Transform a storage piece into a beautiful cane cabinet with this easy DIY using thrifted or IKEA furniture and web caning.
Do you ever find yourself drawn to trendy decor ideas? I know I do! And one trend that has caught my attention is the use of cane furniture. Whether you love tropical vibes or British colonial style, cane cabinets can work seamlessly with your favorite interior design themes. They have a classic appeal that will stand the test of time. So, I was thrilled to embark on a DIY project to create my own cane cabinet.
How to Transform a Storage Cabinet into a Cane Cabinet
When I was updating my dining room, I knew I wanted to incorporate a cane piece of furniture. However, the ones I fell in love with were on the pricey side. That's when I decided to get creative and transform an affordable storage cabinet from IKEA into the cane cabinet of my dreams.
What you need for a DIY cane cabinet
- A storage unit with glass doors - I chose a narrow and tall one from IKEA with glass doors.
- Cane webbing - This material can be a bit hard to find, but I managed to get a plastic 1/2" open mesh cane from an online shop. It may seem a bit pricey, but it's worth it for the final result.
- Hot glue gun and sticks - A trusty hot glue gun is a must-have for this project.
- Scissors - You'll need these for trimming the cane webbing.
- Bespoke pulls (optional) - To add a touch of elegance, I opted for gold twig pulls from Etsy. They were beautiful and budget-friendly!
Before I share the step-by-step guide, let me tell you a little secret. Most tutorials out there show you how to transform or build cane cabinet doors, but they don't include the glass. I wanted a cleaner look, so I decided to install the caning behind the glass doors. It felt chicer and cleaner for a cane front cabinet.
How to Make Cane Cabinet Doors without Removing Glass in Two Easy Steps
Here's a simple guide to DIY your own cane cabinet:
Step One: Cut the caning
- Remove the doors from the cabinet and place them on top of a blanket to protect the glass.
- Unroll the caning over the door and measure the length. Cut it leaving at least 3-4 inches of overhang.
- Measure the width and cut the cane webbing accordingly, leaving some overhang for gluing. Follow the cane pattern for a straight line.
- Place a cut side next to the hinges. If possible, loosen the cabinet hinges and slide some of the cane webbing underneath. Tighten the hinges to hold it in place.
Step Two: Glue in place
- Start in the middle of the door and glue the caning to the back. Work on a small section at a time, ensuring the caning stays straight and smooth.
- Glue from the middle to the edge, and repeat on the other long side.
- Finally, glue the top and bottom in place. Trim off any excess pieces.
- Reattach the door and replace the pull if desired.
Caption: Transform a storage cabinet into a beautiful cane cabinet.
I'm thrilled with how my dining room turned out, especially with the addition of the tall cane storage cabinet. It not only adds a touch of elegance but also helps define the space between my kitchen and living room. In case you're curious, I'll be revealing more changes in my dining room soon!
What is cane webbing?
Cane webbing is a classic and trending material used in furniture making and interior design. It's made from the peeled bark or outer skin of the climbing rattan vine, which is native to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific regions. Its natural and timeless appearance adds a unique touch to any piece.
You can find cane webbing in different sizes, weaves, and even stained to match specific colors. Nowadays, you can also find it in both natural and synthetic materials, making DIY cane crafts much easier to work on. Personally, I plan on trying a few different projects with my leftover pieces!
Cane webbing's neutral beige or tan color allows it to blend seamlessly with various decorating styles. It pairs beautifully with Traditional, British Colonial, Tropical, Boho, Eclectic, and Modern interior design.
Looking for more cane webbing ideas?
If you're as excited about cane webbing as I am, here are a few more projects you can try:
- Chair seats and backs: This is a more advanced DIY project, but it's a traditional and elegant option.
- Cabinet door inserts: Just like the cabinet we transformed today, you can also use cane webbing to cover a panel of a bedside table or drawer.
- Headboards: Create a DIY headboard by wrapping a wood frame with cane webbing.
- Room dividers: If you're comfortable with wood projects, a room divider with a wood frame and wrapped cane would add a dreamy touch to your space.
- Decorative wall panels: Frame rattan, cane webbing, or other woven materials for a simple pop of texture. You can also use it as matting for art or photography.
- Bookcase backing: Line the back of cabinets or bookcase shelves with caning for a striking backdrop.
- Home accessories: Get creative with cane webbing! From napkin ring holders to clear vase embellishments and lamp shade covers, the possibilities are endless.
This quick and enjoyable DIY project has brought so much joy to my home. The hidden storage in my small house now looks effortlessly beautiful. What do you think? Are you ready to give cane webbing a try?
Commonly asked questions about DIY cane cabinet makeovers:
- How long does it take to complete this DIY project?
- Can I use cane webbing on other furniture pieces?
- Are there any alternative materials to cane webbing that I can use?
- Is it difficult to find the necessary supplies for this project?
- Can I paint or stain the cane webbing to match my decor?
- Where can I find more inspiration for cane webbing projects?
Remember, with a little creativity and some cane webbing, you can transform an ordinary storage cabinet into a stunning cane cabinet that will be the envy of all your friends. Happy crafting!
