I have been nearly obsessed with old windows for a few years now, and have toted them along with me to 3 homes. Now that we have a house, I’ve finally faced the realization that paring down and getting rid of the ones I’m not going to use (I probably had 20 of them!) is actually a good idea.
Here are a few ways I’ve used some old windows to turn them into useful pieces that aren’t just sitting in the rain on the side of the house (see “Oakies in California“).
In the office, I created a bulletin board by covering cork squares with linen fabric and then hot gluing it right onto the window panes. I left two window panes empty so that I can stick Post-its on there.
In the bedroom, I added chicken wire into one frame and clipped small momentos and photos to it. This was super easy – just use a staple gun to attach the chicken wire to the back of the frame and use mini clothes pins to attach items to the chicken wire.
By the side door of the house, I added a couple of hooks from Target to a window frame so we have a place to hang keys and the dog leash. This one has worked out well when we actually put keys on the hook 
(Don’t judge the unpainted/unstained door – I haven’t decided whether to paint or stain it and which color. Any opinions on this are welcome!)
What have you used old windows for? Any great ideas you’ve seen in blog land??
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I love your use of old windows. These are all great ideas. I picked up an old one years ago , by the road, it still had an old latch on it. I added mirrors to the pains, which were all broken and I added a small shelf, to hold photo frames and a little vase with roses. I love it and still have it above my sofa.
I love the shelf idea, Eileen! I may have to try that on my next round of window improvements. Thanks for sharing!
I love your window makeovers! I have done a few of them myself. I especially like the one with the chicken wire stapled to the frame. I am looking for a cute way to hang my earrings and that might be the winner! Did you leave the glass in and staple it over the top or take the glass pane out somehow?
Thanks, Sarah! I checked out your blog and I like how you refreshed yours with paint! As for the glass or no glass, this one actually was found without glass in it, so I didn’t have to face that issue. However, I did remove glass from another one, and it wasn’t tough at all. I cracked it first and got one piece of the glass out (breaking it with a good hit may make it easier but I didn’t have gloves or eye glasses on so I didn’t want a dangerous mess), then it quickly and easily pulls out once you have the pane started. Good luck!
Hi, thanks for the reply. I have not been in blogland much lately, so I missed it. Now next time I see some old windows at the antique store with no glass I will have an idea for them! I love your creative idea with the chicken wire! I would have never thought of that! I think my favorite is your bulletin board in your office though. So pretty! I just love projects using old windows!