Add some creative charm in your home with these Repurposed Old Window Ideas! There is something about old windows with history that make me feel nostalgic. Do you feel the same way?
There are so many creative ways to take old window frames and repurpose them to something practical and beautiful in your home. These vintage windows have so much potential, are so versatile, and can be used in various locations in your home! They add a vintage charm and enhance the look and feel of a space!
If you are like me, you love DIY projects! I love taking something old and repurposing it to something new and beautiful! Here are some Repurposed Window Ideas that you can get inspiration from, for your own original project!
WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN OLD WINDOW?
Whether you have a modern, farmhouse, or classical decorating style old windows can be used to create so many fun home decor and design projects. It’s amazing just how many ways an old window can be recycled into a fun new item. Some of the most popular ways to recycle and bring new life to the windows are the following:
- headboards
- to frame pictures
- to frame with dried flowers
- as a cabinet door
- hang on the wall
- use in a green house
- create a stained glass window
- used as a corkboard
- use in a command center
- to display artwork
WHERE CAN I FIND OLD WINDOWS?
Are you looking for old vintage windows to use in a home remodel, or a DIY craft project? It can be hard to find older vintage windows but not impossible. If you know where to look you should be able to find old window treasures and what you are looking for.
- Etsy
- facebook marketplace
- antique shops
- vintage shops
- flea markets
- thrift shops
- craiglist
- salvage yards
- family and friends
- someone remodeling an older home
- curbside trash days
- yardsales
- garage sales
DO OLD WINDOWS HAVE ANY VALUE?
The answer to this question really depends on the specific window and can vary widely in value. If the windows are in good repair and condition (or can be repaired), have a desirable shape and style they can be with quite a bit to the right person. If you can find the right person who is looking to restore an older or antique home and you have a set of windows that fit what they are looking for, they can be sold for a premium.
But most often, people are only in possession of a few windows that are no longer in a condition that is useable. These windows can sell for a few dollars on the sites I listed above or left in a landfill or on the side of the road for the trash collectors. In this case, these old windows are the perfect ones to use for these old window ideas.
RECYCLING YOUR OLD WINDOWS
I love the idea of recycling your old windows into some creative DIY projects so the window can have a new a beautiful purpose! Look how creative and unique some of these old window ideas are….don’t you? These old windows get a new and beautiful life…instead of being tossed into a landfill.
SUPPLIES TO CLEAN AND PREPARE OLD WINDOWS
Here are some items that could be helpful for preparing your old windows to use in your DIY window project.
- window cleaner
- window squeegee
- window scraper
- soft dry brush set
- cleaning bucket
- microfiber cloths
- razor blade
- wood filler putty
- sandpaper blocks
- stain
- paint brush
- foam brush
- gloves
- paint
- painters tape
HOW TO PREPARE OLD WINDOWS FOR A PROJECT
Before using your old window, it is a good idea to clean and prepare your window to make sure it is clean and prepared for its new purpose.
- Take the window and lightly brush it all over with a soft dry brush. This will loosen any paint chips or flakes or dirt that you can later remove.
- Lightly wash the window with window cleaner and a soft brush, and cleaning cloth. Depending on how dirty your window is you may need to really scrub at it to get it clean.
- Rinse the window until it is clean.
- Scrape any old paint off of the window with a razor blade.
- Repair any broken pieces of wood or window hardware that may need to be fixed. Fill areas that need repair with wood putty and let it dry.
- Sand the wood areas until they are smooth in texture and all the old paint that can be removed is off of the window.
- Wipe down the window with a damp cloth or towels if you are going to be adding a new layer of paint or stain.
- Paint or Stain your window.
UNIQUE OLD WINDOW IDEAS
I have gathered up some of my favorite old window ideas from around the web and am sharing them here with you! I hope you find something that sparks your creativity and gives you an idea for how to use your old windows.
As always, please click on the link above the photos to be taken to the original tutorials.
- Fireplace Screen. This fireplace screen keeps soot and fireplace debris out of the room and is a beautiful touch to your fireplace. Source: One More Time
- DIY Antique Window Bookshelf. Such a cute and creative storage space! Source: Liz Marie Blog
- DIY Mantel. You can decorate this for any holiday or occasion. Or just leave it simple. This would also look great with a wreath over the old window. Source: craftberry bush
- DIY Headboard. Make a headboard or decorate the wall behind your bed with old window panes. It makes it look so clean and bright! Source: Liz Marie Blog
- DIY Picture Frames. The separated window panes make a perfect place for your family photos! Source: Little Brags
- DIY Bathroom Cabinet. Organize your bathroom items in this super cute DIY Bathroom Cabinet. Source: Liz Marie Blog
- Picture Holder. Great way to organize picture frames! Source: Funky Junk Interiors
- DIY Backdrop. These glass panes provide a beautiful and timeless backdrop. Source: Liz Marie Blog
- DIY Modified Pergola. These window panes add so much character and color to this DIY Pergola! Source: Somewhat Quirky Design
- DIY Gallery Wall. Nothing else is needed on this wall–just these simple old windows. So creative and cute! Source: The Magic Brush
CREATIVE OLD WINDOW IDEAS
- DIY Picture Frames or Framed Photo. Another great way to display your photos on your wall using these old windows! Source: Cottage Instinct
- DIY Wall. This DIY wall adds so much to this space! Source: Hvitur Lakkris
- DIY Plant Greenhouse. Great way to organize and create a home for your flower pots. Source: Global Garden Friends, Inc
- Entryway Storage Hooks. This could go great in your mudroom or entryway to hang coats or bags as you go in and out. You could also put it in your bathroom and use it as a towel holder. Source: My Pink Life
- Jewelry Organizer. This old window repurposed project is a great way to organize and display jewelry! Source: Etsy
- Window Chalkboard Calendar. Use some chalkboard paint and vinyl to transform this old window to a usable chalkboard calendar. Or use the wooden frame and put it over a chalkboard that you already have. Source: House By Hoff
- Night Stand. This DIY night stand adds character and style to your room. Source: Unskinny Boppy
- DIY Mini Greenhouse. Here is another example of a DIY greenhouse. It adds character to your garden! Source: norfridd blogg
- DIY Wall Decor. So many different ways to decorate the old windows and make beautiful home decor! Source: Flea Market Trixie and Source: my house my home
- Picture Frame Shelf. You can customize this picture frameshelf however you want it and how it will fit best into your home. Source: Post Road Vintage
UNIQUE OLD WINDOW IDEAS
- Antique Window Tray. This Antique Window Tray is a great addition to your table! Source: Eclectically Vintage
- Vintage Map Decor. Great way to style a vintage map in your home! Source: Our Shabby Nest
- DIY Window Coffee Table. Create a beautiful piece of furniture out of old window panes. Source: Diva of DIY
- Window Garden Shutters. Put this window garden on your porch and it is a great way to display plants! Source: Outdoor Areas
- Jewelry Display. I love this beautiful way to display and store your jewelry. Source: Deb and Danielle
- Window Cork Board. What a fun way to display items in your home or a family command center. Source: Mom 4 Real
- Decorative Window Boxes. Look how fun these window boxes are! Great way to decorate a boring wall. Source: Simply Swider
You may also be interested in these ideas:
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Christine says
Hi Amy, thanks so much for including my WASH window here with all these beautiful projects!!!!
The Idea Room Assistant says
No problem. You did a wonderful job on it.
So many cool ideas! I would love to do a project like this. The bathroom window cabinet is my favourite!
Kate- Thank you!
Would love instructions on how to make the window green house.
It is a shared post. Here is the link: http://www.globalgardenfriends.com/2013/11/how-to-build-a-miniature-greenhouse-from-old-windows/
I LOVE THIS POST. SO MANY GREAT IDEAS.
Rebecca- Thank you.