For contemporary interior design the combination of contemporary looks and antiquated pieces is one trend that keeps going strong in style. One of the most creative and trendy means of adding character and personality to contemporary interiors is the utilization of reclaimed wine barrels. Originally constructed for the process of aging and maturing wine, now such barrels are being reutilized in innovative means to adorn houses, restaurants, gardens and even office settings. Worn, rounded and full of stories, their weathered wood and history give a rich rural beauty that coexists with sleek modern design with a new, fresh take on style.
Unique Uses for Old Wine Barrels
One of the most amazing things about used wine barrels is the fact that they are incredibly versatile. From furniture to ornaments they can be repurposed in a multitude of ways that combine rustic and modern perfectly.
1. Wine Barrel Furniture
Wine barrels are one of the most common uses, having them repurposed into custom pieces of furniture. Lengthwise or widthwise cut, barrels form the structure for tables, chairs, or even a countertop for a bar. Full barrels are transformed into high-top tables or freestanding cocktail areas. The wooden curvature and metal bands complement nicely with glass and steel materials typically used in contemporary households.
Take for instance the inclusion of a wine barrel coffee table with glass on top providing a rustic centerpiece for an otherwise modern living room. Add a sleek sectional sofa and you get a delicious combination of old-world appeal and new-world ease.
2. Barrel Sinks and Vanities
In bathrooms, wine barrels that have been refinished are used as beautiful pedestal sinks or vanities. A petite barrel can be used to contain plumbing and a basin and still retain its exterior rustic identity. In addition to adding the room a touch of uniqueness, this creative utilization is also a showstopper.
Pairing a barrel sink with contemporary tiles and lighting provides an aesthetic complement even more—earthy and industrial, warm and refined.
3. Garden and Patio Décor
Alfresco, reused wine barrels really sparkle. Durable and weather-resistant, they are perfect as planters, ponds, or fire pits. The two standing barrels are capped by stone or wood to be a show-stopping country patio table. Half-barrels are beautiful garden flowers that give a vineyard feel to even the smallest balcony.
Modern landscaping with concrete walkways, well-manicured lawn and practical patio furniture can be wonderfully enhanced by the outdoor feel and brown color of oak barrels that bring a touch of the outdoors and handmade quality.
4. Storage Solutions
Used wine barrels can also be gutted and equipped with shelving or doors to be used as independent storage cabinets. Used as a wine and glass storage in a kitchen, a hip media cabinet in a living room, or as a book storage in a home office, barrel storage is functional with panache.
The contrast between a distressed barrel cabinet placed beside new cabinetry that is sleek gives depth to an artistic and curated design aesthetic.
5. Lighting and Décor Accents
Barrel staves (cured wood slats on a barrel) are also being utilized in decorative lighting. Chandeliers composed of these staves, or even whole barrels cut down to be pendant lights, are a showpiece above dining tables or kitchen islands. Wood’s warmth diffuses the light, so any room feels cozier.
Used wine barrel heads can also be personalized with family coats of arms, initials, or sayings and hung on walls as rural art, providing a retro touch to new minimalism.
Where to Find Used Wine Barrels
As demand for country decor rose, it has become simpler to buy genuine used wine barrels. There are a number of online stores that deal in salvaged wine barrels, and some local area vineyards even sell them directly. Make sure to ensure the barrel was properly cleaned and pre-treated for indoor use if you do end up taking one in the house.
Or look around salvage yards or estate sales for barrels and redo them into unique pieces for their home.
Wrapping Up
Having the option to use an old wine barrel as a decorative piece in the living room or office space is like having an additional history, a masterpiece and a warm addition to modern furniture. Whether you recycle it as a planter, a sink, a table or a storage cabinet the final result is the best mixture of country appeal and modern sophistication.
In the midst of a world increasingly dominated by fast furniture and pixelated displays, gestures like wine barrels remind us of reality, grounding us to the earth, to heritage and the agelessness of the handmade. Finishing casks remind us that regardless of how to upgrade the rooms and that there is always room for a pinch of old magic.