Craft Ideas With Old Windows

Making It All Clear Again

Old windows are a never ending supply. Everyone has one or more in their shed, garage or attic, gathering dust. You may even have more, if your home upgrades include double paned windows with less heat transfer to the outdoors.

So where does that leave you? Here are some ways to use old windows in crafts that you may not have thought about.

Here are some creative craft ideas for repurposing old windows so they can be transformed in various creative ways to add character and functionality :

Decorative Projects:

• Jewelry Organizer: Add hooks, knobs, or wire mesh to create a hanging jewelry display.
  
  
• Photo Display: Attach wire or string across the frame to clip photos with mini clothespins.
  
  
• Picture Frame: Use the window panes as separate frames for photos or artwork. You can add a backing and insert photos or illustrations behind each pane.
  
  
• Stained Glass Effect: Use glass paint or tissue paper to create faux stained glass designs.
  
  
  
• Memo Board: Add chicken wire or fabric backing for a bulletin board in a window without the glass.




• Mirror: Replace the glass panes with mirrors to create a decorative wall piece that adds light and space to a room.
  
  
• Headboard: Use a large window frame as a headboard for your bed. It can bring a rustic or vintage charm to your bedroom.

Functional Ways To Use Old Windows:

• Cabinet Door: Convert a window into a cabinet door for kitchen or bathroom storage.
  
  
• Serving Tray: Add handles and a bottom to create a unique serving tray.
  
  
• Coat Rack: Mount horizontally and add hooks underneath for a rustic coat rack.
  
  
• Pot Rack: Hang from the ceiling and add hooks for kitchen pots and pans.
  
  
• Wedding Seating Chart: Write guest names on the glass panes with markers.
  
  
• Mirror: Replace the glass panes with mirrors to create a decorative wall piece that adds light and space to a room.
  
  
• Chalkboard: Paint the glass with chalkboard paint, leaving the frames weathered for a vintage look.

• Hanging Art Display: Use the window frame to hang small pieces of artwork, notes, or inspirational quotes, using clips or string.
  
  
• Table Top: Place a window with glass over a wooden frame to create a unique coffee table or side table, ideal for displaying collectibles or photos underneath.

Seasonal Crafts Using Old Windows

• Holiday Decorations: Paint seasonal scenes or add vinyl decals for different holidays.
  
  
• Wreath Display: Use as a backdrop for seasonal wreaths.
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  Wall Art: Add decorative paper, fabric, or dried flowers behind each pane to create a unique piece of wall art.
  
  
• Light Display: String lights behind the window for ambient lighting.

Outdoor Uses For Old Windows

• Cold Frame: Create a mini greenhouse for starting seedlings.
  
  
• Window Greenhouse: Build a small greenhouse box for herbs or succulents - these go by the name of Wardian Case, which you can see more about here. 




• An even larger greenhouse, built from old windows.

• Garden Art: Paint and display in your garden as decorative elements.Privacy Screen: Group several windows together for an outdoor privacy screen.
  
  Garden Trellis: Use a sturdy window frame as a trellis in your garden. It's perfect for climbing plants and flowers. 

• Planter Box: Attach small plant pots or hooks to the frame and use it as a vertical garden indoors or on a patio.

Always check for lead paint on older windows and ensure the glass is secure before crafting.

Remember to clean and sand down old windows in a safe manner to ensure they're safe for handling, especially if you're using them indoors or near food or children.

Quite often in older homes lead paint was used on window trim, not something you want around food or kids.

As always, please do share your projects! We love to see how others have come up with new uses for old stuff.