DIY Tall Window Cabinet
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I love making window cabinets. However, I have never made a DIY tall Window Cabinet, so I thought it was time to create one. I’ve made window cabinets that hang on the wall and pieces that use two windows. I hope you find this helpful if you want to make a glass door cabinet. You can see some of my window projects at the bottom of this post. So, if you are looking for inspiration, hopefully, you will find something you like.
I have had several matching windows for a couple of years, so I thought splitting them up and using one for this project would be okay. The other boards are reclaimed from a huge unwanted hutch. Of course, you can buy new lumber to achieve the very same look.
Windows are a little funny in that they are set on an angle. Cutting on the table saw was safe after the weather stripping and hardware were removed. You could skip this step if you’re intimidated by the saw. Your design may need to be altered a little, making your cabinet more evident that the door is an old window.
Visit the My Repurposed Life Amazon Store to shop my favorite items.
Building a DIY Tall Window Cabinet
I ripped some 1x’s to make a front facing to frame the window.
This entire cabinet was constructed using Kreg pocket holes using my K4. I attached the sides to the front-facing. I remembered to drill some holes pointing upward to secure the top of the cabinet.
Adding shelves to Tall Window Cabinet
After attaching the top, I laid the tall window cabinet on my work table and got busy adding the shelves—again with pocket holes. Besides the top and the bottom, there are two stationary shelves and one removable shelf. The removable shelf is held in place by cleats. I used a speed square all along the way to ensure everything was square.
Although the window is not yet attached, I used it (look under the shelves) to ensure my shelves align with the window panes.
It’s a good idea to do a test fit
I quickly placed the window in the cabinet to ensure it was all coming together as planned. While designing the tall window cabinet, I cut the shelves at a depth, allowing my window to sit flush against the facing. (another good reason to put the window in place while adding my shelves.
I added some inexpensive trim and plywood for the top, which has a raw edge.
How to cover up a plywood edge
It’s not a problem; I had some 3/4 edge banding to handle that. I used some scrap paper and that little wood triangle to burnish it. Not shown, I used a Quad Trimmer to make the edge banding flush. The plywood was 1/2″, and the edge banding was 3/4″.
Time for paint! I laid the tall window cabinet down, resting it on some scrap 2x2s to keep it off the drop cloth. I always begin painting with the underneath side.
Time to paint with the Finish Max
Of course, I mixed up a batch of my favorite diy chalky paint primer. Look at my shiny new Finish Max from Homeright!
How to strain paint
I always strain my paint into my paint cup using a mesh strainer.
This is how I squeeze out the filter to ensure I don’t waste a lot of paint. I always put the strainer right into a small bucket of water. I’ve been reusing the same filter for a long, long time.
Yay! I’m ready to paint the tall window cabinet. You can see that I have the removable shelf leaning there so I can paint it.
Easy paint spraying tips
After spraying it lying down, I set it up and gave it two coats of chalky paint primer. I love how quick and easy it is to paint any furniture with my Finish Max! Look closely at the drop cloth; there is no visible sign of where I painted the cabinet while lying down. I rarely change the paint flow (twisting the little knob), but I vary the spray pattern repeatedly while I paint, depending on what I’m painting. Using a horizontal pattern while doing the front left and right sides would be counterproductive. However, I used a flat pattern while painting the wide sides.
After the Beluga (black) dried, I did a wash—using a cheap chip brush with some Polished Pearl. I had to work quickly to get it on and wipe some off, so there are no pictures of the process. I was a painted mess!
This was the result.
What kind of back to use for a shelving unit
For the back, I attached the reclaimed fencing I had stained. I typically use the fencing “as is” in a grey-weathered look—but I wanted this to look different.
Does the cabinet need a door?
So, I styled the tile window cabinet to see how it would look. I was floating around working on other projects, and the day ended without the door (window). Honestly, I was really on the fence about even adding the window.
This is the hardware I bought for the window. It’s too shiny to suit me. I chose the same color scheme for the cabinet—black with a whitewash.
I think the hardware turned out well, don’t you? A side note about the window. I did several things to it that I didn’t take pictures of. I stained it with a hickory color first, which was too brown. Then I tried some dark walnut. I liked the color okay, but it had too much shine. Finally, I grabbed some sandpaper to knock off the shine.
I’m still not loving it with the window, but since I designed the entire piece around it, I feel I should use it.
Do you love the tall window cabinet?
A small peak inside. What do you think? Yes or no to the window (door)? Do you love or hate the color combination? I think all my friends (you know who you are) realize how much I struggle with paint choices. It can make or break a project.
See more DIY Repurposed Window Ideas Here.
I love to have nice nacs or trinkets and picture frames behind a glass door. It’s less dusting of me, so I’m loving the door. What do you thinks of maybe a dry brush over the door with the matching paint of the cabinet. Just a touch to help it blend. (Asking for a friend they want to try it but she’s afraid she’ll ruin the project.
Dawn,
I say that’s a great tip for your friend if she’s not into a two toned look. I agree with having items behind glass!
gail
I do love old window cabinets ! But I cheated – and had a handyman make me several for my craft room.
With your instructions, I may actually attempt one myself. Thanks !!
Yes – I like it much better with the window door.
I’m happy you got your window cabinets made by someone else that you can enjoy. Hoping you will attempt it for yourself when youre ready.
gail
This turned out really well! I do like the color you chose for the stain and sanding off the shine was brilliant….pun intended. I just might have to break down and try my Kreg Jig that’s been sitting in the box since I bought it 5 years ago…..
Thanks for the great information!
Ohhh Renee! Get out that Kreg jig! It’s not difficult if you pay attention and put the pocket holes in the right place. I have messed up more than a few times, that’s why I always mark mine now. 🙂
good luck!
gail
I just replaced all the windows in my 1928 home and I was planning to use two of the original windows to build a tall linen cabinet similar to yours.
I LOVE the window door but I’m not real set on the two different finishes?
Thank you for the great tutorial!! I can’t wait to build one!
Sheryl,
I am so so happy you found my tutorial!!!
Good luck with your project.
gail
Our deck needs to be restained, so my husband would love using this!
I want to repurpose a bedroom chest of drawers into a buffet for my dining room.
I have an old chest that needs to be refinished and this would be so great.
All the doors in my house need a fresh coat of paint. The thought of painting all of them with a brush is daunting
The first thing I would paint would be an old, freestanding cabinet. It really needs a new coat of paint!!
I have a dresser that I’d love to paint and I also have some wooden boxes that I’d like to paint for a little project I’m working on.
I would update an old antique desk that was my husband’s grandmothers.
I have a desk I would love to work on!!!!
We are planning a kitchen redo and a Homeright Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer would be just the thing to use! I could also finally dig out some old dressers from the basement and get them refinished!
I have several furniture projects sitting in garage just waiting for some love and a new coat of paint. I know my hubby would love it if I could finish them and free up some space!
I love how these projects turned out, fact is I have about six window sashes/panes in my basement that my landlord keeps reminding me to do something with when she visits and my husband and I have been searching for things to make with them. The home right painter will come in handy for that. What he doesn’t know is that bamboo headboard I walked up the street carrying last fall is that he is going to make me the most incredible bench out of as well, so if I don’t win it’s ok well have to paint by hand, (Ughhh, then he’ll really love me!! ) lol. GL to all the lovely women and men who may have entered as well. Xo
I have an entertainment center that I could use it on 🙂
I have some under cabinet toe kick drawers I could paint with the HomeRight Sprayer!
I have a large China Cabinet I would love to have the HormeRight sprayer to use on this project.
By the way I have always loved your work. This cabinet with the door not so much,,I think for me it’s the colors..
But then that’s just me….thanks
Keep up the good work,,,
I want to do an update in my kitchen -minor till I finish the rest of the house. Want to paint cabinet fronts. Would love the painter to help. Btw love the cabinet but think I would like better with less contrast between window and cabinet.
I bought a table with six came back chairs at an estate sale a month ago. The thought of hand painting them means they are still sitting in my garage! A paint sprayer will get the project done and have them join the family!
I just bought a vintage school desk and chair that had a horrible paint job. This would make a quick fix.
I’m helping my daughter start up a business painting & transforming furniture & other finds. She works full time & the sprayer would save us so much time. Please pick me!
I have an old dresser my mother gave me that I would paint
It really is the finishing touches, like lining up the shelves with the window panes, that make your projects so great Gail! I think this shelf is just awesome, and I like it with the window! Man you have been busy, busting out some awesome projects!!
I am looking forward to trying to make a couple of these myself. And I sure wished I could win one of these HomeRight sprayers, have lots to paint and one of these would make it so much easier!!!
If I was able to have a finish max I would be able to refinish the hoosier cabinets that need to be redone after a water break during the winter did some damage and they are the only storage in our small historic kitchen. I have been researching paint sprayers for diy and have decided this is the best one. Thank you
i love the style. but not the color scheme. Ive been playing, a lo, with liming wax….so i’d be tempted to lime the THANG, even the backer.
🙂
sowwy i didn’t spell check my fat finger typing
I love it. I have a bunch of cabinet doors picked up at Habitat for Humanity Restore and would love to attach to a bookcase for the same effect.
I love it! But I would paint the window frame to match the cabinet, or a similar color – the brown is too contrasty for me.
What a great project! I hope to do something similar someday. I still need to learn to use finish max better.
Gail, I am planning on using some Zinner 123 Bullseye in my sprayer on some laminate. Should I thin it????
Thanks for the help.
JJ
JJ
It’s hard to say. Some paint is thinner than others. I’m assuming it’s an oil based paint? If you do thin it, I would use lacquer thinner. You could use the viscosity cup according to the Homeright recommendations. 🙂 I’ve never used it because I’ve done so much painting, I have a good feel for it.
Generally if paint isn’t flowing, it’s too thick. If the paint runs, it’s too thin.
good luck, have fun with your project!
gail
I love it!! Love white wash finishes! The cabinet looks great with or without the door.
You are amazing!!! I am always so amazed at your creations. Thanks so much for sharing all!!!
Love the cabinet, but leave the door off. 🙂
I would love a Finish Max to paint a repurposed headboard project I’m starting. I’m still learning about this stuff, that is one reason why I LOVE your blog!! Thank you!
Wow! I am amazed at what you can do with an offset window and some paint. It turned out beautifully. I would love to paint most of my furniture, that doesn’t reflect my current style.
This looks amazing, Gail! I have a few old windows that I’d love to convert into a hutch like this. The Finish Max and Kreg Pocket are both on my wish list – I keep dropping hints to my husband! Thanks for the opportunity to win one.
I just got my first Homeright finish max. Oh my goodness your are right it’s so fantastic. I am 69 years old and my husband is 74. I have stained our board on board fence twice already. It took weeks to finish. I used my home right and in 4 hours we finishe the oust side and used half the amount of stain. You were so right about the sprayer and I got the cleaning attachment. It’s a breeze to use and clean. Thanks for letting be be the Diyer I used to be. It’s such a great feeling to watch a project change.
I think maybe it’s the size of the cabinet. There is just something about it that seems off. It’s a pretty piece & I love how you have it decorated. I have some furniture pieces that were my grandmothers I’d like to paint and the Homeright would work wonders.
I really like this with the window. I wish I could find windows to use in projects! Everyone want windows so they are hard to find! I did not know about the edge banding stuff and how to trim it – now I know -thank you!!!! I would ADORE winning a Homeright paint sprayer – it’s my dream to have one. I want to re-do all my bedroom furniture – headboard, nightstands, dresser, and bookshelves. That would be so awesome to have this paint sprayer.
You know, I think it needs another hinge in the middle for balance. It also would look better with an interesting knob (using a magnetic closure inside): the small latch is just not doing it for me. Other than that, I wish I had your skills!
gail i really like this cabinet i love the contrast, i have tried a lot to win a max i keep putting off painting the kitchen cabinets because i don’t want to brush it on so i have fingers crossed xx
I would love to use the Homeright Fine Finish Sprayer to paint EVERYTHING!! I can get my hands on!! I have a small outdoor table that is super weathered and looking rough, would love to paint it in Benjamin Moore’s Avacado! And the chairs too!
Looks great!
Awesome job Gail. It turned out beautiful. I really need to get myself a Kreg jig.
I would update various pieces of furniture. I would especially like to paint my kitchen cabinets and this would be helpful with the doors.
Thanks.
I would use the home right sprayer to update and unify the dressers, vanity and side table in my bedroom.
I like the cabinet, but to much brown….I think the door should be a turquoise, not bold, with the black antique color or a soft mint…. your yellow would then really show up… the mint should also compliment your wall color.
I have been wanting one of these for a very long time. Would make painting life so much easier
Hi Gail!!
I love getting your new letters 🙂 they make me happy.
Anyways, what would I paint with a Homeright Finish Max?? I think it would have to be my old china cabinet, it sure could use an upgrade in the paint department.
Charlene
what would I paint with a new Homeright Finish Max? I would have to say EVERYTHING I could get my hands on !!
i love the window in it. i think it could have went either way (w or w/o the window), but the window looks really cool. and your right, the shelves lined up w the window panes is genius!
I am repainting my kitchen cabinets and want to install a window cabinet between them. I love the monochromatic look of the wall cabinet and hope mine will look just as good. Certainly a paint sprayer would make it that much easier!
I have an old door bookcase (inspired by you, of course) that definitely needs a new coat of paint! I love this cabinet, Gail!
my husband has made 7 window cabinets…I have 2…daughters each have 1 and my mom and sisters each have 1. then he made youngest daughter a coffee table with a vintage window….I love vintage windows…I have 6 hanging on walls here in this home….
You did a beautiful job making the cabinet, but I’m afraid I don’t care for the color combination. I agree that picking the colors for projects is very difficult. I am ready to start work on a night stand/end table and the Finish Max would save so much time and also I would be much more satisfied with the finish. Thanks for all the education you provide.
Weeeellllll I don’t like the color combo. I like the window on it (a lot!) One of your pictured projects has the combo of white and brown, but this just doesn’t work. I liked it black, but maybe the black wouldn’t work with the brown door. I love the yellow with the white door, but then you would have to start over!!! Maybe give it another coat of white…
I would love the sprayer because I could make my own colors of paint!!!
Thanks for all the step-by-step instructions and tool recommendations. Could really use that sprayer as I have many rooms to paint and a deck too!
I love your window projects and wouldn’t change a thing. I often struggle with the color choices for my pieces too. It’s always the most difficult part of my projects – color!
I have never tried a paint sprayer but would love to give it a whirl. I own a small shop in NC where I have vendors that sell their items. I re purpose many furniture pieces for the shop and my own enjoyment!
Love how your cabinet turned out! I have been wanting to paint my kitchen cabinets, if I were to win that is the project I would tackle.
Gail; not crazy about the dark against light in this case; loved the other cabinets. I would have had a magnetic lock and maybe a little glass door knob. would love the sprayer because I have to stain my deck and my fence surrounding the yard. I have been putting it off and would like to do it in the fall. wish u lived near me; I would come over and help you do projects. I think I would enjoy your company.
thank you,
Phyllis
Hi Gail! I have so many things that need paint, but the first project will be my kitchen island, which I am rebuilding. Can’t wait! Chris
Hi Gail!, Wow, I would paint the window too. I like it… maybe hung from the left rather than the right… and painted. I adore your window projects. I would love to paint my sewing table with the Finish Max! I’ll have to scuff it up a bit but with the Finish Max and some chalk paint… it’ll be a slam dunk! Thanks for the inspiration AND the opportunity! 🙂
I love it without the window. The rustic look of the fencing back is spot on!!! But when you add the window it becomes too dark. I love what you did with the color of the window I just think it would look better on one with a light backing.
I have some old furniture from my husband’s grandma just begging for a refinish! Finish Max would be a huge help!!
I would love to use the Finish Max to pain the retro hutch my mother gave me years ago. Also, you asked about the paint choice for this window cabinet. I really like the use of the window in it, but not crazy about the paint color. I like the off white color in the pictures of the other projects you showed at the bottom of the post. You are so creative and I love your ideas.
I would love to update the dresser that sits under the tv.
Love it Gail!
Debbie
Have always wanted a spray painter but have been wary of purchasing one. Seems like they all clog up or spit out globs and decided it was easier to control the end product with a paint brush. Your endorsement of the Finish Max makes me want to get one of my own and give it a try.
Have a storage unit full of chairs waiting for a beautiful finish! Thanks for this opportunity.
Your project was such an inspiration!! I love old windows and I’m always looking for things to do with them!
How long does it take to receive the paint sprayer when you win one?
Love the cabinet! I can think of endless projects I would use the paint sprayer with! First would be the outdoor side table I’m building now. Next would be the shelving I’m building for living room, beside tables, dining room chairs… and on and on ? ?
I am getting ready to build a kitchen island / bar for a friend with a repurposed dresser as the base. I’m adding barn wood to the back and sides but will need to paint the front with the drawers and a Homeright Finish Max would definitely come in handy with my painting on this project and many more.
Gail… I LOVE your cabinet just the way it turned out! Such a cool design, especially with the panes matching up to the shelves. Bravo! I know you love your Finish Max, I have a new one I’m using next week for a project, I can’t wait to break it out!
I am currently making patio furniture out of pallets. This would make it so much easier to paint. Thank You!
I so need this sprayer!! I could use it with the furniture and craft projects that I am constantly working on. This is something I could handle and not aggravate hubby with him having to help me!!!
I’m going to be painting a huge china cabinet soon, it would be amazing to be able to spray it!
I enjoyed seeing the process that you have developed for creating your window cabinets. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!
Are you kidding me?! I have so many projects to do from A. curbside treasures to B. Rescuing and C.Rescuing from thrift stores.
I have so many ideas swirling around in my head, and new ideas from reading your blog … I want to tackle them all, but painting is such a horrendous hurdle for me to overcome (fibro gal here) that winning a sprayer would be such an answer to my dilemmas! And bring back such repurpose to my pieces! Thanks!
What a fun tool! If love to have one to use on my dining table, a sofa table I got for free, and an ugly little cabinet/side table that I know will be interesting in another color! So many projects, so little time. 🙂
I like the shelf you made with and without the door both. Maybe you’d like it more if the widow matched the body or if it had a pop of color…like a matte turquoise. Just a thought. 🙂
I have an old goldilock’s style table and chair set that I want to paint and use in my kitchen.
I agree I think this particular cabinet looks best without the window door.
We could use the finish max about now. We have gone thru other spray paint machines and are not having mich luck in our repurposing business. Your help would be appreciated!
I would so love the opportunity to win the Finish Max. I have eight antique dining chairs to paint before I re upholster them and the spray finish just makes the chairs so clean and finished. Thanks!
I really, really want one of these! I have sooo many projects to use it on. The biggest one though, would be repainting my daughter’s bedroom suite. It needs it badly and it would make a wonderful birthday prent for her!!!
I would LOVE to win the Homewright Finish Sprayer!! I have so many project I could use it on!
Impressive job! It looks really classy w/ the shelves lined up with the window whatsits. (I know they have e name but it’s 3:30 am and my brain is not working well)
A cabinet my late husband made for me does not have its parts lined up so well. Maybe you’ve started something—
f might try to remedy that.
If I had a Homeright Finish Max i’d finally get the guts to paint a large round coffee/cocktail table for my living room. I’d like it to be a showpiece with a really smooth paint job under the glass top. I’ve been putting this one off for about a year now and must do something soon or give it up……..