I’d start with something you already have—maybe an old wooden crate or a broken chair. Strip it a bit, then soak a rag in black tea or coffee and rub it over the surface. That gives a natural, weathered look without any paint. Add a few layers of wax or a thin coat of clear lacquer with a drop of rusted metal polish to give it that gritty, almost melancholy glow. If you need a story, glue in a torn newspaper clipping or a faded photograph and let it dry. It feels like it’s been there for years, and you won’t have to spend a fortune.