright piano might not serve its original purpose anymore, but its structure and character still offer plenty of potential. Caleb saw an opportunity to preserve the soul of the instrument while turning it into something useful for everyday life.
The concept was simple: keep the piano’s exterior mostly intact while modifying the inside to include shelves, lighting, and bottle storage. The goal was to create a functional bar that still celebrates the piano’s vintage aesthetic.
Assessing and Prepping the Piano
Before construction could begin, the first step was to assess the condition of the piano. Caleb carefully removed the internal mechanical parts, which reduced weight and created room for customization.
During this stage, care was taken not to damage the outer casing, as it would remain a visible part of the finished piece. Once gutted, the interior was sanded and cleaned to prepare it for the build phase.
Designing the Shelf Layout
The piano’s internal cavity provided just enough space to house a multi-tier shelving system. Caleb took detailed measurements to determine shelf spacing, height, and alignment for holding bottles and glassware.
One of the more challenging aspects was laying out the wine bottle holders evenly. A slight miscalculation led to an off-center result on one of the tiers—a reminder that precision matters, especially when dealing with tight quarters and visual symmetry.
Despite the small error, the shelving still functioned properly and highlighted the importance of creating drilling templates or jigs for future repeatability.
Building and Installing the Shelves
Caleb used plywood and hardwood scraps to construct the internal shelving system. Each piece was cut to size and dry-fit before installation, ensuring it fit within the piano’s dimensions.
To make the shelves sturdy and attractive, edge banding and clean joinery were used throughout. Once each piece was assembled and checked for fit, they were attached to the piano frame with screws and pocket hole joinery.
A sliding shelf mechanism was added for accessibility, which required some fine-tuning to prevent binding. Caleb adjusted the clearances by sanding down key edges, resulting in a smoother sliding motion that made the shelves easier to use.
Enhancing with Lighting and Finish Details
After the shelves were secure and functional, Caleb added LED strip lighting to the interior. This gave the bar a finished, ambient feel and highlighted the bottles inside, especially in low-light environments.
The piano’s outer case was cleaned, lightly sanded, and refinished to revive its original look. Caleb preserved much of the piano’s vintage patina while giving it a subtle refresh that complemented the new bar interior.
A few minor dings and imperfections were left intact intentionally—adding character and reminding users of the piano’s original purpose and long life before upcycling.
Practical Tips and Lessons Learned
Caleb shared several useful tips throughout the process. One takeaway was the value of patience—especially when modifying a pre-existing structure that wasn’t built for this type of transformation.
He also emphasized the importance of planning ahead. Templates, accurate measurements, and test fits helped minimize mistakes, even if a few needed adjustments still popped up during assembly.
The sliding shelf clearances, bottle spacing, and LED placement were all examples of decisions that benefited from thoughtful pre-planning. But as with any creative project, a little trial and error added to the final result.
Why This Project Matters
Upcycling isn’t just about saving money or reducing waste—it’s about telling a story. Caleb’s piano bar has a personal connection, and the result is both functional and full of character.
Projects like this inspire woodworkers and DIYers to look beyond traditional builds. Old furniture, pianos, and even broken instruments can be turned into statement pieces that are practical and personal.
A Showpiece With a Story
This upright piano bar now serves as a stylish home bar, complete with functional storage, soft lighting, and vintage flair. Caleb’s thoughtful approach to reimagining this piece shows what’s possible with patience, creativity, and woodworking skills.
Whether you’re upcycling a piano or tackling a different furniture revamp, this project offers a great blend of design inspiration and practical advice.
Please support Caleb by visiting his website: https://www.ycmt2.com/.