How to make repurposed window cabinets
Friends and family know I collect JUNK. People love to unload their unwanted items on me as much as I love getting random junky finds.
MDF is not my "go to" building material, but I wouldn't turn it down if offered to me. Nor would I throw it out.
I always have old windows in storage. Many times I even have matching windows as in this case. Since I was making two window cabinets, I wanted to use two windows that matched.
My friend Missy brought me all these spare bed parts from her mom to use on these window cabinets.
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After putting two coats of primer on the mdf wood, I got busy building a standard box to fit the size of the windows. I used Gorilla wood glue for a strong hold.
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Using a countersink bit is useful for a project like this. It not only drills a pilot hole, but allows you to easily hide the screw heads.
Build a base for the repurposed cabinets
I clamped the glued pieces together and used the countersink bit to drill my pilot holes. After I built the box, I started putting together the “stand”.
How to attach legs to window cabinet
I cut the bedposts down to size. Drawing a circle around the leg on the top of the wood allows you to know where to drill the pilot holes
Here’s a tip: It’s difficult to hold the leg and the top together to get the screws in. I used very long screws to hold the board to the legs. In order to do that I first screwed a shorter screw through the pilot hole in the board just barely going into the leg.
Remember: Most bedposts are VERY hard wood. You MUST drill a pilot hole into the leg.
Work smarter not harder
After the short screw secured the leg (barely) I drilled the pilot hole through the original pilot hole into the leg. Then I inserted my long screw. I did this a second time, then I removed the original short screw, drilled the pilot hole into the leg and inserted one of my long screws.
You may think to yourself why not just use one of the long screws and not go all the way with it. The long screws were coarse (too big to do this without first drilling a pilot hole). The short screw I used was more of a fine thread and easily screwed into the leg enough to hold it temporarily. Another option is to shoot a brad nail through the base into the top of the leg to hold it until you can secure it with screws. I highly recommend using Gorilla wood glue for an extra strong hold.
I soap my screws, they go in much easier that way. Even then sometimes they squeeaal. If that happens to you, back it out slightly and push it in again. Sometimes you might have to do that twice.
Stand for window cabinet
This is the stand.
In this photo I'm testing the fit of the repurposed window box onto the stand base.
I took this picture to show you how I work! Working in the driveway is my best option.
You can see here that I have the crown molding on the first cabinet.
This is all I had left of the length of crown molding I used. I was a little stressed. There was NO room for error here.
Embellish window cabinet with molding
This is the basic design of the window cabinets.
I cleaned the windows and scraped all the years of paint off.
While removing MASSIVE amounts of putty on window #2 I had a little accident. OOOPS! I pressed a little too hard near one of the points and one of the panes cracked. You can see how to cut a new pane in my post How To Cut Glass
I taped the windows so I could paint them. You’ll see the second from the bottom pane is NOT taped. Well, it has a piece of tape on it to keep it from breaking completely. That’s the one I had to replace.
Here is one of the cabinets after 4-5 coats of primer and two coats of flat white paint. I added shelves that lined up with the panes of the glass. That really makes a big difference in the end product.
Window Cabinet Display Cases
I made the cabinets so they would open opposite. One is hinged on the right, the other is hinged on the left. Don't you love how the twin window cabinets turned out? I love that they stand on the floor instead of hanging on the wall.
gail
If you love this project, you will not want to miss this roundup of window projects.
EDITED TO ADD: Missy emailed me some pictures she took with her phone of the twins in their new room. Her mom Mary dressed them really pretty, don’t you think?
Cherie
Love these twins. Just beautiful.
Brette
I agree on the MDF. If kept away from moisture, it’s okay, but if it gets wet, it literally dissolves. Very bad for things like bathroom vanities, below-sink cabinets and exterior doors. The door I know about from experience. The sink cabinet was seen at a thrift store.
Christina
Wow Gail, these are amazing! You can turn anything into a gorgeous new piece 🙂
P.S. So jelly of your camper, it's sooooo cute! Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Bliss
I love how they turned out using all the spare parts. Lining up the trim in the panes with the shelves makes you one smart cookie!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Bliss. I have more window projects on my list due to an excess amount of windows in storage! 🙂 Not that you would know anything about THAT!
gail
Susan
Oh My these are fabulous Gail! If you lived next door I'd have you make one for me.... if you lived next door I'd be your intern!! <3
Nancy
Wonderful job! Lovely finished project!
Donna
🙂 I'm salivating! Wow, wow, wow! You make everything seem do-able and even more important you make projects seem WORTH doing. I love that.
The original builder/owner of my 1941 house remodeled my house the 60's and saved all of the old original windows in a stack in the attic. Guess you know what I'm gonna do with one or two! Thanks for all of your efforts, Donna
Paula
love your creativeness
doreen
OMG - you are so clever! I am envious of your creativity and know-how! Great job.
Kelly
Hello Gail -
I always enjoy your posts and am inspired to make my own cabinet! I've been looking for a good countersink bit so thanks for the recommendation. I do have a question - the way they have the bits listed on the Rockler site, they identify them by numbers instead of measurements...can you tell me what size # you used for this project?
Thanks!
Kelly
Di B
You do such a beautiful job in everything you do. I am truely amazed at your fine workmanship!
Betsy
Wow, you really delivered! They look awesome all dressed up, you'd never know how they started life. Great job Gail.
Jeanne
OMG, you are AMAZING! I LOVE everything you do. wish you were my neighbor and would help me get started.
girlfromwva
i love the way these turned out! great job!
happy hill
Honestly.... you inspire me.... i so look forward to ur posts..and cant wait to hit the link.... you truly are amazing... so clever !!! ××
Helen
Wow, great job. Love them!
Diane
These are adorable. I could see them in my granddaughter's room. I am having a hard time finding windows.
Gail- BTW I am getting an old dresser and chest of drawers from my son. He was going to junk them. I have no room but I will find room for these two pieces. I will dream of what I'll do with them come spring.
isthisloadbearing.com
Those are gorgeous! What a creative and clever way to reuse those items. I never would have thought of that!
Jennie416
These are absolutely beautiful!! I still can't believe how you re-purpose items - so clever Helping me think outside the box!! Great job!
Kim Nelson
You're a genius!
Deborah March
Wow wow WOW...picking-jaw-up-off-the-floor-in-Nova-Scotia!!!!!
Bonnie@Creative Decorating
I just had to comment at how awesome these turned out. Great job!
Allison @ House of Hepworths
I'm featuring you at this weeks Link Party. It will post tonight at 8pm CST. You rock! Thanks for Hookin' Up with HoH!
~Allison @ House of Hepworths
Jenni
Those are beautiful. You are inspirational with your use of tools and know how.
Style Sisters
HOLY COW!! You are good...no.... better than good you are amazing! This is just flat out gorgeous!! Very inspiring.
Sue@Uniquely Chic
WOW, you are amazing!
jodi@Pleasant-Home
Simply Awesome!
Diann @ The Thrifty Groove
"What am I doing?" you ask. That would just be me Kow Towing to your amazingness!! You totally rock! So, are you taking on apprentices yet? It really isn't THAT far for me to drive! 🙂
Dave'sWife@{thediaryofdaveswife}
These really are AMAZING!
thimblecottage
Hi Gail,I love my cupboards!!! I tried to leave a comment and my computer was acting up . Thank you so much .You exceeded my expectations. Don't tell anyone but I crawled up the stairs to see how they looked in their new settings. Thanks a million mary
Serendipity Chic Decor
Absolutely fabulous!
Take care,
Lisa
Marla @ Always Nesting
In my wildest dreams I could never have the vision for creation that you have. Gail, you are amazing.
Christa @ Stories of a House
Are you kidding me? What an amazing project! I'd never thought of putting a book shelf on legs, but I love it!
freckled laundry
You. are. amazing.
She'sSewPretty
Wow! That is a fantastic way to re-purpose all of those components! I'm really, really impressed!
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack
Hey Gail! I have some old windows at my house...come on over 🙂 I think you just one up'd yourself on these. Wow... they turned out gorgeous!
xx
~Michelle
Erin
Hi Gail, this is my first time visiting and I found you through POWW at Primitive and Proper. My jaw hit the floor reading through this post! The cabinets are just stunning and I love the way you pieced them together using things most people would have simply tossed. You are one talented and visionary lady. 🙂
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
I love these cabinets! I had something like this in my head for my laundry room I'm still trying to find the right size window for a door. And I may have to just go with plan be and make a tongue and grove door. I keep checking our restore but nothing.
Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic
You totally rocked that challenge! And it WAS a challenge, wasn't it?
Bet Missy's mom is pretty darn happy right now, and I hope you are too. You even surprised yourself on this one...me, not so much. I had total faith in you pulling it off, my friend. Total faith.
Pudel-design
Awesome!
Love this project, I build my furniture from old pieces too, if I can`t find the right one i`m searching for.;)
Lovely greetings...
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
ok, i have to admit, by the title of this post i thought your blog was taking a dirty twist.... i was worried. so glad the twins turned out to be fabulous cabinets!! they are gorgeous! and they're real!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
ok, i have to admit, by the title of this post i thought your blog was taking a dirty twist.... i was worried. so glad the twins turned out to be fabulous cabinets!! they are gorgeous! and they're real!
Amy @ Increasingly Domestic
These are incredible!
Barbara
Could you please come to my house and build things? Wow, you are so talented!!
the cape on the corner
unbelievable. you flippin' rock.
My Cottage Charm
GAIL, you are invited to go junking with me anytime you wanna drive out here...we could make a day of it! 🙂 Maybe this time we could have time to have lunch and sit down and talk. 🙂
Love ya girlfriend!
Reenie
Now.....I would LOVE to make something like this with my old windows....if you were near me....I'd be on your doorstep learning from you! I love them.
Lucrecia
I'm always amazed at your vision! These are amazing!
Angie
Wow. Seriously. Wow.
Homemade Quilts by Granny
What a marvelous job you have done on these cabinets.....I didn't know I was a noreply blogger....I send you a email. Trish
truckermomma
Wow, those are great, do you live close to me, I will drop some stuff off. hehe I really like the twins
Carmen at Primcatshouse
I'm back! Thanks for visiting my blog. No... I didn't know I was a "no reply" Blogger. I don't even know what that means. O.O How do I change it?
Thanks, Carmen
Jenni
I saw the ugly MDF, then i saw the legs, and the glass and thought "where the he%& is she going with this?!" Then I saw the legs on the bottom and said, "hmmm I'm not sure I'm gonna like this"...then I saw it all done and i gotta say...you are a genius! I LOVE IT! I'm trying to train my brain to think outside the box and see things for what they could be. You are inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
Carmen at Primcatshouse
You are very very talented!!!
Carmen and the Primcats
Proper Prim
Gail, you truly do bring the real meaning to "one woman's trash is another woman's treasure". Most people would look at that first pic and think trash... not you. You literally took that trash and made it into a beautifully cut diamond.
I bet Missy's Mom is trilled as I think anyone of us would be too happy display those in our home.
Fantastic job, I am so impressed.
Hugs, Deb
Corn in my Coffee-Pot
Wow-- a contest to win tools. I couldn't think of a more deserving winner!
You are my kind of DIY-er. Well, my kind -- if I could choose what kind to be. I try but lately- the dh usually takes over my projects.
I actually got to cut out my own corbels and use the nail gun to add the molding on sunday for my mantle. I was so happy!
Connie
I seriously covet your skills. Amazing. I have all these great ideas but I'm intimidated with power tools that cut. My husband has all the tools and the skills but thinks it's senseless to use "old junk". Wish he'd share my vision. Love your blog
Laurie at Turner Farm
That is amazing! Love your creativity!
Kathy
Once again, another beautiful creation! I'm heading in the direction of redoing my kitchen and using my old wood windows for the cabinet doors! We marked off the ceiling over the weekend to do a coffered ceiling and will begin taking down the cabinets after Thanksgiving. I will definitely be referring to your GREAT tutorials! Thank you, as always, for your inspiration! It really makes me feel like I CAN DO IT TOO!
gypsy@Hebrews11:13
These are STUNNING. Gorgeous! You are so talented and also a very hard worker. And a visionary. I'm scared to try a project like this!
Paige (Final Clothes-Out)
You are seriously talented! It really takes a knack to see things for what they could be, instead of what they are.
Sylvia
Fabulous, as always. You have a wonderful talent... vision and the skills to actually make the vision a realty. Thanks for sharing your creations and the tutorials, too. Not that I'll ever actually build anything 🙂
Terri
OMG...you totally rock. You never cease to amaze me with your creations! Such inspiration!
Shannon @ Quarry Orchard
As always, these are fantastic! You make such beautiful pieces from piles of scrap materials 🙂
kathie
Amazing, once again! You have such an eye & a 'midas touch' that turns everything you touch into perfection!! What a great idea, and what a cool use for a bunch of scrap materials 🙂
Coleen's Corner
Oh my gosh, Gail, every time I look at your projects I say "I want to do that!" However, I never seem to get it done. These window cabinets are truly amazaing! I know I say that all the time, but jeez, your work just leaves me speechless in a new comment sort of way : ) I have everything needed just sitting around in my shed... I so feel like playing hookey today!
Lee Laurie
OMG! These are so beautiful! I gotta have some of these. I don't know a thing about wood work but I am fixing to learn. I have some very old windows that my mom gave me years ago that came out of an old church that was being torn down. I've had them in storage for years. Now I know what I want done with them. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I just wish that I lived closer to you like Missy. I know that her mom is going to love these. I can't wait to see them in her house. Great job!
Hugs,
Lee Laurie
LMcBurney
Those are really great! Good job!
The Rusty Teapot
I am always amazed at your work, every post has something awesome to look at and dream about doing one day, but you definitely have a brilliant and creative mind! Great job I bet your friends mother was over the moon with how they turned out.xMx
The Rusty Teapot
I am always amazed at your work, every post has something awesome to look at and dream about doing one day, but you definitely have a brilliant and creative mind! Great job I bet your friends mother was over the moon with how they turned out.xMx
My Cottage Charm
Hello sweet friend....thank you for all your hard work, mom is SO pleased. 🙂 I'm going to do a post today on visiting you...I'll link over so people can see what an amazing job you did!
It was so fun to actually meet you...never thought I would ever get to meet any of my blogging buddies..it was great! 🙂
HUGS and thanks again!
Love ya!
Holly
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? You get better every day. I love this...I have a stash of windows!