How to Build a Shadowbox End Table

Stack two wood windows on a work surface on top of each other. Choose two windows of the same dimensions with intact windowpanes and the size you want the end table to be. Position the windows so that their edges line up.

Place a 3-inch metal hinge 3 inches from one corner of the windows. Center the hinge so one side is on the top window and one side is on the bottom window. Secure the hinge in place by installing a 1-inch screw through each hole in the hinge. Tighten the screws into the windows' wood frames.

Mount a second 3-inch metal hinge on the same side of the windows as the first hinge. Position it 3 inches from the other corner and centered so that one side is on the top window and one side is on the bottom window. Secure the hinge in place with 1-inch screws.

Measure the width and height of the window frame. On the 4-by-4 inch edge of a 15-by-4-by-4 inch fence post cut out a section as wide and deep as the frame with a circular saw. Cut out a second section the size and shape of the window frame on one corner of the post. Repeat the process on three more 15-by-4-by-4 inch posts with pieces of the same shape and size.

Place one of the 15-inch posts at each corner of the top window. Position the posts so the cutout sections rest over the window frame. Place a metal L-bracket on one side of the post. Rest one end of the bracket against the post and the other end against the window frame. Secure the L-bracket with a 1-inch screw through each hole in the bracket then through the wood of the post and frame. Place a second L-bracket on the other side of the post in the same way and secure it with screws. Add two brackets to each of the remaining posts and secure them with screws until you have posts attached to the four corners of the top window.

Turn the window and posts over so the posts are against the work surface. Position a 3-inch long handle onto the top edge of the window opposite the side with the hinges. Center the handle on the frame. Secure it in place with a 1-inch screw through each hole in the handle and into the window frame.