The Bung: Small Part, Big Role

The bung is the stopper that seals the bunghole (yep, that's the main opening) of a wine barrel. Here's what it does:

Keeps it Tight: A well-made bung creates an airtight seal, crucial for both winemaking and when repurposing barrels for other uses.
Access Point: Winemakers remove the bung to fill the barrel, taste during aging, and eventually empty it.
Tradition & Transformation: While some modern barrels use silicone bungs, wooden ones are still common, adding to the rustic charm of your furniture.

Bung Basics: Material & Construction

Oak for the Win: Usually made from the same type of oak as the barrel to ensure a perfect fit.
Tapered Shape: This allows the cooper (barrel-maker) to hammer it in tightly, and the pressure helps create the seal.
Size Matters: Bungs come in various sizes to match different barrel capacities.

Barrel History Fun Fact

Bungs were sometimes carved with intricate designs identifying the winery or the specific wine inside!

Bung-tastic Inspiration

Embrace the bung on your barrel furniture! Here's how:

The Natural Look: Leave the bung as-is for timeworn authenticity. That patina tells a story.
Plant Power: Turn a half-barrel planter's bunghole into a drainage hole, essential for happy plants.
Conversation Starter: Explain the bung's role to guests – it shows your appreciation for barrel craftsmanship.
Creative Cork Collection: Drop your favorite wine bottle corks through the bunghole for a unique display.

Bung Maintenance: It's Simple

Keep it Clean: A quick wipe with a damp cloth if spills occur is usually enough.
If It Dries Out: For a very old bung that might shrink slightly, re-seal with a bit of food-grade beeswax around the edges.

Share Your Bunghole Brilliance

Do you feature the bunghole prominently on your barrel furniture or subtly incorporate it into the design? Share your photos and ideas in the comments! And if you're ready to add a piece of bung-stopper history to your home, explore our collection.

Interested in shopping for wine barrel furniture? You can browse our full collection of items ranging from coffee tables to home bar and game sets here!

www.obarrel.com/collections