Beautiful DIY Ways to Upcycle Windows.
I mentioned a while ago that my husband had brought home a few old windows that a neighbor had put in the garbage when they got new ones. So I’ve been looking around the web trying to find some new ideas on how to upcycle or repurpose old windows and found a few that I really like. First I’ll share a few ways I’ve already used windows in my home and then I’ll share some Ways to Use Old Windows that I found on Pinterest.
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But first I thought I’d show you how I’ve already used them in my home and garden.
Using Old Windows
This one is in the guest bedroom and I attached some pretty yellow and white toile fabric to the back.
Then there’s this one that I painted yellow and I taped a map to the back of as part of a Pretty and Frugal Mantel Makeover.
This is the garden conservatory that my husband made for me out of windows.
And this is the window box that he made for me with just the frame of a window.
So as you can see – I’ve used old windows in many ways!
Here are some other ideas that I like for repurposing windows.
Once you get your hands on some old windows you can create such gorgeous and rustic styles. If you aren’t sure where to look for old windows, don’t worry! I have some great ideas to get you started. Check out any of these places to find old windows:
- Dumpster Diving: I know it sounds crazy, but if you drive around town, you will be surprised by the things people throw out. You can find all sorts of projects…including old windows.
- Yard Sales: Go to some yard sales and see what you can come up with. It’s especially fun if you can hit some city-wide yard sales. People practically give away stuff just to get rid of it.
- Antique Stores: If you love going antiquing you are in for a real treat. You can find some great deals on some stylish old windows.
- Construction Sites: Oftentimes, you can find construction sites that have windows they no longer need. Call around locally and see what you can come up with.
1. DIY Window Headboard
How about making a headboard with some old windows like these from Liz Marie Blog.
2. Wall Art Idea
This window has been repurposed into a wall art with the addition of a peel and stick decal by House of Smiths.
3. Chalkboard and Memo Board
This old window is now both a chalkboard and memo board! What a great idea that Wonderfully Made came up with.
4. Jewelry Display Board
I need something like this for my earrings! Jewelry display from The Borrowed Abode. She has a great tutorial on how to make one.
5. DIY Rustic Window Table
Talk about a gorgeous centerpiece for your space! This rustic window table made by Marty’s Musings is beyond gorgeous. Plus, it’s really creative too.
6. DIY Bathroom Cabinet
Add some style and charm to your bathroom by making a bathroom cabinet with old windows. At the Liz Marie Blog, she gives you all the details on how to replicate this look.
7. Wedding Photo Frame
The Hamby Home got super creative and took a photo from their wedding and added to an old window. This beautiful wedding photo frame is perfect!
8. DIY Dry Erase Board
Lolly Jane created a stunning DIY dry erase board. It’s such a simple idea but makes a huge impact on your space. Don’t you love how vintage it looks? I sure do!
9. Window Pot Rack
I am so excited about this DIY window pot rack made by The 36th Avenue! It can transform your kitchen and add a fun, vintage feel.
10. Farmhouse Wall Decor
Lemons, Lavender, and Laundry created the most beautiful and unique farmhouse wall decor from using an old window. Check it out!
There are tons of ideas out there for upcycling old windows so be sure to hang onto yours if your getting new ones or pick them up when you see them for free!
For more repurposing ideas be sure to check out my Upcycle/Repupose Pinterest Board
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You and your husband came up with some great ideas for those windows. We had lots of windows after my hubby replaced our old wooden ones with new ones, but then he burned them! Now we could kick ourselves for not holding on to them (:
Oh too bad!! You know I’ve seen places sell old windows for $13 a piece. Isn’t that crazy!!
This makes me want to hoard old windows. Something that I’ve never done before. How many have you saved toward that greenhouse? That would be amazing!
We have 5 all the same size and a french door that we got out of a neighbor’s garbage.
Love what you’ve done with the windows, Manuela. The first one (cabinet door) is so pretty with it’s decorative carving and the toile fabric.
xo
Claudia
Beautiful uses of someone’s garbage:). Enjoy your day! Hugs
I love the look of these…thanks for sharing 🙂
People will be looking at YOUR ideas, I really love the first one. I love the detail on it. So many great things to do with an old window. I would love to have something in my garden!
I love that last idea!
Love your first one pictured, Manuela! Such an interesting detail at the top. I did an old window over once, many years ago. I had mine mirrored and then added some wood embellishments to the front. It was something that went the first time we listed our house and did a clear out.
Lots of great ideas. I have seen several of the jewelry displays before and have thought about trying one myself, but don’t have a good place to hang one.
High only suppose to be about 80 today! 🙂
Enjoy your weekend.
Love all the good window re-uses! I have a cold frame made from some old windows (but they are not charming windows by any means, lol).
We are having a little cool down here in Memphis — lows in the 60’s and high of only 80 — good working in the garden weather, which I desperately need to do, and good festival-going weather, which our suburban town is having today.
I love the ways you’ve used all the old windows. And the inspiration photos are great, too. Especially the jewelry hanger. I need a few of those. 🙂 Hope your day is a good one. Tammy
I bought one at an estate sale and made a collage out of it.
Brenda
Wonderful ideas, both from what you have made and others.
I particularly like that last window, perhaps because of my passion for blue Ball jars?
I need to keep my eye open for old windows!
We finally have had enough good rains to put a dent in the drought. Not enough for this year’s garden (except some of the flowers) but it will be good going into winter with the flora and fauna having a good water base. The creeks and rivers are still low but much higher than they were.
I love what you did with these windows. I especially love the first one with the toile. They are simply beautiful.
This why I save some cabinet doors from kitchen when we had them redone. To repurpose. I just posted one that I did with a graphic and chalk paint.
Cynthia
All so wonderful 🙂 I have been using some old windows for cold frames in the garden. Not nearly as pretty as yours! But I’ve been able to harvest my lettuce past the frost.
Great ideas. That first cabinet/window is really beautiful.
Good evening, great projects. I really like your yellow toile one as well as the one with the HOME letters on top.
Would you believe I already had some the weathered wood look scrapbook paper in my stash? I found it last week when I was making a banner for the grands toy room.
How fortunate you are to have a husband that helps you with your projects. My husband usually is too.
I am pretty sure I will be starting a new blog, will let you know.
I love to see other bloggers family pictures and I used to think not posting pictures was just a little too protective but I do not think that anymore at all! You have been smart all along.
Next time I see old windows I will not be leaving a sale without one! Thank you for sharing 🙂
xoxo, Tanya
Sooo clever Manuela…I can’t wait to see your greenhouse! Love the one in the garden with the statue inside. :)))
Love,
Tracey
x0x
I cannot believe that someone actually threw out the window in the first image!!! Totally their loss and your win win win
I have some old windows too. I’ve been able to use most of them by now, but I’m still always looking for great ideas. I don’t think any on the net are any prettier than the way you use yours. I love that yellow toile backed one the best.
I love old windows. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration. I have enough windows to do a small greenhouse, just have to finish my one thousand other projects first 🙂
You certainly have some good ideas and great projects with your own windows.
I like the last project you chose for inspiration… that shelf attached and chalkboard is a wonderful idea.
I don’t have any windows for a green house…right now I’m working on getting some doors for a small tool shed/potting area off the side of my back porch… we love our old architectural pieces don’t we?
Pat
You guys did a terrific job with the old windows! Well done!
Beautiful! I love the cabinet door! I have a few old windows around the house. But, I never thought about backing them with fabric. I think a trip to the fabric store is in order!
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
Great ideas here. I just love the first one, such an interesting frame and the yellow and white toile behind it is beautiful!
I LOVE old windows. When I wanted one for a tassel display at a craft show, I looked EVERYWHERE. I couldn’t find one to save my life. 🙂 So, I had my husband build one. I liked it so much I had him put it in my living room. I love it! I love all of yours, especially the one that was a cabinet door.
I love how you have used windows throughout your home and I REALLY love that greenhouse!
I love old windows…I’ve had one for years that I haven’t done a thing with yet! In fact, it’s still sitting in my garage. It weighs a ton, because it still has the glass in it. So if I were to hang it, it’d better be a permanent place because it’s going to need anchors in the wall! And with the way I change things around, well…
You can see why I haven’t done anything with it yet. 🙂 I suppose I could do something with it and lean it on a wall. Hmm, you have my creative wheels spinning.
I absolutely love that window with the yellow & white toilet print in your guest room. How did you attach the fabric? Also, it looks like that guest room wall is gorgeous…I see some pretty blue things sticking out in the picture. 🙂 Could you share a picture of that wall with us sometime?
Manuela, you’ve made all your old windows look so cute. I love the map idea! The window box planter looks great on the barn, btw. You always have such fun decorating ideas. 🙂