Make a Vintage Window Cabinet

This project was created by Chris from A Glimpse Inside, and it’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into vintage materials.

Materials Needed

  • 4×8 sheet of plywood
  • Old vintage window
  • Wood glue (PVA glue)
  • Brads (1 and 1/4 inch)
  • Piano hinge
  • Brass rods (for door latch)
  • Stain (dark stain recommended)
  • Furniture wax (for finish)
  • Sandpaper
  • Craft paper (for staining)

Tools Required

  • Table saw
  • Chop saw
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Angle grinder
  • Clamp
  • Level
  • Ice pick (for marking)
  • Lazy Susan (for staining)
  • Drywall anchors (for installation)

Step 1: Prepare the Plywood

Start by cutting your 4×8 sheet of plywood. You’ll want to rip it down to about 21 inches wide and then cut two pieces to 10 inches wide for the sides. Make sure to measure twice before cutting.

Cutting the plywood sheet

Step 2: Work on the Vintage Window

Next, take your vintage window—possibly from the 1940s or 50s. Remove any hardware and give it a light sanding. You’ll want to run one edge through the table saw for a clean finish.

Removing hardware from the vintage window

Step 3: Assemble Your Cabinet Frame

With your plywood cut and the window prepped, it’s time to assemble the frame. You’ll create a structure to hold the window in place. Use brackets or holders to keep everything steady while you attach the pieces with glue and brads.

Assembling the cabinet frame

Step 4: Distress the Plywood

To ensure the plywood matches the vintage window, you’ll want to distress it. Use an ice pick and an old hammer along with your angle grinder to create marks that replicate the look of aged wood.

Distressing the plywood

Step 5: Assemble the Cabinet

Now, start putting everything together. Use screws to reinforce the joints and ensure everything is square. A French cleat system is great for hanging cabinets securely, so consider using that for your project.

Installing the French cleat system

Step 6: Install the Hinges

Cut your piano hinge in half to use for the top and bottom of the cabinet door. Mark where it will go on the window and cabinet, then drill holes for the screws to secure it in place.

Installing the piano hinge

Step 7: Stain and Finish

Apply a dark stain to the cabinet to enhance the distressed look. Use a Lazy Susan to easily spin the cabinet while you stain. After staining, finish it off with furniture wax for a matte finish.

Applying stain to the cabinet

Step 8: Install the Cabinet

Finally, it’s time to install your cabinet. Use drywall anchors if the studs aren’t in the right position. Ensure it’s securely mounted to hold the weight of the cabinet and any items you plan to store inside.

Installing the cabinet on the wall

Conclusion

And there you have it! You’ve successfully transformed an old window into a beautiful cabinet. This project not only adds storage space but also brings a unique vintage charm to your home.

Video

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