10 Ways to Use Old Windows in Your Décor

Old windows are so dreamy. Although they are rarely practical or energy efficient, they are far more lovely than modern vinyl windows. So why not work a few into your home décor and enjoy the unique beauty that they can add!

STYLES OF OLD WINDOWS

There are also so many styles of old windows to consider for your décor. My favorite are the multi-pane, wood-frame varieties. And, if their wood frames are covered in chippy, white paint–all the better.

Leaded glass windows are also gorgeous, yet hard to find–not to mention, pricey. But I do love the intricate patterns and shapes in some of those old windows, so I’m always on the look out. If you want the look of leaded glass without the hassle of the search, I adore these!

And even more expensive, but abundantly beautiful, are stained glass windows. I have always loved the big gothic-style arched windows with colorful mosaics that shine so brilliantly in the sunlight.

Lastly, I’ll even snag a wooden window frame without any glass inside, if I can find them. They look so pretty hanging on the wall, and there are tons of projects for upcycling them, as well.

{Related: How to Hang Antique Windows on a Wall…Safely and Securely}

WHERE TO FIND OLD WINDOWS

Every once in a blue moon, I’ll get lucky and find an old window at a garage sale for a bargain price. But I’ll be honest and tell you that this is a true rarity, in my experience.

Last summer, my sister came across two beautiful ones at a garage sale for around $5. She had planned to put them in our booth when we participated in a local vintage market, but I made her promise that she would use them in her décor, or sell them to me so that I could! A deal like that just doesn’t happen very often!

{Related: The Best Places to Score Authentic Farm Finds}

Nearly all of the windows that I’ve acquired for our own décor have come from vintage dealers. They just always seem to have the best selection and the best quality (i.e. glass intact, original hardware, beautiful patina).

I’ve heard a number of my blogger friends talk about finding old windows curbside on trash collection day, but I have never experienced that in my life. That would feel like winning the lottery to this vintage loving gal!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, and I have received no compensation for sharing anything that follows. Some links within this blog may be affiliate
links, and I might earn a commission if you make a purchase through that link. This usually amounts to cents, not dollars, and helps to support the projects featured on this blog. I only recommend products from companies that I have found to be trustworthy. Read my full disclosure here.

HOW TO USE OLD WINDOWS IN YOUR DÉCOR

Let’s take a look at 10 ways you can start using old windows within your own décor!

1. MASK A PASS-THROUGH

We recently covered up a pass-through between our kitchen and family room by hanging an old window I’d found from a dealer who was de-stashing their collection. Since we aren’t planning to open up a diner in our living area anytime soon, this was an easy project to cover up an awkward space.

You can see the full project here. This was such an easy project to cover up a problem area in our home…I wish I’d done it years earlier!

Source: Thistlewood Farms

2. MAKE A CALENDAR

KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms has some of the most inspiring ideas, and I truly love her style. A little chalkboard paint can turn something ordinary into something extraordinary that’s as practical as it is pretty.

{Related: How to Safely Hang Heavy Stuff on the Wall}

Source: Liz Marie Galvan

3. BUILD A MEDICINE CABINET

Using an old window as a door for a cabinet is such a useful way to upcycle and repurpose a salvaged piece. Honestly, this window looks like it’s always belonged on this cabinet!

{Related: Refinishing Rescued Furniture Items}

Source: Lil’ Luna

4. CHARMING WALL HOOK

This idea is as practical for hanging towels in the bathroom as it is for tidying up jackets in the entryway. Just add some hooks to the edge of the window pane for an easy upcycle. These vintage-look hooks are my favorites!

Source: Bless This Nest

5. MAKE A ROOM DIVIDER

Similar to the way we masked our kitchen pass-through, you can easily create separation between large rooms by hanging a window to act as a partition.

{Related: How To Cover Up a Kitchen Pass-Through}

Source: Starshine Chic

6. FRAME A PRINT

Who wouldn’t love to look out their window at a panoramic view of Paris? The next best thing just might be framing a favorite print with a window for a creative piece of wall art.

{Related: How to Safely Hang Heavy Stuff on a Wall}

Source: Raggedy Bits

7. MAKE A CHALKBOARD

Using specially formulated paint (this brand is my favorite), you can turn any piece of glass into a chalkboard with very little effort. This one is lovely for an entryway!

{Related: Inspiring Ways to Use Chalkboards in Your Home}

Source: The Afdem Farmhouse

8. BUILD A SHELF

By adding a couple of shelf brackets and a length of wood, you can easily turn a window into a practical shelf for displaying photos or special items. You can even match the worn finish of the old window’s paint so it looks completely seamless! I love this all-in-one shabby chic painting kit that comes with everything you need to get started with painting projects. It makes a great gift for crafty DIYers, too!

Source: Bless This Nest

9. HIGHLIGHT A WREATH

I love working wreaths into our decor, and hanging one in front of another piece of decor helps to highlight it in a pretty way.

{Related: 10 Favorite Farmhouse Wreaths}

Source: Brittany York

10. LAYER FOR DECOR

Sometimes, just layering several old windows of varying heights can produce the most dramatic effect of all!

Which of these ideas do you plan to try in your own home? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

Be sure to tag me on Instagram and Facebook when you post photos of windows in your decor. And if you want to find this collection of inspiring ideas later, remember to pin it!