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.
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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.
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.