Budget-Friendly DIY: Transforming a $10 Cabinet into a Statement Piece

Would you believe this beautiful cabinet was a $10 Facebook Marketplace find? It truly was—though it looked nothing like it does now. When I first came across it, the piece was a dull, orangey wood tone, coated in a sticky layer of grime. Several glass panes were broken or missing, leaving plenty to the imagination. Still, I could see the diamond in the rough and quickly sent a message to see if it was available.

At first, I was disappointed—it was already pending pickup. I accepted that it wasn’t meant to be and moved on. But just a few hours later, I received a message saying the original buyer had backed out. It was mine if I wanted it—yes, please!

My husband (then boyfriend) graciously went to pick it up for me. Based on my description, he assumed it was a small cabinet and was in for quite the surprise. It took some teamwork to load it up, and he swore he’d never pick up another “mystery project” for me again.

When I finally had it home, I could envision its potential but wasn’t quite sure of the final look. So, it sat on my porch for several months, unintentionally becoming a catch-all for clutter. Eventually, I decided to tackle the makeover.

I carefully removed the remaining glass (wearing thick gloves) and cleaned and sanded the entire cabinet to prepare it for paint. Because of the intricate grooves and details, I opted for spray paint—it was the quickest and most practical option. Applying multiple thin coats, I built up the coverage gradually, completing about four coats in total. Depending on your project and how much the wood bleeds through, you may need more or fewer coats.

For the doors and side panels, I debated having custom replacements made but ultimately chose chicken wire for a charming farmhouse touch. This also felt safer at the time, as my son was still young and I didn’t want to worry about glass breaking.

Once finished, I brought the cabinet into my dining room, where it instantly became a statement piece. Over the years, it has earned countless compliments—people are always shocked to hear it only cost $10! I love styling the shelves with seasonal décor and creating a display that makes me smile every time I see it.

If I could do one thing differently, it would be applying a protective topcoat to seal the paint. It’s definitely something to consider before starting a project like this. Over time, the cabinet has developed a few chips and scratches, but I like to think they only enhance its character and charm.

Here’s a peek at how I styled the shelves: antique family photos propped in vintage flower frogs, a mix of thrifted and gifted plates, and a few wood and black accents to tie everything together.