Wooden Display Cabinet with Glass Doors and Drawers

 

This elegant display cabinet is an advanced beginner to intermediate project that combines both functionality and decorative appeal. The design features two glass-paneled doors on the upper section for showcasing collectibles, dishes, or treasured items, while two drawers at the bottom provide concealed storage for linens, utensils, or other household items.

This project will challenge you to expand your woodworking skills by incorporating glass panels, creating functional doors with hinges, building smooth-operating drawers, and ensuring everything aligns properly. The decorative mesh or lattice pattern behind the glass adds a classic, sophisticated touch that elevates the cabinet's appearance.

While more complex than simpler projects, this cabinet is achievable if you work methodically and pay attention to measurements. The result is a beautiful piece of furniture that looks professionally made and serves as a proud centerpiece in your dining room, living room, or hallway. It's an excellent project for building confidence before tackling even larger furniture pieces.

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Estimated Dimensions (in cm):

• (Height): 90 cm
• (Width): 70 cm
• (Depth): 35 cm

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General Construction Instructions:

Materials Needed:

• Wood boards for cabinet frame, top, bottom, sides, and shelves
• Thin wood or plywood for back panel and drawer components
• Glass panels for door windows
• Decorative mesh or wooden lattice for behind glass
• Door hinges and magnetic catches
• Drawer handles and pulls
• Wood screws and dowels
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper
• Wood finish or stain

Assembly Steps:

1. Build the main cabinet box - Construct the outer frame with top, bottom, and side panels, including a back panel for stability.
2. Create internal division - Add a horizontal divider to separate the upper display section from the lower drawer section.
3. Install interior shelves - Place adjustable or fixed shelves inside the upper cabinet for displaying items at different heights.
4. Build the door frames - Construct two door frames with openings for glass panels, ensuring they're identical in size.
5. Add decorative backing - Install mesh or lattice material behind where the glass will sit to create visual interest.
6. Install glass panels - Carefully secure glass into the door frames using appropriate mounting methods.
7. Attach hinges - Mount the doors to the cabinet frame, ensuring they open smoothly and align properly when closed.
8. Construct drawers - Build two drawers that fit the lower section, with fronts, backs, sides, and bottom panels.
9. Add drawer hardware - Install decorative handles or pulls on the drawer fronts for easy opening.
10. Sand and finish - Smooth all wooden surfaces and apply stain or finish to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.
11. Final hardware installation - Add door catches, drawer slides if needed, and any final adjustments to ensure smooth operation.