I Almost Passed Up This Old Window… Look at It Now! If you know me, you know I have a hard time passing up anything old. Give me a thrift store, an antique market, or a forgotten piece of furniture, and I’m already imagining where it could go in our home. When I came across this old window, I knew it had potential, but I never imagined it would become one of my favorite pieces in our bedroom!

I’ve always believed you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a beautiful home. Sometimes all it takes is a little imagination, a few basic supplies, and something that someone else was ready to throw away.

When I was selected as one of the Top 8 finalists in the American Farmhouse Style 2027 Brand Ambassador Search, I knew I wanted to create a project that represented everything I love about decorating.

Something vintage, something useful, and most importantly, something readers could recreate in their own homes.

And that’s how this little old-window cabinet came to life!

It All Started With an Old Window

While working on our blue bedroom makeover, I had a little stretch of wall that needed something special.

Of course, I could have purchased a cabinet, but where’s the fun in that?

I wanted something with character, something that looked as though it had been there for years. When I came across this old window, I knew it had potential.

The window measured approximately 35 inches tall by 17¾ inches wide. It had worn white paint, beautiful old glass, and all those little imperfections that make vintage pieces so special.

Instead of using it as wall decor, I decided to turn it into the door of a shallow display cabinet.

What You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this project is that we used basic materials and even some paint we already had at home.

• One salvaged window (ours measured 35″ × 17¾”)
• 6-foot-long, 5½-inch-wide pine boards from Home Depot
• Titebond II Premium Wood Glue
• Wood clamps
• Sandpaper or an orbital sander
• Flat white paint
• Paintbrush
• Gold hinges
• Small wood supports for mounting
• Screws and appropriate wall-mounting hardware
• Saw, measuring tape and drill

We used a stacked dado blade to create grooves for the shelves, but you can simplify the project by attaching shelves with screws and wood glue or using small shelf supports.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood

The first thing we did was measure our window and figure out how large we wanted the cabinet to be.

We purchased 6-foot-long boards from Home Depot and cut them to size.

Our cut list included:

• Two side pieces measuring 37″ × 5½”
• Shelf pieces measuring 17″ × 5½”

The 5½-inch depth was perfect for displaying some of my favorite vintage finds without creating a bulky cabinet.

Since old windows come in all shapes and sizes, you can easily adjust these measurements to fit whatever window you find.

Step 2: Create the Shelves

Next, we used an 8-inch stacked dado blade to cut grooves into the two long side boards.

These grooves allowed the shelves to slide into place, giving the cabinet a nice, clean look.

We laid everything out first to make sure the pieces fit together properly before adding any glue.

An easier option: If you don’t have a dado blade, you can attach the shelves with screws and wood glue or use shelf supports. You can still achieve a similar finished look without specialized equipment.

Step 3: Glue and Assemble

Once we were happy with the fit, it was time to put everything together.

We used Titebond II Premium Wood Glue along the joints and assembled the cabinet, making sure everything was lined up properly.

Then we added clamps to hold the pieces securely while the glue dried.

I have to admit, this was the moment when I could finally start picturing what our little cabinet was going to look like!

Step 4: Sand and Paint

Once the glue had dried, we removed the clamps and sanded the entire cabinet.

We smoothed out the rough edges and prepared the new wood for paint.

For the finish, I kept things simple and used flat white paint we already had from Home Depot.

I didn’t want the cabinet to look brand new. I wanted the fresh lumber to blend with the old window while allowing the window’s original worn finish to remain the star of the project.

And there’s nothing better than being able to use supplies you already have!

Step 5: Turn the Window Into a Door

Before attaching the window, we removed some unwanted metal pieces and old nails to prepare it for its new purpose.

Once the cabinet was painted and dry, we added wood supports to the back for stability and future wall mounting.

Then came the part I had been waiting for: attaching the old window!

We used pretty gold hinges to turn the window into a functioning cabinet door. We also kept the original front handle and used a little hook latch on the side to hold the door closed.

I love how the brass hardware looks against the worn white paint.

Step 6: Hang It or Let It Stand

We decided to hang our cabinet on the wall in our blue bedroom, but there are so many ways you could use this project.

It would look just as pretty sitting on a dresser, buffet, or sturdy countertop. Imagine one in a bathroom filled with rolled towels and vintage glass jars, or in a kitchen displaying your favorite dishes!

If you choose to hang yours, make sure to use appropriate mounting hardware and secure it properly to the wall. If you prefer to let it stand, place it on a stable surface and secure it against tipping, especially with the weight of the glass door.

Now for My Favorite Part… Styling!

You didn’t think I was going to leave those shelves empty, did you? 😂

Once the cabinet was hanging in our bedroom, I couldn’t wait to fill it with some of my favorite vintage treasures.

I added blue-and-white pottery, old books, flowers, vintage glass, and a few little pieces I’ve collected over the years.

I love that you can still see the wallpaper through the glass, and the shallow shelves are perfect for displaying smaller treasures.

The best part is that I didn’t need to go shopping for a bunch of new decor. I simply gathered pieces I already owned and started playing around until everything felt right.

A Little Reminder That Beautiful Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

This project is exactly why I love repurposing old things.

We took a forgotten window, added some basic lumber and paint, and turned it into something that looks right at home in our bedroom.

It’s not about creating a perfectly matched home filled with brand-new furniture. For me, it’s about collecting things I love, finding unexpected ways to use them, and creating a home that tells our story.

This project was especially meaningful because it was created for the American Farmhouse Style Brand Ambassador competition. Getting to share my love of vintage decorating and budget-friendly projects with other people has been such an exciting experience.

And every time I walk into our bedroom, I get to see that little old window hanging on the wall, filled with things I love.

This project is such a special reminder of why I love decorating with vintage finds and giving old things a second chance. What started as a forgotten window turned into a beautiful little cabinet filled with some of my favorite treasures. And to think, I almost passed up this old window… look at it now! 💙

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