I love making a good window cupboard, some are easier than others. When I saw this easy window cabinet tutorial over at That’s My Letter, I knew I just had to make one. After all, I do have many, many windows in my stash!
These are only a few of the windows I have waiting for projects.
*this post contains affiliate links*
Following Jaime’s directions, I measured my window to get the cut list for my window cupboard. I can’t really tell you the measurements, because yours will depend on the size of your window. What’s important to note is how you will build the “box” for your window cabinet. The feature of this cabinet that drew me in is the simplicity of the box with that little overhang of the top of the box.
Not shown: I remove all the hardware from my windows, including the weather stripping. I then use a saw to cut the side that is slanted in order to square it off. Use caution whenever using a saw, especially when glass is involved. If you feel that you are not qualified to do this, have someone else do it, or skip the stop altogether.
I used my Kreg Jig to make the pocket holes in order to join the corners of my wall cabinet.
Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System
Because the window will fit on the inside of the box, the second pocket hole is not visible in this picture.
This is the bottom of the window cabinet box. I chose to put those pocket holes on the outside (bottom) so they would be less visible.
how to add shelves to a window cupboard
Whenever I use an old window as a door for a cabinet, I place the shelf boards along the window panes, so the shelves will line up.
See? This cabinet is a simple build, and that’s my favorite part! You may notice the left side is more narrow, that is the side I cut off.
I used my diy chalky paint primer to paint this cabinet and window by hand, using some cream oops paint.
I attached small hinges I purchased from D. Lawless Hardware.
Use a cleat to hang your wall cupboard
In order to secure the cabinet to the wall, I added a support brace to the top (inside) using pocket hole screws.
I stapled the back into place.
A razor blade was used to scrape the paint off of the window.
I chose a fun knob for the cabinet door. Typically, I use window hardware for my window cabinets, but I wanted something different for this one.
You can see here, that I added a magnetic catch to keep the window (door) closed. You can also see that a screw secured through the wooden brace keeps the cabinet securely in place.
Because this cabinet was heavy, I was unable to stage it on my portable wall, so it went on the fence for it’s photo op.
See more DIY Repurposed Window Ideas Here.
If you like using windows as doors for cabinets, you may like one of these projects:
ugly cabinet gets a new life with a window door
How to Make A Window Display Cupboard from Scraps
I want to say a big thank you to Jaime for inspiring me with my latest window project!
Barbara says
January 16, 2016 at 12:49 pmLove your repurposed windows in the form of cabinets! I have some old windows – not so much OLD as replaced – and I need to find a few different projects in which to use them. Thanks! Expertly done, I do believe. They look great.
Mindi says
January 13, 2016 at 1:08 amI love it, simple and pretty! 🙂
Carmela Yap says
January 12, 2016 at 11:20 pmI would love to make something like this but I have a question — you mentioned that it is quite heavy. In the long term, will that one cleat at the top be sufficient to hold the whole cupboard securely to the wall?
Thanks.
Carmela
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 13, 2016 at 8:54 amCarmela,
Great Question! I may put this in my own bathroom, and I will probably use wall anchors if I can’t find a stud. Another option is to hang it, then put a small support cleat underneath the cabinet for it to “rest” on.
gail
Laurie Kearnes says
January 12, 2016 at 6:33 pmLove this project! The creamy white paint is perfect and makes it look so clean and fresh. I have a question about old windows. I can’t find any here ANYWHERE except like at an antiques mall and they want an arm and a leg for them. They have lots of windows at the ReStore but they are not wood – they’re metal or vinyl. Can you give me some ideas of where to find wood windows? Can you do anything with metal or vinyl windows?
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 12, 2016 at 10:14 pmLaurie,
thanks for your comment on my window cupboard! I have found windows on the side of the road, thrift stores and friends. I suggest that you let your family and friends know you’re on the lookout for old wooden windows. If you are active on facebook, be sure to let your friends know there. I have never worked with metal or vinyl windows… I think I would pass on those.
gail
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking says
January 12, 2016 at 5:20 pmVery nice, Gail! Love the white, too.
Chris says
January 12, 2016 at 4:03 pmLove the project! I hate taping, but a little Vaseline on windows keeps most of the paint from sticking- just don’t get it too close to the frame (is that way too obvious?).
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 12, 2016 at 4:44 pmChris,
because I use old windows, I need to get the paint right up against the glass in order to get the best result. That’s why I prefer scraping to any other option.
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment!
gail
Jaana flaherty says
January 12, 2016 at 11:40 amI love it. Very creative!
chris aka monkey says
January 12, 2016 at 10:24 amguh now i have window envy lmao, i have loved your tall window cabinet a long time …. one day xx
Anne @ DesignDreams says
January 12, 2016 at 7:26 amOOOOOOh you just gave me an awesome idea!!!!!! Gorgeous cabinet Gail!
xo
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 12, 2016 at 9:13 amyay! I love to inspire my friends, just like I was inspired by Jaime!
Susan Homeroad says
January 12, 2016 at 7:11 amThat shelf is EXACTLY what I need for over my toilet… can you please come here and build it for me? Or just come to NY and bring that one. Thanks my friend 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 12, 2016 at 9:15 am🙂
You can do it Susan! I gave you the perfect tutorial, and you can always see how Jaime did it. 🙂 I made this for a tutorial blog post, but I am seriously thinking about NOT selling it and putting it in my bathroom.
gail
Christina in FL says
January 12, 2016 at 6:50 amOh Gail, this is spectacular! Thank you for the links! Another blogger scored windows from a window replacement company. SOOOO many possibilities. Thank you and your cabinet looks ah-MAZ-ing. 🙂
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
January 12, 2016 at 9:16 amThanks Christina!
I still have so many more windows….