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!
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!
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! ๐
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!
More Farmhouse Decorating Ideas
There are so many ideas out there for farmhouse decor. I honestly can waste spend hours on Pinterest collecting ideas (if my twin boys would let me, lol).
I can save you a little time and trouble! If you’re wanting more farmhouse inspiration and you like DIY, you can check out budget-friendly farmhouse DIY projects, CHRISTMAS DIY home decor projects, farmhouse DIY FALL projects, and farmhouse DIY SPRING projects.
If DIY isn’t your thing and you just want some farmhouse inspiration and need ideas, take a look at FALL home decor ideas, WINTER decor ideas and tips, or SPRING home decor ideas, all farmhouse style!
And if you’re on a tight budget for decorating, here are some of my best tips on how I’ve made it work for us!
40 Ways to Decorate Using Vintage Windows
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Shelf and Hooks on Vintage Window
I just love what April Uribe did with this window! The shelf and the hooks are amazing, but don't miss how she styled it! Truly brilliant! Be sure to follow her Instagram account for inspiration like this!
Decorated Panel with Bucket Hangers
If you have some broken panes in the window, you can still use it! I mean, how beautiful is this? Rub- transfers with background paper, plus some buckets to hang in the empty spots... genius and stunning. This is so original, unique, and gorgeous
Rustic Porch Wreath Hanger
This setup has all the elements of a truly rustic feel. ย There are so many options and ways you can go - different style ribbons, different style wreaths. ย This can be adapted for any color scheme and use it indoor on a mantel or outdoor on a porch. You really can't go wrong with this piece!
Triple Hoop Wreath Hanger
Here's another way you can hang wreaths from a window - a triple (or more) display of hoop wreaths! This is on a porch for winter, but it is adaptable for most seasons - neutral for any time of year. This type of display looks extra amazing if you have a large window or set of windows over a bed, with even more than 3 wreaths.
Centerpiece Between Shutters with Seasonal Decor
I just love the dreamy, rustic look of this display! There's no heavy DIY project involved - the decor does all the work! It looks absolutely charming paired with rustic shutters, spring greenery, and sweet rustic decor.
Chicken Wire Picture Frame
If you love farmhouse, this really has that rustic feeling to it - and it's super-easy to put together! You can even hang the pictures with clothespins for more farmhouse flair!
Old windows into picture frames
If chicken wire isn't for you, you can easily use the framed glass to frame your photos! It's as simple and classy as that!
Mantel Centerpiece
This is another truly versatile use for an old window. As a mantel centerpiece, the window will complement any decor you place around it. ย It can work with any color scheme and with any of your favorite items to showcase around it! ย It even can be changed and updated with the seasons!
DIY Map Project: Window to the World
I thought this was so clever! ย If you love to travel, have a few favorite locations, or even just want to showcase where you live, this is a great idea! ย And since so few people use paper maps anymore, it really has a vintage feel. ย (Crazy that paper maps are 'vintage,' right?!?)
Chalkboard Window
This makes a super-fun message board! ย You can give each family member their own box, you can make grocery lists, you can write menus or inspiring quotes - lots of fun options to play with!
DIY Vintage Plates and Windows
This is such a stunning idea for wall art! You can use a window to hand plates and tea cups from, creating a fabulous piece for a gallery wall!
Window Gallery
If you have many windows or windows in different sizes, a gallery is such a fun idea! Layered and hung together is a striking effect!
Chalkboard Window Calendar
This is another take on using the frame as a chalkboard, but I love that this one is a calendar! I always feel like calendars in my house take away from the decor, not add to it. ย Not the case here! ย This is something that is super-practical but will enhance your space, not detract from it! ย Love the hook idea, too! Can't ever be too multi-functional!
Vintage Botanical Prints Window Frame
Botanical prints are a trending decor piece that is here to stay! If you want to mix the vintage vibe of botanicals with the vintage vibe of an old window, this is definitely a winning combo and will add such charm to your mantel or wall!
DIY Bathroom Cabinet
This window looks amazing as a cabinet door! ย Another great way to carry the farmhouse theme through every room of the house. Beautiful!
Repurposed Window - Window Box
I love this idea of using a window as a window-box! ย It allows you to place a window box and flowers wherever you want to on your house, not just your real windows! Genius!
Window as 'Canvas' for Painting
If you love to dabble with painting - or if you're super-talented - I love the ideas of using an old window as your 'canvas' for a painting! So many gorgeous ways to paint a whole scene or mix in with other window decor ideas!
DIY Faux Stained Glass Window Art Silhouette
If you're naturally artistic or want to challenge yourself a little, give this faux stained glass window art a try! With clear instructions and some great hacks, even a beginner tackle gorgeous artwork like this!
Window Shelf
This is another way to add a little complexity to some wall space. ย A window by itself might feel a little plain, but when you add the shelf, you open up so many options of how to decorate that space.
Galvanized Metal Vintage Window Memo Board
If you're not into chalk, this is another clever way to use a window as a memo board. ย You also have so many options when using a magnetic surface - there are so many pretty magnets and fun things to hang. ย You really can put together a whole theme using a board like this!
Industrial DIY Bulletin Board โ From a Repurposed Window
This is another fun spin on a memo board, especially if you like a more industrial look for your home! Upgrade your office area or command center with a fun and functional bulletin board like this one!
DIY Mason Jar Decor on Vintage Window
What a pretty way to showcase and accent mason jars with flowers! It looks like these pieces were always meant to go together. So simple and delicate, but a very striking effect.
DIY Window Pane Mirror
Using a window pane with a mirror behind it is another great idea! Using mirrors open up the space in a room, and adding a shelf on top gives you another option for adding more decor.
DIY Window Greenhouse
Such a clever way to display a beautiful plant or flowers! My dad was on to something! This adds some extra flair to your outdoor design, and it's also another way to make the farmhouse theme more uniform through the indoors and outdoors.
Magazine Art Using a Window
Have you ever found something interesting in a magazine that would make a beautiful display but not sure how to display it? This project solves that problem! Use your favorite magazine covers or create a themed piece of art with pictures from various magazines or sources! I can think of so many places a frame like this would look amazing!
DIY Old Window Pot Rack
This is so practical as well as stylish! ย To have pots and pans always within reach AND have it as part of your decor? ย Win-win!
Old Window Towel Rack
This is another smart idea -a towel rack! It's practical, and you have so many fun options for different knobs and how to fill the frames!
Window Family Frame
What a great way to show off a favorite family photo! ย You probably have to make sure it's arranged in a way that doesn't block anyone's face (something I would end up doing, for sure!), but I love the finished product!
OLD WINDOW SIGN
This would be perfect for an entryway or foyer! ย It introduces the rustic theme as soon as people come in. And I love the doorknobs on the bottom. ย The perfect touch!
Family Definition Vinyl on Vintage Window
There are a ton of possibilities of what you can write on a window! ย This is such a significant way to take a quote or phrase or Bible verse that is especially meaningful to you and your family and highlight it in a stunning way.
Window Hallway Storage Solution
Another way style becomes practical! ย Hanging coats and bags always look so messy to me. ย This piece solves that problem! ย It's so pretty that no one will even notice the items hanging! The banner on top is the perfect way to enhance the window without overwhelming the space. Well played!
Window Table (For the Rustic Look)
Another clever idea! ย It never crossed my mind to use windows as furniture until I came across this! ย This would be a really unique piece of furniture that adds interest as well as function.
Paper Filled Window Frame
This is so easy to do and adds so much color and life! ย I love her choice of patterns, of doorknobs - I love everything about this! ย Such a beautiful way to attract attention to a wall space.
Poster Frame
I've always found it tricky to tastefully display posters without detracting from a certain style I was trying to achieve. ย Using a window as a poster frame solves that problem! ย It's a great way to display a favorite poster and add style to the decor.
Old Window Artist's Station
If you have an artist in your life, you need to make this! ย This is such a unique way to create a space for creativity! ย This would be super-fun for multiple children to paint or draw at once as well.
Window Wall with Old Windows
How beautiful is this?!? This is a perfect idea if you have a large wall space to fill. This is truly stunning.
Hanging Flower Jars in Windows
If you have a broken window you want to use, this is a fantastic idea! I love the clean, minimalist look of this one.
Window Command Center
Now how clever is this? I love how you can make a command center look rustic and fashionable, and not just functions! Totally brilliant.
Upcycled Window Herb Planter
So many opportunities to use art in this upcycle window project! These planters are perfect for herbs, flowers, or starter seeds! Just love it!
Window Frame Jewelry Display
I love that this is so functional and practical as well as pretty! This is a great addition to any bedrom. And I love that you can see all your jewelry at once!
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!
ginabad says
These are beautiful!!! I should do something like this in my office to inspire me.
Kate says
Aren’t they amazing?!? I seriously want to do every single one! That might be overkill, but I think they are the best!
Tammy Dunlap says
awesome ideas !!
Kate says
Aren’t they!?! I love them all! I’m always so amazed by the talent of some people! (and jealous!) ๐
Camela says
Such great ideas – I’m going to totally try them out! ๐
Kate says
Aren’t they great?!? I seriously want to do every single one! lol
Jason says
Thank you for the ideas! I have a couple of windows that are approximately 100 yrs old and trying to decide what to do with them.
Kate says
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! ๐
Sherry says
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 didnโt realize you had a Pinterest page. I saw so many great ideas to try. Thank you Katie.
Kate says
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
Rehoboth says
Excellent post
Kate says
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words!
Rehoboth says
Wonderful post
Kate says
Thank you so much!