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    Home » windows » Repurposed Window Cabinet

    Repurposed Window Cabinet

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

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    How to make a repurposed window cabinet using an old window and a shelf as crown molding. Step by step picture tutorial using reclaimed bits and pieces. #MyRepurposedLife #upcycle #window #cabinet #project via @repurposedlife

    I love making projects using reclaimed windows, this repurposed window cabinet was put together with mostly scrap bits and pieces.


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    How To Make a Repurposed Window Cabinet

    When I got these windows, they were a little too new looking to suit me. I decided to store them outside so that they would get weathered.

    Start with a reclaimed window

    This is the window I chose for this project.

    Construct a simple wooden frame box

    I used pine boards to make a box for my cabinet. I use a lot of reclaimed lumber, but in this case I used new lumber. You can see that I have it clamped. I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my nail gun.

    I added 2 shelves. Look closely and you can see that I use a speed square. 🙂 I glued, nailed and clamped the shelves.

    Add bead board to back of reclaimed window cabinet

    clamp glue bead board for back of window cabinet

    I added a piece of bead board to the back. Again, I glued and nailed this in place around all the edges. I put my clamp across showing the placement of the shelves. I drew a line with my carpenter's pencil to show where I should place my nails to secure the shelves.

    How to transform a wooden shelf into cabinet molding trim

    wooden shelf transforms to cabinet trim

    See this small shelf? Can you see how I intend to use it? As trim for the top of my cabinet. I used it as faux crown molding!

    cut shelf for trim on compound miter saw

    It was too long, so I cut it down on my miter saw. But! The tricky part is, you can't cut the ends off. You have to cut it in the middle.

    transform wooden shelf to use as window cabinet trim

    OOPS! I had it laying the wrong way when I measured it, so it ended up being too short, so I had to add a piece in the center. Can you see now why you can't cut off the ends? Those 2 pieces laying separate are part of the shelf that I cut out of the middle... they have a special job to do too.

    use plywood to conform moulding

    They become the sides of my top piece. To firm everything up (because of all the chopped up cuts) I added a piece of thin plywood.

    The reclaimed window cabinet is nearly finished

    how to build a repurposed window cabinet

    This is the cabinet taking shape. The piece of luan is glued and nailed to the top of the cabinet. I actually had the window on with the original outside of the window facing out. I even had the hinges on it. But, I changed my mind and decided to flip the window over.

    repurposed window cabinet

    This picture shows the window before I switched it.

    Putty Patch and Paint

    putty paint and patch where hinges were

    So I puttied the holes from the hinges, and trimmed the side some to make if fit properly. (at this point, I had the glass out of the window, so I trimmed the window on my table saw) I had decided to take the glass out, to make it easier to paint. I would not have used the table saw on this window with the glass attached. Here you can see that the right hand side is now more narrow (after I used the table saw)
    I used spackling to cover up my oops on the trim.

    blue bead board for window cabinet

    This picture shows that I painted it Heirloom white with a very pale blue on the bead board. I only had a medium blue, but I tinted it with the heirloom white to lighten it.

    Pretty Window Cabinet

    Ta Da! It's done! I used the original window hardware to make a latch.

    gail

    See more DIY Repurposed Window Ideas Here.
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    1. Debbie Perkins

      May 31, 2019 at 2:44 am

      Just what I want!!! I just want it deep enough for plates. I have several windows that are screaming “pick me!” Thanks for the tips! I’m ready to go. My husband thought that I was nuts when I started buying power tools. I just need a shop! I have a sewing room, but a place for MY tools. Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        May 31, 2019 at 8:44 am

        How fun that you found me! I'm so happy my tips will help you. I don't really have a shop either. I store my tools in the garage, but pull out a work table into the driveway when I need to work on something.
        Wishing you happy DIY'ing!

        gail

    2. Rose Marie Haeni

      March 12, 2015 at 2:43 pm

      Was it you that at one time printed out the idea of a coffee pot changed into a lamp base?
      I have my mother's, beautiful, Mirromatic percolator also yet, and would like to DIY and get to
      work!!!

      Could I please have the instructions again?

      AWESOME!! ALL THAT YOU DO!
      THANKS!!!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        March 12, 2015 at 2:53 pm

        yep, that was me! If ever you need to find something just google My Repurposed Life Coffee Pot (or whatever you're looking for) and you will probably see it come up in the search. 🙂

        https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2011/07/vintage-coffee-pot-lamp-repurposed.html

    3. Terry

      January 22, 2015 at 10:02 pm

      I am totally impressed with the piece that you have created in the pictures, excellent job. I recently acquired a larger circa 1800 window pane that has 32 window panes of glass in it. The overall size is 6 feet wide x 8 feet long. I am going to carefully remove all of the glass , remove the putty and glazier points, strip it down and hand sand it back to the bare wood. I will than install 32 individual pieces of bronze antique mirror , put a back on it and hang it in our home. It is amazing what one can do with these old window frames and a little creativity such as you have done . Keep up the great work.
      Terry

      Reply
    4. Di B

      September 21, 2014 at 12:33 am

      I love everything you make. These window cabinets are just ONE of my favorite items you create.

      Reply
    5. Joanne

      October 31, 2013 at 12:39 pm

      absolutely love your work and your ideas. do you have any ideas for a metal head board and foot board? thanks

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        November 03, 2013 at 9:15 am

        Joanne,

        I have done one bench with a metal headboard. It was a long time ago, but it was made similar to this one: http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/2009/09/brown-twin-spool-bed-repurposed-into.html

        I prefer working with wood beds.

        good luck have fun!
        gail

    6. Cj

      April 10, 2013 at 6:28 am

      Howdy,

      That tool is called a Speed Square 😉 .. Awwsum Project!!!! Thanks fer tha ideas.
      GOD BLESS SWEETLY,
      Cj.

      Reply
    7. Roman

      March 14, 2013 at 5:59 pm

      Nice!

      Reply
    8. Anonymous

      January 03, 2013 at 11:10 pm

      If you can build something that looks like this, I especially love it that you call it a triangle square thing. You go girl. I bet there are a lot of people out there that have the lingo for the tools and no cabinet to prove they can use em.

      Reply
    9. Becky Reep

      July 27, 2012 at 12:44 am

      Love your cabinet and it turned out really nice. Even after you had a problem with the cutting of the one piece, you kept going...that was good! Good inspiration!!

      Reply
    10. Deborah March

      March 27, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Absolutely positively SPECTACULAR cabinet!! You make it look so EASY. Thanks so much for the great tutorial!

      Reply
    11. Frugal Home Designs

      April 14, 2010 at 2:00 pm

      There isn't much to stay, execept this is AMAZING!!! What great vision and follow through. Thank you for coming to the party and inspiring me. Your work is wonderful.

      Reply
    12. Cyndi

      February 10, 2010 at 2:49 pm

      I just saw this on your blog. I am repurposing a homemade gun cabinet that, according to the picture in my head, will be almost identical! Thanks for the visual.

      Reply
    13. Miki

      January 20, 2010 at 3:45 pm

      I can't believe it has taken me so long to find this! This is exactly what I want to do with some very large windows I bought off of craigslist. Trying to explain it to people is difficult and here you are with the very thing I've been looking for! Thank you, you did an awesome job!

      Reply
    14. Heather

      December 31, 2009 at 4:24 pm

      I love this idea! Our daughter needs something in her bathroom, but everything we have found is too deep! I never thought about building a shallow box and using a window for a door! Thanks for the inspiration ... now if only I had some tools!

      Reply
    15. Chari

      December 20, 2009 at 4:50 pm

      Hi Gail...

      Ohhh my...I just love this project, my friend! What a fabulous way to repurpose those old windows! I have really enjoyed all of your "repurposing window" ideas...especially since I have a bunch that I've been wondering what I could do with them! Girl, you are soooo clever and creative...I would have never thought to use one of those wall shelves for crown moulding! It really was the "icing on the cake" to your beautiful shelf! Now...I also have to mention that I am so impressed by your carpentry skills...you're awesome, Gail!!! Sooo...now I'm curious where you have put this beautiful window shelf and what you are displaying in it??? Inquiring minds want to know...hehe!

      My friend, I just loved this post and I'm so happy that you chose to share it with us today for Sunday Favorites!!! Thank you!!! It's a fabulous idea and I missed it the first time around!

      I hope that you're having a super Sunday!

      Warmest wishes and Christmas blessings to you and your family, Darlin'!

      Chari @Happy To Design

      Reply
    16. Keetha Broyles

      December 20, 2009 at 1:24 pm

      Oh my! It is absolutely LOVELY!!! I think I need to see about getting one made for ME!!

      Reply
    17. Alicia

      December 20, 2009 at 4:35 am

      Beautiful! I bet it looks great decorated with lots of Christmas goodies.

      Reply
    18. Diann

      December 20, 2009 at 4:09 am

      What a great makeover and redo!! Loved it. Beautiful job!

      Have a wonderful Christmas!!

      Reply
    19. Sam

      November 03, 2009 at 3:27 pm

      WOW! I would have never thought of doing that with an old window. I love it!

      Reply
    20. Tricia Anne

      October 10, 2009 at 3:09 pm

      I have three old windows that I keep looking at and wondering what to transform them into. I am definitely keeping your tutorial handy! Thank you so much for posting your creation. It is fabulous!
      Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

      Reply
    21. Room to Inspire

      October 08, 2009 at 8:06 pm

      Love it! Seriously...love it!

      Chelsea

      Reply
    22. Shanty 2 Chic

      October 08, 2009 at 12:46 pm

      Thanks for linking this up and I will AGAIN say how much I LOOOOVE it!! Way to go!!
      ~Whitney

      Reply
    23. Shanty 2 Chic

      October 08, 2009 at 3:31 am

      I just love this and your tutorial is great! I love old windows and I have never seen them used for this! Great job and thanks so much for linking up with us tonight! ~Ashley

      Reply
    24. Infarrantly Creative

      October 08, 2009 at 3:08 am

      Be still my heart I am in love. I will be in our neck of the woods this weekend running a race. I am an Indy girl and I think I see a road trip in my future. I want to learn how to do that and I have plenty of windows to do it.

      Reply
    25. Traci @ Beneath My Heart

      October 08, 2009 at 2:28 am

      Oh my gosh! I LOVE this! You are so very talented.
      Great job!
      Blessings,
      Traci

      Reply
    26. Sharlotte

      October 07, 2009 at 12:42 am

      I love this! The beadboard and colors are fantastic!

      Reply
    27. niartist

      October 06, 2009 at 10:15 pm

      Can I say, WOWOWOWOWOWWWO! This is fantastic! I love it, and it's the most perfect transformation! I can't tell you all the windows like this I've seen on the street and passed up! You've got me thinking now! Thanks for sharing, and inspiring!

      Reply
    28. nannykim at spindle cottage

      October 06, 2009 at 2:36 am

      Really CUTE!! But soooooo much work!!YIKERS

      Reply
    29. cindy@cottage instincts

      October 06, 2009 at 1:43 am

      Girl, you are one amazing craftswoman! Just beautiful...
      peace, cindy
      (ps...I'm having my first giveaway, so pop on over when you can!)

      Reply
    30. Ashley @ AshleysBusy

      October 05, 2009 at 3:57 pm

      Wow! This is great. Wonderful carpentry skills. Looks totally professional. 🙂 Can't wait to see it filled up all pretty in your home 🙂

      Reply
    31. Mrs. P.

      October 05, 2009 at 3:50 pm

      Oh, this is great!! I love the result.

      Blessings!
      Gail

      Reply
    32. claudie

      October 05, 2009 at 6:57 pm

      No I see your from Kentucky... Interesting add...from Canada on your website..??????? i'm baffled.
      Oh well
      Claudie

      Reply
    33. claudie

      October 05, 2009 at 6:55 pm

      Now THAT is the best transformation today.
      LOVE IT.
      You are great at carpentry and it shows.
      Happy MET Monday
      Love Claudie
      xoxo
      P.S. Are you in Canada, I am...I see an add for Roger's here.?

      Reply
    34. Sheri

      October 05, 2009 at 1:00 pm

      My word but your good at stuff like this!!!

      I have a linky party going on, come on over and link up! http://theshadesofpink.blogspot.com/2009/10/room-month-great-pumpkin.html

      Reply
    35. Mimi

      October 05, 2009 at 11:58 am

      Talk about a transformation...oh, to be so creative...I love that cupboard!

      Reply
    36. Really Rainey

      October 05, 2009 at 4:18 am

      Fantastic cabinet! Its not an easy project that's for sure! You are very talented!
      Have Fun~Happy Fall...

      ~Really Rainey

      Reply
    37. Andrea Padilla

      September 30, 2009 at 8:20 pm

      You are amazing!

      Reply
    38. Misti of Studio M Designs

      September 23, 2009 at 2:09 am

      So funny, I was just giving someone advice on what to do with an old window, and I told her to make it into a cabinet. I just sent her this link! Thanks for your fabulous post!

      ~Misti

      Reply
    39. Shirley

      September 21, 2009 at 4:16 am

      This is just amazing to me! Did you do this all yourself? I've got to be braver about tackling bigger jobs myself!!

      Reply
    40. Kelee

      September 21, 2009 at 1:19 am

      Hi! Great job!
      The cabinet is lovely and functional!

      Stop by....

      Your blog is really inspiring!

      love, kelee

      Reply
    41. Junk Mammas

      September 20, 2009 at 1:07 pm

      Love this!!! When I read hooked on Junk, I knew I needed to check your blog out.

      Reply
    42. Barb

      September 20, 2009 at 6:44 am

      Wonderful!!!

      thanks for sharing

      blessings
      Barbara jean

      Reply
    43. ImagineCozy

      September 20, 2009 at 2:59 am

      That turned out so great! I would not have thought to turn it into a cabinet.
      -Angela

      Reply
    44. Jessica

      September 19, 2009 at 7:56 pm

      It's beautiful! I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of your blog.

      Reply
    45. LITTLE STAR

      September 19, 2009 at 11:43 am

      Love it - you make it look so easy!

      Reply
    46. Cristin

      September 19, 2009 at 5:47 am

      I love old windows too! You are super creative.

      Reply
    47. the queen

      September 18, 2009 at 8:07 pm

      Are you for hire? Great job. I love the color you picked.

      Reply
    48. Susan Fairchild

      September 18, 2009 at 8:37 pm

      beautiful! I'd love to try this sometime!

      (and btw - the tool is called a 'speed square' and is a VERY handy tool for many projects - I think we own two!)

      Reply
    49. Frippery

      September 18, 2009 at 2:44 pm

      Gorgeous. I love the re use of the shelf. You are one creative chick!!!

      Reply
    50. Terry

      September 18, 2009 at 1:21 pm

      It's beautiful and one of a kind. The crown molding puts it over the top.

      Reply
    51. Porch Days

      September 18, 2009 at 3:56 am

      Wow, I'm impressed. Wish I could do all that woodworking. I have the ideas but not the know how.

      Reply
    52. rosecottagegardensandfarm

      September 18, 2009 at 3:06 am

      Fabulous! Can you come and make me one now?!

      Wonderful cabinet!

      Debbykay @ Rose Cottage Gardens and Farm

      Reply
    53. I Play Outside The Box

      September 18, 2009 at 2:43 am

      That is just fabulous!!

      Reply
    54. Vintage Junky

      September 18, 2009 at 2:26 am

      That is great! I want it too!

      SMiles!
      Michelle

      Reply
    55. Ana~A Petite Cottage

      September 18, 2009 at 1:13 am

      Hi Gail,
      Can I have it?! 😀 Wow, it turned out great. I am blown away, you did an awesome job. I'm going to have to keep my eye on you...I might learn a thing or two from you. Thanks for sharing and thank you for stopping by at A Petite Cottage. Drop on by again anytime.

      Smiles,
      ♥Ana

      Reply
    56. Kathy

      September 17, 2009 at 8:26 pm

      You did a beautiful job on this! I've been wanting to make one (or more) of these out of the old window sashes we've been taking out as we remodel our home. Now I have visual evidence for DH that it can be done! Thank you so much and keep up the GREAT work that you do!

      Reply
    57. bj

      September 17, 2009 at 6:05 pm

      Wow..this looks great..
      Glad to have found your blog..I am going to follow so I won't lose you. :O)
      Come by and visit when you can...
      bj

      Reply
    58. Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage

      September 17, 2009 at 6:05 pm

      Gorgeous! I've still got a stack of those windows left and this would be a perfect project to use them. Great job!

      (Stop by tomorrow, you're gonna be a Diva!)

      Reply
    59. Robin

      September 17, 2009 at 2:12 pm

      Wow! You did an amazing job.

      Reply
    60. LADY BEVERLY

      September 17, 2009 at 2:02 pm

      I accidently found your blog - I can't remember now how because I am very, very overwhelmed in a good way - this is wonderful! I love what you do and especially love this cabinet. Many years ago I found a dresser out on the curb and we took it, I stripped it and my husband replaced a side panel. I think it is my favorite piece of furniture in our dining room.

      I really makes you feel good to do this stuff.

      Thanks for sharing!

      Beverly

      Reply
    61. abnsigoslady

      September 17, 2009 at 12:49 pm

      You are a genious. I love this idea. Laura@the mansion

      Reply
    62. Mandy

      September 17, 2009 at 3:51 am

      I want one!
      Such a cool project. I'm going to try to copy you...someday...maybe.

      Reply
    63. Lilia

      September 17, 2009 at 3:48 am

      Oh how I wish you were my neighbor! We would have so much fun, me watch while you create, lol. Love it, love it, love it. Hey did I tell you that I love it?? You're awsome, glad I found you.

      Reply
    64. Let it Shine

      September 17, 2009 at 3:07 am

      It looks awesome! Great idea, and great job building it!!
      Alyshia

      Reply
    65. Shanty 2 Chic

      September 17, 2009 at 3:01 am

      LOVE this!!! Thanks for the tips and details... its AMAZING!
      ~Whitney

      Reply
    66. rosemst2t

      September 17, 2009 at 2:37 am

      Wow! Nice job on that Gail! And I'm coveting those awesome clamps you have there. Had to laugh about the oops cut, thought I was the only one who did that.
      Question, how did you get the glass out without breaking it? I've never managed to do that. Please share your secret!
      Rose

      Reply
    67. The DIY Show Off

      September 17, 2009 at 2:17 am

      Oh my gosh! I LOVE that! Great job. I have old windows but they aren't that pretty. 🙁 But I'll be keeping my eyes open!

      Thanks so much for sharing!

      Roeshel

      Reply
    68. Anne~fiona and twig

      September 17, 2009 at 1:42 am

      Wonderful! My Habitat for Humanity Re-Store has tons of old windows and doors, I'd love to try this. Thanks for always providing step-by-step tutorials that even someone like me could follow!
      ~ Anne

      Reply
    69. Embellished Bayou

      September 17, 2009 at 1:25 am

      Fabulous! So creative, I love it!

      Reply
    70. Leanne

      September 17, 2009 at 4:22 am

      Wow! That looks amazing. I love it! You did such a great job. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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    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!

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