There’s something undeniably captivating about the hidden glamour of Prohibition-era speakeasies. Dimly lit spaces, rich wood details, and, most intriguingly, the clever craftsmanship used to conceal prohibited spirits. When we discovered this little cabinet, one feature immediately stood out: a hidden opening in the top. Upon closer inspection, we realized it was designed for discreetly storing whiskey bottles and glassware—a brilliant and practical way to keep liquor out of sight. The opening could have easily been disguised with a runner or even a radio, making it a true relic of the Prohibition era. The moment we recognized its history, we knew it needed to be restored with the deep, moody tones that tell a story of mystery and indulgence. We immediately knew the perfect Fusion colour choice to bring this secretive piece back to life! A Speakeasy Bar Revival with Coal Black.
Here is a before look at the piece:
Below is a list of supplies you’ll need to complete a similar project to this Bar Revival with Coal Black
- Fusion TSP Alternative + Wiping Cloths
- Fusion Mineral Paint in Coal Black
- Fusion Gel Stain in Double Espresso
- Fusion Metallics – Gold
- Electric Sander and Sanding Pads/Paper
- Hand sander tool
- Gloves
- Foam Brush
- Painter’s Tape
- Wood glue and clamps
- Staalmeester Flat 1 ½ inch Brush
- Artist Brush
Prep & Preserve
Start by thoroughly cleaning and prepping the cabinet to remove any dirt, old finishes, or buildup. This piece had a few intricate carvings and a hidden compartment, which was a bit of a challenge to clean. We used Fusion’s TSP Alternative and microfiber cloths to clean the surface and remove any oil and residue. Then, we lightly scuff-sand to ensure the best adhesion for both paint and stain. With an old piece like this, you’ll want to take extra care to maintain its historical integrity while sanding and repairing. Since this piece also needed some structural maintenance, we checked all the loose joints and filled them with wood glue and clamped them to allow the glue to set.
Next, we did the heavy duty sanding by using an orbital sander to remove the finish on the top as well as the wood accent on the front. For finer details, using a detail sander works well for maintaining control, especially when veneer is present.
Enhancing the Depth with Coal Black and Double Espresso
To recreate the rich, moody tones reminiscent of speakeasy-era charm, we used Coal Black on the body of the piece for a smooth, velvety matte finish. Two coats were enough to give us full coverage since our piece was already dark.
For the exposed wood elements we wanted to contrast, we applied Fusion’s Gel stain in Double Espresso to enhance the natural grain while adding depth and warmth. This combination creates a dramatic contrast, perfect for achieving that old-world, mysterious allure.
Finishing Touches for Authenticity of the Bar Revival with Coal Black
To enhance the authentic Prohibition-era charm, we added an aged brass finish to the wheels, bringing in a touch of vintage elegance. Fusion Metallics is a fantastic way to elevate hardware or incorporate subtle accent details, adding just the right amount of sophisticated shine to your project.
Although Fusion is extremely durable, you have the option to add a sealer for additional sheen. You can use Fusion’s Ultra Guard or Tough Coat for a water-based finish, or you can brush on Gel Stain in Patina for a clear oil-based coat.
A Timeless Classic Speakeasy Bar Revival with Coal Black
This Prohibition-era bar cabinet has been given a bold new look while preserving its secretive charm. Once designed to discreetly store spirits, this historic piece now boasts a moody, sophisticated finish with Fusion Mineral Paint’s Coal Black and a rich gel-stained wood top. The addition of aged brass accents enhances its vintage allure, making it a true statement piece that seamlessly blends history with modern elegance.
Our Double Espresso Gel Stain enhanced the deep, rich tones of the wood accents beautifully. The burl on the front panel reveals an intricate grain with stunning marbling, adding depth and character to the piece. Meanwhile, the wood top boasts a warm walnut hue, its flowing grain seamlessly camouflaging the hidden compartment designed to discreetly store bar accessories.
Decorative accents like brass-finished wheels, bar-themed décor, and era-inspired wallpaper all come together seamlessly to enhance the overall aesthetic. These elements effortlessly create a moody, exclusive, and subtly secretive ambiance, inviting just the right touch of intrigue and temptation.
Bringing this Prohibition-style bar cabinet back to life was such a rewarding project, and the combination of Coal Black and Double Espresso Gel Stain gave it the rich, moody character it deserved. If you’re looking to transform a historic piece with timeless elegance, this pairing is a must-try!
We’d love to see your vintage-inspired makeovers! Whether you’re restoring a hidden speakeasy bar or adding a touch of old-world charm to your space, share your projects with us using #FusionMineralPaint and tag us in your creations. Let’s keep the inspiration going because every piece has a story waiting to be told!
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