Description

From beer barrel to something completely different

This started life as a used metal beer barrel. Instead of seeing scrap metal, I saw the beginnings of something that could become a useful piece of furniture with a bit of character.

I cut three individual heart-shaped openings into the barrel using my plasma cutter, before finishing the exposed edges and painting the outside black.

The openings aren’t just decorative. Put a light inside the barrel and all three hearts illuminate, creating a warm glow around the table. It looks particularly effective in the evening and makes this as much an unusual lighting feature as it is a piece of furniture.

Handmade burnt pallet-wood top

The top continues the reclaimed theme.

Rather than using a new manufactured tabletop, I’ve made it from reclaimed pallet wood, joining the individual pieces together before shaping them into the circular top.

I then burnt the surface using a turbo torch to bring out the natural grain and character of the timber. Finally, it was protected with Danish oil, leaving the grain clearly visible and giving the top the warm, rustic finish you can see in the photographs.

Because it’s reclaimed timber, the knots, grain patterns, marks and variations are part of the finished piece.

More than just a side table

At approximately 50 cm high and 50 cm wide, it’s a useful size for a number of different spaces.

It could work as a side table or small coffee table in the home, an unusual garden or patio table, an occasional stool, or simply as a feature piece with lighting placed inside.

The heart design also makes it an unusual gift for a wedding, anniversary or new home – particularly for someone who would rather have something genuinely different from mass-produced furniture.

Lighting it up

The three heart openings allow light from inside the barrel to shine out in different directions.

Battery-powered LED candles or lighting are the simplest option and can create anything from a subtle warm glow to coloured lighting.

A candle can also create the effect shown in the photographs, but should only be used in a suitable stable, heat-resistant holder, with adequate clearance, and must never be left unattended.

Approximate dimensions

Height: 50 cm
Width: 50 cm

As this is handmade from reclaimed materials, measurements are approximate.

A genuine one-off

This isn’t a new piece of metal made to look old.

The barrel and timber have both had a previous life and I’ve deliberately kept some of that character in the finished piece. Marks and variations associated with reclaimed materials are part of what makes it unique.

Designed and made by me in my Hampshire workshop.

Your imagination is your only limitation.