Bathroom Storage Cabinet using an old Window
Hello Remodelaholic readers it’s Jaime Costiglio here today to share a bathroom storage solution that’s also a repurposed project. We are building this storage cabinet using an old window for the door and I’ve put together plans down below for you to plug in your own window dimensions to make this cabinet.
There’s plenty of added storage here and it’s deep enough for toilet paper rolls. Definitely consider making your shelves adjustable to make the best fit for products and taller items but you can screw them permanently too.
Related Reading: 30+ Smart Bathroom Storage Ideas
This project requires basic woodworking tools (saw, measuring tape, pencil, sander, pocket hole jig), please use all safety precautions when operating power tools. I started with an old window similar to this beauty:
Related Reading: 100 More Ways to Use Old Windows
How to Build a Bathroom Storage Cabinet from an Old Window
*All Remodelaholic building plans and tutorials are for personal, non-commercial use only. Use this printable plan as you build, but don’t sell the PDF plan or otherwise distribute the file. (Items built following this tutorial may be sold, but the instructions and PDF file may not.) Thanks!
Supplies:
- old window (preferably of vertical orientation)
- 2 – 1x8x8 pine boards
- 1 – 1x6x8 pine board
- 1 – 1/4″ plywood 2’x4′ handy panel
- wood glue
- 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
- 3/4″ finish nails
- shelf pins (if desire movable shelves)
Want adjustable shelves in your medicine cabinet? Use shelf pins with predrilled shelf pin holes to make the shelves adjustable (like I did here with this bookshelf).
Costs:
- old window (free)
- lumber – $40
- hardware – $15
- paint – (on hand)
- Total cost: $55
The printable building plan contains all the details for measuring your window, determining cut dimensions, and assembling the medicine cabinet with the old window as the door. 
What if I don’t have an old window?
If you are having trouble finding an old window to use then maybe consider building your own window. The plans to build a diy decorative 6 pane window are here:
Finishing Your DIY Medicine Cabinet
Sand everything smooth and plug any obvious pocket holes.
Now finish the medicine cabinet as desired. I painted then distressed vigorously with my sander and stained to add age. Seal everything with polyurethane especially considering the bathroom is a humid environment.
Attach the window using regular hinges, add a handle and magnetic catch at top inside (pictured down below).
Here’s a view of the magnetic catch and the adjustable predrilled shelf pin holes (like I used here with this bookshelf).
More DIY medicine cabinet and bathroom storage ideas:
- Make a medicine cabinet from an old suitcase
- Install a recessed medicine cabinet
- Build a slim wall cabinet for spices
- Build a pegboard wall storage cabinet with sliding doors
Published 5 Sep 2015 // Updated 21 May 2020
I’ve made so many window cabinets Jaime, but none quite like this. It’s simply simple! Beautiful job!
I’m pinning, and putting this on my to-do list!
gail
Thank you Gail. Coming from the queen of repurposing that means a lot! Loving your shutter bookcase too.
I love this!!
Thanks Crystal, hope you’re on the lookout from some old windows now!
that’s way too gorgeous jamie!! must-make for me a well!! =)
So kind of you Ananda, please do make one and share it (Facebook or IG #imaremodelaholic
Great idea. I love old windows and still regret that we didn’t keep our original windows when we replaced them years ago.
This is so gorgeous! What a great way to reuse an old window.
Your plans are so easy to read! I’m new to this kind of thing and most of the time can’t understand the instructions. Definitely going to give this a try. Thank you!
I love upcycling with old windows and this is a great project. Brilliant tutorial too. Thanks
What did you use for the back part? I don’t see anything listed in the supplies. Just bought everything and forgot about the back piece!
1 – 1/4″ plywood 2’x4′ handy panel – This is for the backing.
Hi there,
I just built a cabinet just like this and was just curious how you hung yours? Just trying to figure out the best way since it’s pretty large and I’ll be adding items to it.
Thanks
Chelsea I hung this cabinet using a French cleat.
can this be adapted to a built in?
Thank you
Beautiful!! I was hoping to print off the plans to try but it says the page isn’t there 🙁 any suggestions?
Hi Laura! We’re in the midst of switching our plan delivery systems, sorry! Drop me a line at hello@remodelaholic.com and I’ll get you hooked up 🙂
I wonder what size hinges you used? It doesn’t say on the list!
Hi Mary – different sizes would work but those hinges appear to be 2 1/2″ hinges.