Transform A Thrifted Cabinet Into Stained Glass With A Budget-Friendly DIY

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

From the beautiful shapes and colors to the rays of sunlight magically spread around a room, stained glass is a gorgeous addition to any home. Whether you want an intricate image or a simple geometric pattern, stained glass features do a surprisingly good job of blending into any décor style. While a full stained glass window is a stunning choice, hanging small stained glass art pieces in front of windows is a fantastic way to get the effect without the cost and permanence. Unfortunately, real stained glass art pieces are also quite expensive. If you want the look of this design trend in your home without the extreme price tag, you can transform a thrifted cabinet into stained glass with a budget-friendly DIY that uses a peel-and-stick window treatment. Luckily, you do not need to be a stained glass artist to complete this project. Anyone can make it work.

TikTok user gabbymadethat shows how to make this budget DIY project using only a few materials. First, you need a sheet of glass. An affordable and environmentally friendly way to get one is by thrifting a kitchen cabinet door with a removable flat, clear glass panel. If you see several cabinet door options you like, buy a few and try some crafty ways to repurpose old cabinet doors around the house. You will also need decorative peel-and-stick window film, a window film application kit, like the Artscape Window Film Application Kit for under $10, some basic tools, and any other materials to customize your result.

Once you have chosen your cabinet, lay it on a flat surface and carefully remove the glass from the door using a screwdriver. Then, thoroughly clean the glass piece to ensure optimal adhesion for your window film. Gently use a razor to scrape residue off of the glass if needed. If your decorative window film comes in individual pieces or you plan to cut the film and rearrange sections, do so now without removing the backing and determine your layout. Anyone unsure about design choices should look at unique stained glass windows that will add a pop of color to your home for inspiration. Once you are happy with your design, prepare the film application spray according to the kit's directions and spray it on the glass. Remove the backing from the decorative pieces, and place the smooth side to the glass, avoiding debris. Then, spray the applied film with the application solution again before squeegeeing the film to remove the solution and any air bubbles.

This should give you a good basic result, but there are many ways to add more detail to your project. First, for a more realistic stained glass look, use lead line tape to give the illusion of multiple pieces of glass put together. You can also use an affordable product like Gallery Glass spray for a stained glass effect on the parts of the glass not covered by your decorative film. To keep things simple, use a plain frosted glass window film to get the effect without changing up your DIY process too much.

Now that the glass is done, you can focus on the wooden part of the cabinet door. You may want to paint it to a color that better matches your space, or refinish the wood for a different look. If you like the door as-is but are worried about it not looking cohesive with your current décor, find out how to decorate your interior with a mixture of styles. This is also a good time to remove any hardware that you do not want on the completed piece. Finally, carefully put the glass back in the cabinet door, make sure it is secure, and admire your hard work so far.

The last step of this project is determining how to hang it. A very popular method for stained glass is to hang it from a chain. This will also combine nicely with the aesthetic of the older kitchen cabinet door, creating a kind of rustic look. Just make sure the chain you choose is strong enough to support the wooden frame as well as the glass. Nylon cord is another strong option for hanging a heavier piece. You may also find success simply placing the door on a large shelf or mantle as a décor piece. No matter how you choose to display it, you can enjoy your new and affordable stained glass for years to come.