Introduction
A jelly cupboard is a unique and fun way to display and store your jelly jar collection. Jelly cupboards originated in the 1800s as a practical storage solution for preserving jams and jellies. Today, they make a great decorative focal point and conversation starter in any kitchen or dining room.
Building your own jelly cupboard is an easy woodworking project that can be customized to fit your space and style. With just basic tools and materials, you can create shelf cubbies and racks sized perfectly for your jars. The glass jars create a stain of color behind their antique glass, beautifully illuminating whatever you store inside.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to build a jelly cupboard from scratch. We’ll cover how to:
- Choose the right design and size for your space
- Select durable materials that will withstand weight and moisture
- Cut wood planks and plywood to size
- Join wood pieces together securely
- Add finishing touches like doors, shelving, and lighting
Follow along to make your own boutique-quality jelly cupboard that will become a stunning focal point in your kitchen.
How to Choose the Right Size and Design
When deciding how to build your jelly cupboard, first think about where it will live and the size of your collection. Measure the space to determine the maximum dimensions for your cabinet. Standard jelly cupboards are around 36-inches wide and 72-inches tall, but you can adjust this smaller or larger as needed.
Take into account how you want the cupboard positioned in the room. Many have an asymmetric design with shelving only on one side. This shows off the pretty jars when placed in a corner or against a wall.
For a more robust collection, consider a cupboard with shelving on both sides or all the way around. This requires more floor space and is best positioned in an open area or room divider.
Also decide if you want an open-front cupboard or enclosed cabinet. Open fronts have rails or lattice panels to securely hold jars in place but allow you to view the contents. Enclosed designs have doors that keep your jellies free of dust and sunlight.
Once you know the desired size and style, sketch out plans to visualize the final product. This will help you calculate measurements and materials needed.
How to Select Good Materials
Jelly cupboards need to support a good deal of weight, so select high-quality woods and hardware. Here are the best materials to choose:
- Plywood – Use 3⁄4-inch thick plywood for the cabinet box and shelves. Avoid thin particle board that can sag over time.
- Wood boards – Poplar, maple, birch, and oak boards make attractive facing boards. Choose a durable hardwood that is at least 3⁄4-inch thick.
- Dowels – These are used to join the wood boards together edge-to-edge. Select 1⁄4 or 3⁄8-inch thick dowels for strength.
- Trim – Molding and trim pieces give the cupboard a finished look. Poplar and oak are common.
- Stain – For color, use a gel stain for an even tone and easy application.
- Polyurethane – Protect your cupboard with 3-5 coats of water-based polyurethane. It resists moisture damage.
- Hardware – Sturdy shelf pins, door hinges, and latches are key. Stainless steel resists rust.
Spending a bit more on quality materials will pay off with a long-lasting jelly cupboard that looks great for years.
How to Cut and Join the Wood Pieces
With your materials purchased, you’re ready to start cutting and assembling the wood components. Follow these steps:
Cut the Plywood Pieces
From 3⁄4-inch plywood, cut pieces for the cupboard box:
- Sides – Cut two pieces the full interior height and depth.
- Top and Bottom – Cut two pieces the full interior width and depth.
- Shelves – Cut shelves to length and width needed.
- Back – Cut the back panel equal or slightly smaller than the overall outer dimensions.
Cut all plywood with a circular saw for straight edges. Use a table saw to cut shelves and other smaller pieces.
Cut and Join the Facing Boards
From 3⁄4-inch boards, cut facing boards for the front, sides, and top. Cut boards to the dimensions required for each surface.
Join the boards together edge-to-edge using dowels and wood glue. Clamp them until the glue dries fully. Sand any uneven edges.
Trim the board sections to fit your cupboard box outer dimensions with a miter saw.
Assemble the Box
Lay the plywood sides, top, bottom, and back flat to form the outer box shape. Drill pilot holes and attach together using wood screws.
Check for square by measuring corner to corner – the measurements should match. Add corner braces for extra strength.
Slide in the shelves and attach with screws through the sides. They should fit snugly without wobbling.
How to Add the Facing Boards
Once the cupboard box is assembled, attach the facing boards you prepared:
Attach the Side Boards
Place the cupboard box upright on a flat surface. Apply wood glue to the side plywood edges. Lay the side facing boards in place over the plywood, leaving an overhang at the front for the door.
Clamp the boards until the glue dries. Attach them with nails from the inside of the box into the boards.
Attach the Top and Bottom Boards
Follow the same process to glue and clamp the top facing board over the top plywood piece. Nail it into place.
For the bottom, cut a facing board to fit between the side boards, below the bottom plywood. Glue and nail it flush with the side facings.
Attach the Front Boards
Cut vertical front boards equal to the interior height, minus the top and bottom overhangs. Lay them edge-to-edge with dowels set into the bottom ends and glue between the joints.
Place this front board section centred over the box front. Use nails or screws to attach the facing into the underlying plywood.
How to Install Doors
If your design includes doors, attach them using sturdy hinges:
- Mark hinge locations on the inside of the door and corresponding cupboard front.
- Install hinges to the door first, then mount the other hinge pieces to the front.
- Attach door pulls or knobs centered at a comfortable height.
- Add a magnetic catch to hold the door closed.
Install any lattice or trim pieces across an open front if you prefer no door. Make sure supports are on 16-24 inch centers to hold jars securely.
How to Install Shelving and Racks
Now you can add shelving, racks, and other storage components:
- On enclosed cabinets, attach adjustable shelves at regular intervals using shelf pins.
- For open cupboards, screw in permanent wooden shelves edged with trim.
- Consider adding a wine glass rack or extra shelves above for display.
- Install the cupboard top molding and any trim details along corners or edges.
- Add beadboard, lattice panels, or other decorative backing.
Experiment with shelf and interior configurations to find what works best for displaying your jelly jars. Make sure all shelving is secure enough to bear the weight without bowing.
How to Finish the Jelly Cupboard
Your custom jelly cupboard needs a finished look that will stand up to moisture:
Sand Surfaces
Sand all wood surfaces smoothly, moving up through grits of 120, 150, then 220. Dust off and wipe clean after sanding.
Apply Stain and Polyurethane
Stain the sanded wood for your desired tone using a gel stain and foam brush. Let the stain cure fully.
Seal with 3-5 coats of water-based satin or semi-gloss poly, sanding lightly between coats. Allow to cure completely.
Add Lighting
Consider adding lighting to illuminate your jellies:
- Attach puck lights under shelves.
- Install strips of LED tape lighting.
- Use a cool-toned bulb in an overhead pendant fixture.
Warm lighting will make the jelly jars glow and become the star attraction of your handmade cupboard!
How to Style and Fill Your Jelly Cupboard
Once complete, it’s time to add your jelly collection! Here are styling tips:
- Arrange jars from light to dark colors, largest to smallest, or by flavor/type.
- Intersperse with other items like cookbooks, baskets, or vases for interest.
- Try placing jars on plates, doilies, or risers for dimension.
- Label jars or display tags identifying flavors.
- Rotate seasonal jellies and jams out for use.
- Add battery-operated tea lights or lanterns inside at night.
Style your jelly cupboard any way you like – the combinations are endless! Enjoy having your jams on display and easily accessible. The process of building it yourself makes this heirloom piece even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building Jelly Cupboards
What are the standard dimensions of a jelly cupboard?
A typical jelly cupboard is around 36 inches wide x 72 inches tall. Depth is usually 14-18 inches. However, dimensions can vary – adjust to fit your specific space and needs.
What is the best wood to use?
Opt for durable hardwoods like oak, poplar, maple, or birch at least 3⁄4-inches thick. Pine is budget-friendly but more prone to scratches. Avoid particle board or MDF that won’t handle weight well.
What is the best way to join the wood boards?
Use dowels and wood glue to join boards edge-to-edge. Allow to fully dry before sanding smooth. Nail or screw boards into the plywood box sides.
Should my jelly cupboard have a door or be open?
It’s a personal choice! Open fronts display jellies beautifully, while doors keep them dust-free. Lattice or trim pieces add support across an open front.
How much weight can the shelves hold?
Use sturdy 3⁄4-inch plywood that can hold 50 pounds per square foot when properly supported. Don’t overload shelves to avoid sagging or breakage.
What is the best way to stain and seal the wood?
Apply gel stain for even color. Seal with 3-5 coats of water-based polyurethane for moisture protection. Let dry fully between coats.
Conclusion
Building your own jelly cupboard is a rewarding weekend project that showcases your gorgeous jar collection. With the right plans and materials, you can create a custom cabinet to perfectly fit your space.
Follow the techniques for cutting plywood, joining wood boards, assembling the cabinet box, adding doors or an open front, installing shelving and lighting. Apply a protective gel stain and polyurethane finish. Then style your jelly cupboard with gorgeous jars and other decorative touches.
Your handcrafted jelly cupboard will become a stunning focal point and heirloom piece for your home. Dazzle guests with your DIY creation and enjoy easy access to jams, jellies, and preserves for years to come!