How to make a shutter cupboard using four repurposed shutters.
Tall Yellow Shutter Cupboard
I made the shutter bookcase for Jan a couple of months ago. She had 4 more shutters and she asked me to build her a shutter cupboard.
Designing and Building a Shutter Cupboard
I had to cut them off because two were shorter than the other two. Once I got them to match, I used my Kreg Jig Jr. to make pocket holes to join three of them together.
How To Add Shelves
I didn’t have any wood to use as shelves, so I purchased a piece of plywood at Home Depot. I cut the shelves to size. I attached the bottom shelf and the top of the cupboard first.
Then I got busy installing the other shelves. I cut some scrap wood to use as spacers so that the shelves would be uniform in height. The middle shelf would be the one that would keep the unit squared and sturdy. Because the shutters have the middle piece I was able to use pocket holes all the way around 3 sides.
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The other shelves, I could only attach with pocket holes in the front and the back. However with the pocket holes made with the Kreg Jig make very tight joints.
Adding Decorative Base
I wanted to raise the cupboard off the floor with a decorative “skirt”. I folded a piece of paper in half so that the left and right sides would match. With the paper folded in half I cut out some curves. I traced the curves onto a piece of 1x4 and cut it out with my jigsaw.
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While I was looking for a board to use as the back, I realized the 1x4 was just too wonky. The boards I decided to use were some drawer parts.
I used my Kreg Jig 
to make some more pocket holes and joined the three new pieces together. (they were a little larger than a 1x4 so I had to rip them on my table saw to get them down to size)
On the left, the new piece.
See how caddywampus the first one was? yeah, not working!
How To Attach The Base
More great pocket holes and pocket hole screws to attach it to the cupboard!
Time For Paint
I primered the cupboard one day while I had my sprayer fired up. Then I added some more shelves.
Add Trim to the Top of Shutter Cupboard
I cut the crown molding and used some Gorilla Wood Glue and my nailer to attach it.
This picture dates itself. See the shingles?
Painting with Painter's Tape
Jan decided she wanted this cupboard to be two-toned. The cupboard was an “oops” that Jamie gave me a couple of years ago. The top and bottom trim are Martha’s Heavy Cream. I taped it off to get a clean crisp line.
Hint: after applying your tape, make a swipe with the color (in this case yellow) that you have already painted. Then IF there should be any bleed, it will be the color that is already painted. I use Scotch Blue Painter’s tape with Edge Lock so there isn’t usually any bleeding. After that little swipe dries, then paint the other color (heavy cream) Remove your tape while your paint is still damp.
A Look at the Hinges & Hardware
I had three hinges in my stash that worked great for the cupboard door.
The cupboard is not 100% square, so the door shifts a little when it is closed. I installed a “catch” that helps align the door when it is closed. shhhh don’t tell Jan, okay?
Because the shutters were old and weathered, the paint (even though I did use primer) would not cover smoothly. However, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this look! I think it is a perfect look.
This is the knob that is currently in place. Jan is probably going to want me to change it out. Hey! It’s a woman’s right to change her mind, right?
I gave a little coat of paint to the hinges.
Pretty Yellow Shutter Cupboard
Do you like the two toned look? How about the knob? Jan is thinking it needs a simple wooden knob instead. Please let her know what you think in a comment below.
gail
Patti
I love cabinet. Knob? Not so much. It definitely needs a knob that is not so daunting. Great job on cabinet, hubby. Wish my husband was handy. That would be me.
woodshoppegirl
Hi! WOW! Love that cupboard so much...as soon as I saw it I started eyeing my family room for a place to put my "future" shutter cupboard! Hahaha! I mean, there's probably about 20 projects ahead of this one, but I already have the four shutters that I scored for free thanks to Craigslist, they were supposed to be for a headboard project for my brother, but he and his new bride changed their minds, so now the shutters are MINE to do as I please! Not sure about the two-tone paint, to me, it makes the trim look like it's separate from the shutters, if you paint it all the same color and distress it, it would look like it belongs on a Pottery Barn catalog...but I would definitely keep that knob, it's gorgeous, and gives the whole piece an antiquated look. I have to learn how to do those pocket holes of yours, I'm new to wood shop, but thank you so much for sharing this with us!!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Thanks so much for your comment! How wonderful that you have the perfect shutters for this project. Yes, you need to do pocket holes. It makes building so much easier AND very sturdy. 🙂
gail
Kim
Great idea with the shutters, it turned out great.
Not a fan of the two tone at all. I probably would have gone with a distressed white.
Amy Lassere
Wow, Love it, u are very talented. I have a shutter cabinet as shutter for just the doors. I LOVE DISTRESSED. I think its awesome, but my colors are different. Great job. Knob is cool, or a glass knob. God bless,
Amy
http://www.amyscountrycandles.com
Anonymous
happen so that a friend of mine has a set of red barn color shutter she not using i might have to stop by and asked for them.....awesome projocet & great idea ...
Gail Wilson
thanks! happy you found some inspiration from my project!
gail
yankeehomesteader
This is awesome! Thanks for the tutorial.
Then and Again Furnishings
Thank you for your inspiring cabinet idea. I recently built one from some old shutters I rescued from an old farm in Northern Michigan. I love the color choices on yours. I went with black to help cover some of the imperfections that were a little too "shabby", but would have liked to see it in buttery yellow. I built an ottoman today out of an old cast iron base from a wood stove. You can check it out on my blog at http://thenandagainfurnishings.blogspot.com
Maybe I can return the favor of inspiration.
Carolyn
The cupboard looks fantastic. You did a lovely job in putting it together. Love the outcome.
MCoffeeSnob
LUV the design...the colors aren't for me, but I like the weathered finish!
Question - is there a reason there were three shutters vs. two shutters and a back? No problem with it at all, just curious.
I REALLY enjoy your work and your blog. Definitely appreciate the How-to. you make it look easy and I KNOW it's not-great work!!
<3
~m
Pamela @ Seeds of Nutrition
Love this....what a great way to use shutters. The knob is pretty...just doesn't look quite right. A smaller knob would better and I agree with Jen. A glass angular shaped knob.
Jen
Oh wow, this is fantastic! I think I would use one of those antique looking glass angular knobs. I think I may need to start looking for some old shutters for a cabinet for myself! I'd love for you to come check out my blog sometime, http://www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com
HomeDefined.com
I think it is cute... I'd love it more if the white color was used on the "frame" around the louvers and an aged "white wash" was on the knob.. more antiqued.
You never fail to surprise me with your idea! I've been keeping an eye out for wooden shutters since I've found you 😉
Debra
http://homedefined.com
Meg
Wow! I bow down to your carpentry skills! That cupboard is so cute. I love shutters and this is such a new way to use them! The 2 toned look is super cute and I love that knob! It makes the cupboard feel fancy. I like that.
I'd love for you to join my giveaway for 2 canvas pillows going on now! http://www.alittleknickknack.com. Happy 4th!
Stephanie
The knob is perfect! Knobs are jewelry and this just makes the cupboard. You sure are a pro at making those shutters into fun projects! Love the two tone colors.
Meari
I like the knob, but I don't think it quite goes with the cupboard. I think Jan's idea of a wood knob would look great.
Full Circle Creations
Love the color and the added details on the base. Great job! My vote is for a handle instead of a knob.
Sujomi
Great piece, but even greater is the fact that you used the word "caddywampus" - I use it all the time and always get strange looks from anyone outside of the family whem I say it.
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
I love it! It looks great in yellow 🙂 I agree with you, the way the paint took makes it look even better. You might try painting the handle in the MS cream color. Jan might like it better. I like the idea of a handle too.
Suzanne@Meridian Road
I LOVE it! I LOVE the two tone paint! That crackle finish is perfect, too. I love happy accidents like that! You did a great job, Gail!
I think a plain wooden knob would look cute, or a handle. I like the one on it, too. I think it just depends on whose house it goes in. 🙂
Jester
WOW WOW AND WOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Mimi@blueroofcabin
Gail I love it! Turned out great love the detail on the base. Love the crown on top, you did an inspiring job, again!
Terri
Great idea making it two toned...it is adorable. You never cease to amaze!
Toqua's Crafts
I like the knob that is on the cupboard now... but I also like the handle that Anne above suggested as well! I think a simple wooded knob would not be seen (it would blend in). If having it not seen is Jan's goal then do that. I would like to know where it is that Jan is going to use this cupboard. (Just curious). As always Gail, you did an awesome job on the tutorial and the cupboard!
Paige (Final Clothes-Out)
I like the knob! It gives the piece some girly detail.
Deborah March
Once again...pickin' my jaw up off the floor...your skill and ingenuity know no bounds...what a FABULOUS piece!! Love love LOVE the two toned look!
It's Just Me
Gail, to say that I LOVE this would be an understatement. I SO wish I lived close to you so I could learn your mad skills.
~ Deanna
Korrie@RedHenHome
The cupboard is fabulous! Somehow I missed that it was going to have a door...I love that. And I vote for the metal knob! It's perfect.
Jess
i love the knob you put on it! 🙂 it looks great.
Anne
I think the handle you have now draws your eye to it, rather than the cupboard. It is almost too ornate for the beautiful simplicity of the cupboard. I would switch it out for a simple knob in either of the two colors you used for the paint.(I personally would use the accent color---I just love it!)
Kathy@ Gone North
Very, very nicely done... I am just in awe that you can do stuff like that... You continue to amaze..
I would go with a handle if I was living with it... but that ofcourse means you would have to fill the hole & drill some new.. : )
Again... Great Job!!!
Anne
Really great job! I'd prefer a handle over a knob. Something wrought iron & chunky - like this: http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=cabinet+handles&oe=utf-8&cid=16378056282821325588&ei=Y8kJTsvZBJOQMZCalMQI&sa=title&ved=0CAwQ8wI
Cheers!
Lesley Litrento
It turned out wonderful. I love the two toned thing....as you know, I recommended it!! 😉 I would have maybe liked to have seen a less settle difference in color. The knob. I would change it to something else depending on the room the cupboard was being placed. The finishing touch of the bottom and top trims are really super duper.
Mrs BC
What a lovely peice of furniture, you are so clever! Very inspirational..
I love the knob, but not so much the 2 tone paint - but then, I'm not the one who gets to live with it so what do I know? 🙂
Thanks for sharing
xx
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it turned out so cute! i love the color.... if it were for myself, i am not a fan of the two toned look, but everyone has their own take on that, so it just depends on jan! i think a wooden knob painted the same color would be cute and cottagey, but hte knob it has is more feminine, so again, depends on what she is going for with it. a glass knob would also be pretty!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it turned out so cute! i love the color.... if it were for myself, i am not a fan of the two toned look, but everyone has their own take on that, so it just depends on jan! i think a wooden knob painted the same color would be cute and cottagey, but hte knob it has is more feminine, so again, depends on what she is going for with it. a glass knob would also be pretty!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it turned out so cute! i love the color.... if it were for myself, i am not a fan of the two toned look, but everyone has their own take on that, so it just depends on jan! i think a wooden knob painted the same color would be cute and cottagey, but hte knob it has is more feminine, so again, depends on what she is going for with it. a glass knob would also be pretty!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it turned out so cute! i love the color.... if it were for myself, i am not a fan of the two toned look, but everyone has their own take on that, so it just depends on jan! i think a wooden knob painted the same color would be cute and cottagey, but hte knob it has is more feminine, so again, depends on what she is going for with it. a glass knob would also be pretty!
A Pretty Pastime
Very clever! I like the idea of handle, too.
Great job Gail!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Gosh, that is sooo cute!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
Gosh, that is sooo cute!
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
I like the paint job a lot. and the decorative bottom is a great touch. On the knob subject, I think I would opt for handle rather than a knob.
Another great piece, Jan sure is a lucky lady!