Hey AT! Please cue up the Henry Manicini records and help identify this great kidney-shaped bar masquerading as an ordinary coffee table, roughly 6' long and 20" high. Only the discerning swinging bachelor will look at this gem and guess that the entire tabletop pivots open to reveal a recessed wetbar compartment, complete with holders for six glasses or bottles. Pull straight up on the handles and it pops into place: cocktail time! There's also a hinged door to another compartment (for an ice bucket, maybe) down below, at one of the curved ends. The top is white formica(?) with white plastic edging, and the sides are covered in a sort of subtly metallic gold wallpaper. The unit sits on tapered brass legs and has casters. It's made of melamine or some other compressed wood, which means it's heavy. We can't find a stamp or signature anywhere, so we have no idea who made it. If you know something, say something. The sooner the better, as my friend is moving overseas and needs to decide whether to store or sell it. Thanks! Elissa
Good Questions: Store or Sell this Kidney-Shaped Bar?
What a unique piece! Does anyone have an idea of where it comes from or what it might be worth? And finally...
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setting fire to it isn't an option?
view duckumu's profile
I say "Sell" only because when I moved overseas, I returned to the States a couple years later to a whole bunch of stuff that I didn't want/need any longer.
Let it go so that someone else can restore it and appreciate it - and you'll have the $$$ to gather new things from your next adventure.
view bepsf's profile
Sell it! it doesn't appear that it compliments the current decor, so ditch it.
view kimg924's profile
Sell it...to me!
view msjessiemeghan's profile
WHO would buy it - lucky if you could give it away.......
view icedesign's profile
what an amazing piece! I've been looking to something similar!
I would also say sell just because it doesn't appear to go w/ the decor your friend has going in her/his place. This would certainly find a better home with someone who appreciates the 50s swanky bachelor pad-decor!
view sophisticatedsoul's profile
How did they get a sink in there?
view kiljoywashere's profile
This is one of those pieces that are a fun project and to have in a large loft space. When I lived in a warehouse I was always finding crazy pieces and making them into something. Just cannot image having this in a normal room with four walls its too overwhelming.
I see it in grasscloth wallcovering center are and painting it glossy white with faux gold leaf trim with bamboo hardware for the door part.
view LoriSF's profile
I used to know who made this bar years ago, but can't remember anymore. I've never seen it in that color combination though. The ones I've seen are usually wood toned. I saw one for sale years ago in an overpriced antique store for quite a bit of money, but then a friend of mine bought one for like $200. I've seen them on ebay before too.
view valery's profile
sell on apartmenttherapy classifieds or craigslist! Honestly, I don't think it would be worth it to hold on to it while you are away. I would LOVE to have it!!!
view jp4's profile
I don't like to hold on to anything that i am not using. Your decor style may change/evolve into something new before you have the space to use this giant piece.
view julieleanne's profile
If you don't use it, sell it! To me!
view Wind Whistler's profile
Man cave stuff right there.
view nothinlikeadame's profile
I am firmly in the sell it... to me! camp. I love it.
view ejbrammer's profile
Teehee... I like it.. I only said sell cause I would buy it!
view Pshoem1's profile
In the movie "Corinna, Corinna", one of those tables was in a house that Corinna (Whoopi Golberg's character) was cleaning. It was the morning after a party and she swept everything from the top of the table inside the wet bar part and closed it all up to hide the mess.
view Mlle Kate's profile
Do the world a favor and burn it.
view bromelia's profile
It's hysterical! What a hilarious piece! If I had room for it and someone was giving it away, I'd take it purely for entertainment value. what fun.
view wc_canuck's profile
Properly restored, it would be fabulous. But then, I don't seem to lack the imagination some others do. Or the insanity.
view modtramp's profile
I saw a bar exactly like this for sale in a flea market last week for $400.
view matchbookhymnal's profile
Just to clarify:
The 'what is a piece like this called?' 'who might have made it, and when?' questions are the ones about which the owner and I are most curious.
Whatever happens, I'm sure she'll try to avoid the "Corinna, Corinna" scenario (thanks for the hilarious reference, Mile Kate!).
Thanks,
Elissa
view EJnyc's profile
I said store it, but if you don't want to store it, I'm in the sell it to me group! With just a little TLC, that thing could be quite amazing
view sailingsuz's profile