If you are looking for creative charm in your DIY projects, that’s easy – use old windows! There is something about windows with history that make us feel nostalgic… And let’s face it, they don’t make ’em like they used to! Whenever I use old window ideas in a project, I picture the family that lived in the home (a simpler time, of course!) looking out those windows during good times and bad, much as I do… to connect with the outside world, to appreciate the beauty of the first snowfall, to watch their kids play, to wish for brighter days or be thankful for the ones they have had… Yes, I know, corny. But that’s why I am so drawn to historical things… it’s the people behind them.
So lets look at some DIY projects with old windows you can do yourself, or get inspiration for your own original project! And maybe, just maybe, your window once looked out at a loved one returning from war, or at a beau coming to court who then became a spouse of 75 years, or…
Old Window Ideas
There are so many creative ways to decorate with old windows, from simple wall displays to statement pieces. These ideas are perfect if you want to add vintage charm to your home without a complicated build.
Vintage Window Decor – Bulletin Board
Create an industrial DIY bulletin board with a repurposed window with this easy tutorial from ‘Grillo Designs‘. Simple project any beginner DIY’er can tackle, and so cute! This would go great in a farmhouse style kitchen.
Old Window Frame Decorating Idea
The easiest way to use an old window is to just… use it! Sarah from ‘Little Vintage Nest‘ uses these pretty old windows as decor, just leaning on her mantel. No nailing, no glueing, no work at all…
Window Picture Frame Idea
This old window picture frame tutorial by ‘The Hamby Home‘ is just what I was talking about… charm! Remember what I was saying about looking through the window at another persons life? Make it yours you look at!
DIY Window Pane Coffee Table
Not all these projects hang on the wall! This DIY old window coffee table from ‘Marty’s Musings‘ really caught our eye. I would love to put in memorabilia from our wedding, or from a favorite trip into this giant window box frame. What a conversation piece!
Old Window Decor
This is a mantel design by Lucy from ‘Craftberry Bush‘… You have to check out all the inspiration at her site! This old window frame decorating idea is just leaning it against the wall and using it as a focal point…
Repurpose Old Windows Into Outdoor Projects
Also from Lucy, don’t miss her window pane hanging garden project! Isn’t this amazing? We can’t get enough of these old window ideas!
DIY Old Window Idea
Love this repurposed window decor from ‘Taryn Whiteaker‘. She used this to make a fall inspired piece, but you can use her tutorial to customize any look you want!
Old Window Crafts
If you’re ready to get a little more hands-on, these DIY projects turn old windows into functional pieces and creative builds. From furniture to garden projects, these ideas take repurposing to the next level.
Antique Window DIY Dry Erase Board
Got some leftover pretty wrapping paper? Find an old window frame, and you can make this vintage window dry erase board from ‘Lolly Jane‘!
DIY Bathroom Storage Cabinet with Old Window Door
‘Remodelaholic‘ shows how an old window can become a charming bathroom storage cabinet. It adds extra storage while still feeling light and airy thanks to the glass panes, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
DIY TV Console with Old Window Doors
Using old windows as cabinet doors, ‘Remodelaholic‘ created a rustic TV console that’s both functional and stylish. It’s a great way to repurpose multiple window frames into one cohesive furniture piece.
Repurposed Window Cabinet
Over at My Repurposed Life, an old window is transformed into a beautiful display cabinet. It’s ideal for showcasing dishes, collectibles, or seasonal decor while adding vintage character to a room.
Antique Window Turned Arched Cabinet
‘Abby Road Home‘ gives an antique window a fresh update by turning it into a trending arched cabinet. The curved design adds a modern touch while still highlighting the original charm.
DIY Buffet/Coffee Bar Using Old Winds
This buffet build from ‘Remodelaholic‘ combines reclaimed wood and old windows into a statement piece that works perfectly as a coffee bar or serving station. It’s both practical and full of personality.
Old Window Ideas as Art
From ‘My 100 Year Old Home‘, these old windows were used to create a wall of art. I love this look! It could work well in almost any style home, from traditional, to modern to transitional.
DIY Old Window Garden
From ‘Makezine‘, this DIY hanging herb garden is made from an old window screen, but it could just as easily be made from two window frames with the glass removed… Talk about vintage charm in the garden!
DIY Window and Drawer Flower Box
‘My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia‘ combines an old window and a drawer to create a unique flower box for the garden or patio. It’s a creative way to reuse materials while adding vintage style outdoors.
Window Pane Ideas – DIY Headboard
This DIY antique headboard from the ‘Liz Marie Blog‘ is inspiring… She has a complete tutorial for you on how she made this window frame craft. Love it!
Chalkboard Old Window Idea
Use this old window idea to make a chalkboard weekly planner… By ‘Shabby Creek Cottage‘. Simple!
Vintage Window Decor
‘Shades of Blue’ used this old window idea to add art to their entryway walls. What a great way to introduce visitors to your home!
Old Window Pane Frame
Make an old window craft to display your favorite quilt, antique clothing or sentimental wedding gown with this simple tutorial from ‘Jamie Costiglio’.
What to Do With Old Windows
Our last one is a pretty leaded window hanging within a window… and it is gorgeous enough to end up in the pages of ‘Kitchen and Bath Magazine’! From ‘Vintage Simple Home‘… I’ll say it again…Gorgeous window frame decorating idea!
More Rustic DIY Ideas to Try
Want to remember this post? Save a pin! If you enjoyed these projects with old windows, check out rustic home decorating projects or jump on over to our gardening site TGG and see wonderful windows and doors in the garden!
Image Credits: My 100 Year Old Home, Grillo Designs, Little Vintage Nest, The Hamby Home, Marty's Musings, Craftberry Bush, Craftberry Bush, Lolly Jane, Makezine, Shabby Creek Cottage, Shades of Blue, Jamie Costiglio, Vintage Simple Home
Hi Kathy,
Windows add a sense of warmth and character for me so I love these photos, like you said, they add a lot of creative charm. I’ve just started doing the picture frame idea but also love the window over the bed idea as well. Maybe someday I’ll actually get it done, LOL.
Thanks for the great ideas :-)
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Lovely inspiration! Thank you..
<3
I love this collection. The window door “divider” is particularly pleasing to the eye!
Last year before the winter we replaced few of our windows and got new accent windows from North Tech Windows and Doors in Edmonton which had neared it’s expiry date. Some of them were still in good shape so I have kept them in the garden shed. Guess I can try some these with those windows. I liked that old window divider method and also the idea of using them for wall art. Thanks for the sharing these ideas.
Where can you buy old windows, I am a goodwill shopper but haven’t some across any> Thanks in advance!
Architectural salvage places are your best bet, or Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. You can also post a “Want” in Craigslist.
I have found several at yard sales during the spring/summer :)
I see tons at flea markets. Usually 8-15 dollars depending on size and how many you buy. Fancier ones, like with leaded glass, are more.
Tami in Ohio
Awesome and thank you for sharing creative ways using windows
I had some old windows of my previous house and was thinking to use them somehow. Your ideas made me smile! I will apply them in a unique way just like you. Also, the ideas were in detail and easy to understand. Thanks for them!