• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Shop Favorites
  • About
    • Welcome To My Repurposed Life Home of Repurposed Furniture
    • More About Gail
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Information
  • Gallery
    • Repurposed Furniture
  • Repurposed Items
    • Building Supplies
    • Miscellaneous Household Items
    • Picture Frame/Chalk Board
  • DIY
    • Home Reno
    • outdoor living
    • Painting
    • Shop Talk
    • Tips for Around the House
    • Build It
      • Furniture
      • Home Decor
      • Storage
    • Crafts
      • Dollar Store
      • Easy
      • Holidays Seasonal
  • Furniture
    • Chair
    • Desk
    • Dresser/Chest
    • Headboard | Bed Parts | Cribs
    • Kids Furniture
    • Table
    • Kids Furniture
My Repurposed Life® Rescue Re-imagine Repeat
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Project Index
  • Furniture
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Upcycled Nightstand with Repurposed Window (door)

    Upcycled Nightstand with Repurposed Window (door)

    Published by Gail | Published July 17, 2018 | Updated October 16, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    This window cupboard was made by adding an old window to a green upcycled nightstand. Reclaimed wood adds a charming touch to the design. #MyRepurposedLife #upcycled #nightstand #repurposed via @repurposedlifeThis window cupboard was made by adding an old window to a green upcycled nightstand. Reclaimed wood adds a charming touch to the design. #MyRepurposedLife #upcycled #nightstand #repurposed via @repurposedlife

    What can you do with an old nightstand? You can make a new and useful piece of furniture by adding components to it. What did I add? A window!

    How to make a cabinet with an upcycled nightstand

    green upcycled nightstand

    I curbed this nightstand so many years ago. Maybe someone used it for a trash bin because there were hinges on the bottom front.

    I posted this on my Facebook page while I was cleaning out the garage, and I asked if I should “keep” or “toss”. The consensus was KEEP, and there were so many great ideas  of what to do with it.

    Add shelf to upcycled nightstand

    add a shelf to repurposed nightstand

    The very first thing I did was to give it a quick coat of primer to take away all the ugly, but I can’t find a picture before adding the shelf.

    I took the measurements of the cabinet, and searched through my stash and found THIS window that would make the perfect door! So, after choosing this window, I then knew where to add the shelf (shown above).

    Paint old nightstand

    finish max paints upcycled nightstand

    Off it goes to the paint booth. I took the easy road and used my HomeRight Finish Max.

    spray paint underside of old nightstand cabinet

    Whenever I use my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer , I always start by spraying the underneath side of my pieces. In this picture you can see I added a shelf to my upcycled nightstand using pocket hole screws.

    spray window with paint sprayer

    This is the window after I brushed on some white DIY chalk paint primer—it’s ready for the Finish Max treatment.

    Use paint sprayer to paint repurposed window

    This is after the Finish Max. Don’t be mislead by overspray. The Finish Max has very little overspray, but I knew it would be easier to scrape the paint off if it were thicker. The paint is True Value’s  Easy Care (Sugar Sweet)  the same I used on the recent kitchen cabinet makeover.

    Add hinges to window to make a nightstand cabinet door

    add hinges to window to make a cabinet door

    I attached my hinges to the cabinet, then laid the cabinet on it’s side (raised up with some 2x4’s) to attach the hinges to the window. I must say this was the easiest time ever for me on installing hinges.

    Secure reclaimed wood to back of window cabinet

    upcycled nightstand with reclaimed wood

    I used some old fencing to enclose the back. If you look closely, you’ll see that the nails used from my nail gun, caused some splitting/chipping of the wood at the top. I ended up cutting a small piece of plywood, painting it, and using it to cover this mess. Worked fabulous!

     scrape paint on window repurposed nightstand cabinet

    I used a razor blade to scrape off the paint from the window. You can see that the layer of paint easily scraped (peeled) off the window.

    scrape or tape a window to paint

    Paint all gone!

    Paint and secure handle to window

    repurposed or upcycled nightstand made using a vintage window as a door

    I have some handles I got at the restore that are sort of a golden bronze. Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint gave it a quick update, making the upcycled nightstand cabinet look great!

    upcycled window cabinet

    I initially decided to add the rustic fence to help give some weight to the back so that opening the window/door wouldn’t allow it to tip over. However, that wasn’t an issue—the door worked fine without the added weight on the back, but I had already decided the rustic touch would look great. (don’t you agree Catherine?)   My friend Catherine suggested I use some of my rustic fence in this way months ago. Smile

    supplies for using a Finish Max

    Now that I’ve shown you my latest project, I want to show you the tools I use when I use my Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer to spray paint.

    • Bowl/bucket for water
    • Super Finish Max Extra
    • Extra paint cup
    • Paint stirrer
    • Veggie scrub brush
    • Cheap Chip Brush (for runs)
    • Soup ladle for scooping out paint instead of pouring it.
    • Mesh Paint Strainer (not shown)
    • Respirator (not shown)

    How to clean a paint sprayer

    I use the bowl of water to dilute my latex paint, and to soak my brushes, etc. As soon as I finish painting, I add water to the extra paint cup to flow clean water through my Finish Max. Usually I store any leftover paint for touch ups in a small container with a lid. I use the veggie scrub brush to clean the Finish Max. (see below)    The soup ladle is great for measuring the paint, and adding water to the paint cup for diluting. If my paint is old, I use the mesh paint strainer to make sure I don’t have any lumps in my paint. I always wear a respirator when I use my Finish Max  in an enclosed area.

    how to clean a finish max using a vegetable brush

    This veggie scrubber does a great job of getting the paint from the rim of the Finish Max. I think I should have used it on my fingers too!

    use a kitty litter box for storing supplies

    Now, I want to show you my secret storage container—a kitty litter bucket!

    Everything fits nice inside the bucket, which makes gathering all my supplies a piece of cake!

    garage storage paint sprayers

    Because I’m lucky enough to have both the Command Max and a Finish Max, they each get their own bucket. This is how I have the extra paint cup mentioned earlier. I have them stacked on my new lumber work bench.

    Check out some of my other HomeRight projects.

    UPDATE:  I sold this cabinet, check out how cute it is in use!

    Upcycled Nightstand Window Cabinet

    gail

    Save it for later on Pinterest!

    See more DIY Repurposed Window Ideas Here.

    See more nightstand ideas here

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    Related Content:

    • Old Window Ideas
      Old Window Ideas
    • 25 Repurposed Drawer Ideas
      25 Repurposed Drawer Ideas
    • DIY Tall Window Cabinet
      DIY Tall Window Cabinet
    • Repurposing Ideas Trending  2019
      Repurposing Ideas Trending 2019
    • Repurposed Door into a Trunk
      Repurposed Door into a Trunk
    • Sewing Machine Cabinet Craft Table
      Sewing Machine Cabinet Craft Table

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      See comments Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. BTP

      January 15, 2023 at 5:50 pm

      Totally charming. As for that “before” headline, “Have you ever seen anything so ugly?” When it comes to castaway furniture, not by a long shot.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 16, 2023 at 12:52 pm

        hahaha thank you for checking it out! Seeing the after, doesn't mean much if you don't know what I started with! heheheh

        I appreciate your time.

        gail

    2. Patricia McGuire

      January 15, 2023 at 12:18 pm

      I love the completed piece!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 16, 2023 at 12:51 pm

        I appreciate you taking the time to read about this upcycle, and I appreciate your comment more than you know!

        gail

    3. Rebecca

      January 15, 2023 at 11:42 am

      GORGEOUS

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        January 16, 2023 at 12:50 pm

        Thank you Rebecca!

        I am thrilled with how it all came together.

        gail

    4. Becky Cassera

      July 30, 2018 at 12:04 pm

      You are so incredibly talented! I always look forward to your emails, because you consistently think "outside the box."

      Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 30, 2018 at 12:36 pm

        I'm so happy you stopped by to check out this wonderful transformation Becky!

        Thinking outside the box is my favorite pastime. 🙂
        gail

    5. Brette

      July 20, 2018 at 2:17 pm

      So cute. I’m going to keep my eye out for a winow like that.

      Reply
    6. Christina

      July 19, 2018 at 2:05 pm

      That is so stinkin cute! I love how you used the window!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 19, 2018 at 2:37 pm

        ohhh, your comment makes me happy! Thank you Christina!

        gail

    7. Elic

      July 18, 2018 at 12:13 am

      Beautiful! I could use something like this in my front room. I call it a front room instead of a living room since that would imply we might sometimes entertain guests in it, and we do that in the kitchen.

      About using the litter buckets to store stuff. Up until a few years ago, okay, maybe 10 years ago, they didn't let us put litter buckets in the recycling. I ended up with a ton of empty litter buckets. Now that they allow them to be recycled, I will put my regular recycling in an empty litter bucket until it is full and then I take it outside to the city recycling bin. I can normally get 8 or 12 buckets in the bin. While I might not generate that much of the regular recycling,this way fewer of the small things escape and end up in the street. I can not tell you how many times I've had to go out and pick up recycling they just left in the middle of the street.

      Reply
    8. Patti

      July 17, 2018 at 10:22 pm

      I want it!

      Reply
    9. Sandra Brown

      July 17, 2018 at 2:33 pm

      You, my dear, are too fabulous for words! I love all of your projects! Excellent job 👍🏻👏🏻🌷

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 17, 2018 at 10:10 pm

        Thank you so much Sandra! You made my day!

        gail

    10. Robyn D Wright

      July 17, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      I like it!!

      Reply
    11. Jennie

      July 17, 2018 at 10:28 am

      It's so cute. There are window mask so you don't have to scrap windows, but I put a little vasoline or crisco on them. Just a very, very thin layer, with a silicone bowl scraper from the kitchen. Paint and scrap it off with the same scraper. Takes me 2 minutes to put it on and about that long taking it off. I hate taping things off.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 17, 2018 at 10:13 pm

        There's something I like about scraping layers of paint off windows (with the right scraper). The same with mirrors. 🙂

        I don't like taping either.

        I use vaseline for hinges sometimes . . .

        gail

    12. Sandra Brown

      June 29, 2018 at 5:34 am

      This turned out beautiful! Great job 👍🏻

      Reply
    13. delloraine

      September 29, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      I found you on the 50 blogshop and have been enjoying not only the daily emails but binge reading your inspiring and imaginative projects! Thanks for creating

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        September 29, 2016 at 6:59 pm

        Thank you so much Delores! I appreciate you leaving such a sweet comment! 🙂 There are definitely a LOT of projects to keep you busy reading and perusing. 🙂

        I'm here if you ever need anything.

        gail

    14. Leslie Gill

      April 30, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Another awesome project Gail! I just love how creative you are with thinking outside the box.
      ps: those kitty litter containers are great to repurpose, aren't they? I have building blocks for my
      grandchildren in one, legos in another 🙂

      Reply
    15. Karen Walker

      January 18, 2014 at 9:57 am

      This turned out absolutely darling! Another idea to add to my Project List! Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
    16. Lucia

      November 20, 2013 at 6:45 am

      Great Job!
      I've linked it up to my blog 🙂

      Reply
    17. Sarah

      November 19, 2013 at 9:35 am

      LOVE it. It looks beautiful!! What a great idea! I wish I had room to store furniture...

      Reply
    18. Laura Clark

      November 18, 2013 at 9:29 am

      Gail, what a cute idea! You are so creative. Thanks for using the HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer, we love partnering with you.

      Laura
      HomeRight

      Reply
    19. Salvage Sister

      November 15, 2013 at 7:50 pm

      I just ADORE this. I even love the reuse of the Tidy Cat bucket! I want to make one now.

      Reply
    20. Jeanne

      November 06, 2013 at 1:29 pm

      SWEET, what a great little cabinet from "nothing"!

      Reply
    21. Mindi

      November 06, 2013 at 10:01 am

      This is adorable and my very favorite part is the rustic fence wood you added to the back! You are so awesome Gail!! Pinned!

      Reply
    22. Karl Micheal

      November 06, 2013 at 9:33 am

      This project turned out really well. I agree with the others that the repurposed old fencing for the back is a great touch.

      Reply
    23. Pat

      November 05, 2013 at 11:29 pm

      Okay! this little cupboard is cuter than all get out!
      I love it. The rustic fence in the back...just makes it that much more charming.
      your friend Catherine--has a keen eye!
      Patricia

      Reply
    24. Adina Johnson

      November 05, 2013 at 10:18 pm

      Absolutely love the transformation Gail!
      Adina @ Simply Country Life

      Reply
    25. Shelia

      November 05, 2013 at 10:09 pm

      You're just amazing! I would have just tossed it out and look what you did with it. I love how this little piece turned out. Thank you so much for your kindness to me and I appreciate it so very much.
      Be a sweetie,
      Shelia 😉

      Reply
    26. erin @house envy

      November 05, 2013 at 9:54 pm

      What a little diamond in the rough! Very nice!

      Reply
    27. Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating

      November 05, 2013 at 3:59 pm

      Very cute. You are so great about putting disparate pieces together and making them look great! I also found it interesting that you choose to scrape the paint off windows rather than taping off. Have you found that to be quicker overall than taping, or do you just not enjoy taping? 🙂

      Reply
    28. Martha Rice

      November 05, 2013 at 3:53 pm

      May I ask why the door is on the opposite of what they normally are? Are you left handed?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 05, 2013 at 7:43 pm

        🙂 nope, not left handed. I'm not sure, it was just natural for me to put the handle on the right, because I'm right handed. hahahaha

        gail

    29. Doris Henson

      November 05, 2013 at 12:27 pm

      That is cute!

      Reply
    30. Jessica @ Decor Adventures

      November 05, 2013 at 10:57 am

      Great project Gail and thanks for all the tips on the FinishMax. I just used mine for the first time the other week and now I want to paint everything!

      Reply
    31. Shelley T

      November 05, 2013 at 10:35 am

      Looks great! So glad you are "on the mend" 🙂

      Reply
    32. Margaret

      November 05, 2013 at 10:33 am

      So pretty! The size is perfect for so many places in a home, too. If I lived near you, I'd snap that up!

      Reply
    33. Nadine

      November 05, 2013 at 10:32 am

      I have a pile of windows I need to do something with before the hubby makes them disappear...something like this would be perfect! Love this as I do all your projects.

      Reply
    34. Stephanie@cre8tive

      November 05, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Love it Gail. What a genius idea to add the window front. And I love the tip about the veggie brush. I need to get something like that for mine.

      Reply
    35. Chris Hunter

      November 05, 2013 at 10:01 am

      Beautiful job! Do you make your own Chalk paint? And then do you put anything over it for any kind of finish?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 05, 2013 at 6:30 pm

        Chris

        I do make my own chalk paint. I sometimes use it as a primer then using the same paint without Plaster of Paris as a topcoat. I also use wipe on poly, and various furniture waxes as topcoats. http://bit.ly/chalkyPAINTprimer

    36. Cheryl @ That's What Che Said...

      November 05, 2013 at 9:58 am

      I Love this Gail! It turned out so great and I also LOVE my Finish Max! I named him Finn 🙂 I also just want to say I am 100% jealous of the fact that you have a stash so awesome that you had the perfect window for this project...I clearly need a better stash 🙂

      Reply
    37. Nancy

      November 05, 2013 at 9:56 am

      Looks fabulous. I love how the shelf is basically invisible behind the glass.

      Reply
    38. Ann Lavergne

      November 05, 2013 at 9:52 am

      Beautiful, simply beautiful. I love how you inspire me!

      Reply
    39. Judy

      November 05, 2013 at 9:48 am

      Wow this is just incredible, I love it! I would love to have a paint sprayer!

      Reply
    40. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      November 05, 2013 at 9:38 am

      I love the idea of using a window for a door, it looks great.

      Reply
    41. Korrie@RedHenHome

      November 05, 2013 at 9:25 am

      LOVE how this turned out! The fence boards on the back are perfect. How fabulous is it that you had a window just the right size for the door?

      Reply
    42. girlfromwva

      November 05, 2013 at 9:03 am

      looks great Gail!! ( I use kitty litter buckets for storing my car cleaning stuff and hand held gardening tools. the height of the bucket helps things fit right in!)

      Reply
    43. Pam

      November 05, 2013 at 8:59 am

      AWESOME job yet again...I love that. I need a workshop.....better yet, I think I need a body that will allow me to work in a workshop! lol ...Great job Gail.

      Reply
    44. Sylvia

      November 05, 2013 at 8:35 am

      The fence on the back is the best part. I'm surprised you haven't used the command max and/or the finish max to paint the cat litter buckets.

      Reply
    45. Holly

      November 05, 2013 at 7:39 am

      Looks great. I love the fence on the back.

      Reply
    46. Kalamity Kelli

      November 05, 2013 at 7:07 am

      Just gorgeous - as always! You always have the brightest ideas and i love it!

      Reply
    47. Terri

      November 05, 2013 at 7:05 am

      This turned out so cute! Love how you attached the window, completely changes the look!

      I must have missed the orginal post about the "Finish Max"...what is the difference in that and the Command?

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 05, 2013 at 6:11 pm

        Terri,

        Thank you Terri!

        Currently the machines are the same, they just changed the name. There may be some new changes coming down the road. 🙂

        gail

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

    Join Our Mailing List

    ​

      Click the topics you're interested in below:

      Subscribing above means you agree to our Privacy Policy​

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      SEEN ON

      Might I Suggest

      • Start Here
      • Furniture Makeovers

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      About

      • Gail's Favorites on Amazon
      • About

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2023 My Repurposed Life · Privacy Policy · Disclosure