DIY Tall Window Cabinet
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 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