40 Brilliant Ways to Use Old Windows in Your Home

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Do you have some wall space you need to fill up with something beautiful? Do you need functional pieces that look pretty, too? Do you have old windows kicking around? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, keep reading! Here are 40 ways you can re-purpose old windows for some beautiful pieces of home decor!

25 ways to decorate with vintage windows

Curbside Old Windows Became Something Special

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure my dad invented the whole “find trash and make it treasure” thing. Loooong before it was a trendy thing to do, this was my dad’s gig. And I think his master creation came from old windows.

I can remember on Sunday nights, the night the trash went out, my sister and I would get in the front seat of my dad’s white ’80-something Chevy pick-up truck, and we’d go “junkin” with him. 

He had this incredible eye for things people were throwing away and what he could make from it. Our house was filled with pieces from “Roadside Warehouse,” as we affectionately called it.

For a while, he was on this kick with old windows. I’m not sure if he even knew what he was going to do with it himself, but he just kept collecting them.  

Well, he ended up making kitchen cabinet doors with them – and building my mom a greenhouse!

old windows greenhouse
Here’s Dad’s finished product!

We aren’t getting that fancy today, but there are plenty of creative and beautiful ways you can decorate using old windows.  Most are pretty simple, and the effect definitely outweighs the effort.

It’s also an easy and inexpensive way to introduce farmhouse or cottagecore decor to your home. Repurposed windows work with the whole spectrum of rustic home decorating.

How to Find Old Vintage Windows

Vintage windows are definitely on trend these days, and you can find them in a bunch of different ways.

Curbside

First, keep your eyes open when you’re driving around.  Sometimes people don’t want the hassle of selling them, and will just leave them by the curb.

Yardsales & Flea Markets

You can also shop yard sales and flea markets.

Lots of people are clearing out Grandma’s attic or are updating windows in their homes. These are amazing vintage finds.  That’s another great way to find old windows (and other things you can repurpose). 

Facebook Marketplace

My favorite way to find old windows and things like that are on Facebook Marketplace.  It’s custom shopping, pretty much. Just type in what you’re looking for, and within a few days, you should find what you need.

It’s a lot more efficient than hoping you land upon them while you’re driving or randomly snagging some at yard sales.

I found my old windows on Facebook Marketplace back when we were in NY. They were selling them for $10 a piece.

I checked with some Facebook groups, and everyone assured me that was a good price! I grabbed 2 and carted them down with me to Tennessee last summer when we moved.

Right now, they’re still sitting in the workshop. But this round-up has given me lots of ideas of how I might use them in our new house. I hope they help you out, too! 🙂

Thrift Stores

More and more, thrift stores are carrying windows like this. People donate all kinds of things, and windows like this are a treasure people often just get rid of!

Habitat for Humanity Re-Store

This is one of my favorite places to look for vintage things, especially windows.

Many times, construction contracting companies will donate extra supplies or items that can be reused or repurposed when they are removed from a home.

The Re-Store is a fabulous place to find windows and other amazing finds.

Check your area for the closest Re-Store!

40 Ways to Decorate Using Vintage Windows

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Once you have an idea in mind, there really are no limits as to how you take an old window and decorate in a way that’s all your own.

These ideas can get your creative juices flowing. Old windows are a simple, inexpensive way to pretty up a wall or mantel or to use in a functional and practical way, while still being pretty!

Love farmhouse and rustic decor?  Here’s more!

6 Genius {& Pretty!} Ways to Use Kitchen Towels as Home Decor

Rustic Mantel Decorating Ideas for Every Day : A Style Guide

21 Amazing Rustic Bedding Ideas (+ Bedroom Styling Tips!)

25 Budget-Friendly DIY Rustic Farmhouse Home Decor Projects

21 Rustic Farmhouse Spring Decor Ideas

21 Rustic Farmhouse Spring DIY Projects

30+ Farmhouse Christmas DIY Projects

How to Create Cozy, Farmhouse Winter Decor

30 Farmhouse Spring Porches You’ll Fall in Love with

25 Fall Rustic Farmhouse DIY Home Decor Projects

30 Fall Farmhouse Home Decor Ideas and Inspiration

If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear about it! Please tag me on Instagram or comment back!!

If you know someone who would enjoy these projects, please share!

25 brilliant ways to decorate using old windows collage

 

 

collage of 25 ways to repurpose old windows: window chalkboard message board, window with mason jars and hydrangeas, window as coat and storage hangers, window with chicken wire and clothes pins for hanging photos, ideas for decorating with vintage windows

 

 

 

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17 Comments

    1. Aren’t they amazing?!? I seriously want to do every single one! That might be overkill, but I think they are the best!

    1. Oh, what a treasure! So amazing. Repurposed vintage decor is my FAVORITE! Can’t wait to hear what you come up with! Thanks for coming by, Jason! 🙂

  1. Just stumbled upon this as I was looking for ideas to make a green house with old windows. I love what your dad made. I didn’t realize you had a Pinterest page. I saw so many great ideas to try. Thank you Katie.

    1. Oh how funny! I love when my worlds collide!! Yes, that green house was amazing! I think it’s what they missed the most when they moved off of Long Island! Hope you’re doing well and found something inspiring here!! xoxo

  2. I absolutely loved this post! I’ve been looking for creative ways to repurpose old windows, and the ideas you shared are so inspiring. The garden frame and picture collage suggestions are my favorites! Can’t wait to try them out in my own home. Thank you for the inspiration!

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