How to build a wooden jewelry cabinet with a mirrored door

Building a wooden jewelry cabinet with a mirrored door is a great project that combines woodworking skills with a bit of design flair. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can build one yourself. I’ll break it down into clear sections: planning, materials, assembly, and finishing.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Wood: You can use plywood for the back and internal dividers, and hardwood (like oak, maple, or walnut) for the frame and door.
• Mirror: A glass mirror, cut to the size of the door frame.
• Screws: Wood screws for assembling the frame.
• Wood glue: For securing joints.
• Hinges: For attaching the door.
• Knob/Handle: For the cabinet door.
• Sandpaper: To smooth surfaces.
• Paint or wood stain: To finish the piece (optional).

Tools You’ll Need:

• Circular saw or table saw (for cutting wood)
• Drill with wood bits
• Clamps
• Tape measure
• Square for ensuring right angles
• Sanding block or power sander
• Mirror adhesive (optional, for attaching the mirror to the door)
• Wood filler (optional, for filling holes)

Step 1: Design and Measurements

Start by deciding on the size and layout of your jewelry cabinet. Here are some factors to consider:

• Dimensions: Decide how large you want the cabinet to be. Typically, a jewelry cabinet might be around 24-30 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide, and 4-6 inches deep, but you can customize it to your preferences.
• Internal layout: Think about how you want to organize the inside of the cabinet. Do you want hooks for necklaces, small drawers for rings, or dividers for earrings? You can customize these to your needs.
• Door size: Make sure the mirrored door will be the right size for your cabinet frame.

Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces

1. Back panel: Cut a piece of plywood (or MDF) to the size of the back panel. This will be the backing of your jewelry cabinet.

2. Side panels: Cut two side panels of your preferred wood to the height and depth you want the cabinet to be. These will determine the width and depth of the cabinet.

3. Top and bottom panels: Cut a top and bottom piece to fit between the two side panels.

4. Shelves and dividers: If you plan to add shelves or internal dividers, cut them to fit within the side panels.

5. Door frame: Cut a piece of wood to create the frame for the door. This will be slightly larger than the mirror you want to install. The dimensions should leave room for the mirror and a slight gap for the hinge.

Step 3: Assemble the Cabinet Frame

1. Build the box: Start by attaching the top and bottom panels to the side panels using wood glue and screws. Make sure everything is square and aligned.

2. Install shelves/dividers: If you have shelves or dividers, now is the time to install them. You can add them by either screwing them in place or using dowels for a cleaner look.

3. Add the back panel: Attach the back panel using screws or wood glue. This will keep the entire frame together.

Step 4: Build the Door

1. Assemble the frame: Create the door frame by attaching the top, bottom, and side pieces together. If you want a more decorative look, you can add a routed edge to the frame or a decorative molding.

2. Attach the mirror: Cut the mirror to fit within the door frame (you can have it professionally cut, or use a glass cutter if you’re comfortable). You can either use mirror adhesive or small mirror clips to secure it to the door.

3. Add the knob or handle: Drill a hole and attach the knob or handle for easy opening.

Step 5: Attach the Door

1. Attach the hinges: Install the hinges onto the side of the cabinet and the door. Make sure the door swings open smoothly and has enough clearance.

2. Check the alignment: Ensure that the door opens and closes properly and aligns with the rest of the cabinet.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Sanding: Sand all surfaces of the cabinet and door smooth, especially the edges and corners. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (like 80) and move to finer grit (220) for a smooth finish.

2. Staining or painting: Apply your choice of wood stain or paint. If you’re staining, follow up with a clear wood finish for protection.

3. Organize the interior: You can add small hooks, velvet-lined trays, or small compartments for organizing jewelry inside the cabinet.

Step 7: Mount the Cabinet

1. Wall mount: If you plan to hang the cabinet on the wall, install mounting hardware on the back of the cabinet. Use a level to ensure it’s straight when you hang it.

2. Freestanding option: If you prefer the cabinet to stand on its own, you can add legs to the bottom or leave it without legs for a simple look.

Final Thoughts

This is a basic guide, and you can customize it however you like, such as adding lighting inside the cabinet or creating a more ornate door frame. The beauty of this project is that you can adjust it based on the tools you have and your level of experience.