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How to Make a Window Table (for the Rustic Look)

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ByMarty Walden
This DIY tutorial explains how to make a window table for the rustic look for practically nothing. Great furniture idea for the repurposed shabby chic look.
 
A wooden box

You know how it is. You’re hiding in the minivan and really don’t want to talk to anyone because your hair’s a mess and you haven’t changed out of yoga pants in three days.

You’re surfing the net, waiting for your kids in the carpool line or at their ball game.

While you’re losing yourself in your phone you find that perfect Pinterest project that’s going to change your life!

Because you know Pinterest makes everything better, like somehow “Pinterest” is the perfect mama with her act together who never yells at her kids, has a home cooked dinner on the table every night and even wears MAKEUP!

Y’all do know Pinterest is just a way to bookmark things and real people actually create all those beautiful ideas you and I pin?

Ahem. Just clarifying because we all get confused sometimes. ~smile~

Anyhoo……about four years ago that was my story because I loved all things Pinterest. I was coming into a new season of life as my oldest two were getting married and the end was in sight for our youngest two and our homeschooling days. 

I never had much time to decorate (hello, 5 kids, pets, homeschooling, no life!) but I longed for a home that was authentic and unique to me.

I happened to find a little “honey do” project that helped me discover my style and changed our lives at the same time.

Little did we know my husband’s first attempt at repurposing would forge a new career for mama and a love of transforming wood into beautiful home furnishings for papa.

Here are all the details on how to make a window table using fence boards, still one of my favorite DIY projects!

How to Make a Window Table

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Materials:

Fence boards
Old window
DAP Latex Window Glazing
Wood Filler

From Tim:

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Step. 1 Build boxing and legs

I was supposed to take pictures throughout the build, but the idea of cleaning my hands and taking a camera pause at every step was inconceivable.  The picture series below begins after the boxing and legs had been completed.  

That was an interesting process, since I needed to maintain space around the frame of the sash so it would open without pinching but not really worth going into the details.

A man standing in front of a window  

Step 2. Reglaze windows and clean glass with razor blade

The window sash required the most prep time.  I wanted to retain as much of the character as possible while bringing the different woods closer together in color and texture.

Remember, these fence board tables remain completely raw when finished, so there’s not much wiggle room to manipulate the surfaces.  The panes had to be re-glazed and nothing beats Dap Latex Window Glazing for ease of use and results.  Glazing in a tube – what a concept!  Clean the glass with a razor blade, straighten the lines and…

 Window and Table
 
this is the result.
 
Window and Table   

Step 3. Attach window to frame (with original inside turned up)

Might be hard to tell from the picture, but the chief decided she wanted the glazed side turned to the bottom.  That is the shallower face, but by doing it this way, the white glazing is hidden.  So, the original inside of the window is the side turned up.
 
Window and Table
 
I was really pleased with the design of the inside storage in conjunction with the hinged window top – especially since I don’t work off plans.  I had considered using a solid piece of stained 1/4″ plywood I had laying around for the bottom of this compartment.  I didn’t want the table to be too heavy, and this was the only design spot to compromise a bit on the material used.  
 
However, I gambled and continued the fence slat theme, beveling the ends at a 45 degree angle so they disappeared.
 
A wooden bench sitting in the grass 
 
I was amazed at how clean the windows came…probably should have checked that first thing!  Note to self! 
 

Step 4. Attach hardware

The last thing I wanted near the end was nice, shiny hardware on this rustic window table.  I was unable to find any in the workshop, so I had to break down and buy a pair of brass piano hinges and then just distressed them with sandpaper. Drats! The idea was not to spend money on these things!
 
A wooden door 
  
I did have a pile of old cabinet handles and this was the perfect choice.  A single post installation with a bolt through the hole and the end was in sight.
 
Window and Table 

My favorite element of the two tables I’ve made is the character of the wood.  It’s all terribly marred and full of holes and divots but absolutely beautiful.  

Step 5. Add wood filler if necessary

The big drawback is warping.  Each piece has to be selected with purpose, and even then the angles don’t always turn out perfect.  I will confess to a bit of wood filler at a corner or two! 

A wooden box  

So, even though it came right out of my head, this window table turned out pretty well.  Of course, I learned what to do and not to do for next time (and I know there will be a next time.)  Who knows what I’ll use…a door, a shutter, or maybe some old cedar shingles.

A living room filled with furniture and a fireplace

SPECIAL NOTE:  One thing I noticed right away, once the tables made it inside, was our pet’s reactions.  These must smell AMAZING to them!  If you make one of these out of old, stinky, weathered wood and your dogs are notorious for chewing things they shouldn’t, you might have a potential disaster on your hands.  I’m just sayin’…

A cake sitting on top of a wooden table

Marty: Even though we’re in the middle of gutting our kitchen and creating a totally new space in this room (you can read all about the dream and how to save thousands of dollars here) the one thing that will remain is the window table!

The DIY project that inspired our journey continues to hold a place in the center of our home and hearts.

Window and Table
 
I’d be grateful if you’d share this post on how to make a window table so other folks who want to create an authentic will be inspired as well! 

rustic window table with tray decor on top

 

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169 Comments

  2. I can’t wait to see it in the living room. It is just gorgeous. BTW…you are right. Your husband totally rocks! This is such an inspirational post. I would love it if you would share this fabulous post at our WIW linly party. Hope you can join us!

    Paula
    ivyandelephants.blogspot.com

    Reply

  3. This is SO cool! I really wish I had your husband’s skill (or at least knew someone with his skill)….LOL! This project is amazing! Hope you don’t mind — I’m adding this to my Pinterest board for future reference.

    Reply

  4. Beautiful! What did you display in it!? Did you separate it into different sections/panes or it was all one area inside. Thanks for sharing on Saturday Show & Tell at Cheerios and Lattes last weekend! We love having you join us and hope to see you again this weekend! See you soon!
    Mackenzie 🙂

    Reply

  8. Oh my goodness! You seriously have the greatest husband ever!!! 🙂 That table is AWESOME! Thanks for linking up to “Strut Your Stuff Saturday!” We hope to see you again! -The Sisters

    Reply

  9. Marty!! I’m in LOVE with your table!!!! I want it!!

    Thanks soooo much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality! Don’t forget to stop by this evening and link up your newest creations! 🙂

    Reply

  10. Love Love how this turned out. Very nice. It might inspire me to try one of my own…lol. WEll my hubby can! Found you via a blog hop and am now a new follower!

    Reply

  13. Hi, I am a new follower from over at Pandoras-craftbox.com and I just love what you did!! I been wanting one for ever and now i have a idea how to make it. I wish you would have make a step by step tutorial on how to make the bottom part. I you check my blog out too. Great JOb.

    Reply

  16. Great job on the table guys! I want one for my patio now lol! My husband thanks you 😉 It looks wonderful. Thanks much for sharing at Cap Creations. Have a great week.

    Reply

  17. How smart. I love it. Im your newest follower. Please come visit me at PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot and maybe you’ll follow back. THANKS.

    Reply

  18. Your husband did a great job! I love the table. Can you send him over here? I have a few projects for my husband and they never seem to get done!

    Reply

  19. This is nice! Now that our boys are grown, I wonder if we could have something glass in the house that wouldn’t get broken after the first five minutes! I cannot tell you how many windows we’ve had to replace, not to mention a couple of door frames. I’m assuming that you store things in there and don’t set anything on top, right? I’ve never seen one of these before, and it really is beautiful. Good luck with the dog issue. 🙂

    Reply

  23. Thank you so much for sharing this at Make it Pretty Monday link party at The Dedicated House. Hope to see you again on Monday! Wishing you a grand evening. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    Reply

  25. Your table is adorable! I have a window that I plan on using to make me one. Thanks for sharing. I’m visiting from Thirty Handmade Days link party.
    ~ Terrie (your new follower)
    HearthandWhimsy.com

    Reply

  28. Love this idea. i could totally use something this cute on my patio. This would provide the chance to decorate and not have the Louis(fur baby) drag it all over the yard. Hope you don’t mind me pinning this.

    Reply