How to Repurpose a Vintage Display Cabinet into a Jewellery Box

I found this vintage miniature curio display cabinet on my local for sale site. But I could not think of an idea of what I could do with it. These styles of cabinets are outdated, so I knew even if I restored it I would be unable to sell it. So I decided I would try and turn it into a jewellery box that could be either wall mounted or could stand on a table.

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I started by stripping the unit down and removing the old fashion design in the front. I sanded down the wood and re-stained and varnished the wood. (forgot to take pictures) I cut thin pieces of wood and covered them with the leather for the ends of the shelves, to stop all the jewellery from falling out. The leather was glued in place first and then I used a staple gun to secure it in place. Because of the shape of the box, the frame kept the shelves in place.

I am a big believer in using recycled materials so I found an old foam mattress and cut a piece to size to fit into the top and the middle shelf of the box. Once I had a snug fit I measured out the foam to add some slots for the rings to fit into. A craft knife was used to cut the slots in the length of the foam. I tested the depth to make sure they were deep enough to hold the rings in place.  

Black velvet fabric was used to cover the foam. To glue the velvet to the foam I used a spray adhesive and sprayed it into the slots first.  Next, I used a ruler to push the fabric down into the slot.  I found that if the fabric was not glued to the foam when the ring was removed the fabric pulled out too.  Start at one end and glue the fabric into each slot. 

The excess fabric is cut away and all loose fabric was glued to the bottom.  You do not see the sides or the bottom once the foam is inside the box.  My foam was also not cut as straight as I would of like, but using a carving knife was the easiest way I found to cut the foam.  The foam was then glued to the inside of the box using Kwik dry glue.

To make partitions for earrings and other bits and bobs. I covered the base of the box with velvet fabric first.  Next, I cut scraps of plywood to make small partitions with. These were also covered with the velvet fabric using multi-grip glue.  I made the partition so they would be a tight fit.  They were also glued into place.

Because I did not want anyone to see that it was a jewellery box I covered all the glass on the box using a window film.  I chose a stained glass effect film which was very easy to use.  I put my glass on top of the film and cut around the glass to get the correct size.

To get the film to stick to the glass, I sprayed water on the glass first and then added the film.  Using a soft cloth smooth out the film.  If there are still water bubbles visible use a credit card to push out any excess water.

I added small hooks to the top of the inside door to hang necklaces up.

Hooks to hang up necklaces and bracelets

Closeup of ring display.

Partitions for earrings and bits and bobs.

Side view of the covered up windows.

To see more handmade jewellery storage ideas check out this bracelet stand and this jewellery cupboard all made from recycled materials.

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