Window Crafts

Recycle Your Vintage Windows into
Unique and Interesting Crafts

Using old windows to make into crafts is a fascinating way to use obsolete and pretty much useless items.

Here are some creative ways to repurpose old windows:

1. Photo Display
- Replace glass with photos
- Attach wire mesh to display multiple photos
- Add clips to easily swap pictures

2. Wall Art/Decor
- Paint designs on the glass
- Create a faux stained glass effect
- Hang wreaths or seasonal decorations
- Add mirrors to glass panels

3. Garden Projects
- Create a greenhouse using multiple windows
- Make a cold frame for plants
- Build a garden trellis
- Design a decorative garden wall

4. Practical Home Items
- Build a coffee table with a window top
- Create a serving tray
- Make a cabinet door
- Design a room divider

5. Message Center
- Paint glass with chalkboard paint
- Use dry-erase markers on glass
- Create a family calendar

6. Wall Organization
- Add hooks for keys and accessories
- Install small shelves between panes
- Create a jewelry organizer

7. Home Decor
- Make a rustic headboard
- Create a window box shelf
- Design a vintage-style picture frame
- Build a shadow box display

8. Holiday Decorations
- Create seasonal window displays
- Make an advent calendar
- Design a holiday card display

9. Kitchen Ideas
- Build a pot rack
- Create a spice rack display
- Make a menu board

10. Storage Solutions
- Build a bathroom cabinet
- Create wall-mounted storage
- Design a display case

Remember to:
- Clean and sanitize old windows thoroughly
- Remove any loose paint or rust
- Replace broken glass if needed
- Sand rough edges for safety
- Apply protective sealants when appropriate

These projects can add unique character to your home while giving old windows new life!

Visit any recycle center any day of the week, and you’re sure to see some of the wooden framed type of window, some with old wavy glass still in them, with lots of small panes.

If you’re lucky enough to find some of these with the glass still in them, grab ‘em!

There are lots of window crafts that you can make with these, maybe over a mirror to make a three dimensional frame.

They are also unique and unusual coffee tables, with a piece of plate glass over them to protect the old wood.

Use windows salvaged from the dump to make window greenhouses or Wardian cases, using similar sized windows attached on all sides and with a hinged door to access the plants you can keep inside.

African violets, ferns and many other moisture loving plants will thrive in the humid conditions.

As a more involved window craft, this project might require the services of a qualified carpenter as there will be cutting and fitting involved.

Finding these kinds of windows is getting harder - people recognize the value of them and are charging accordingly.

Still Looking for More Window Craft Ideas?

Finding windows with glass still intact is great, but if you come across any window frames without glass, grab those too - you can make a simple box and attach the window to the top of it and plant it with succulents such as Sempervivum and hang it on the wall once they’ve rooted.

Beautiful, simple garden art.

Using an old window to frame a plain mirror gives it a facelift and new life.

This is a good use for those windows that simply don’t have much strength.

Either use one with glass still in it, or without.

Use caution when working with really old windows as the glass itself could be brittle with age, or the putty holding it in the frame deteriorates and the glass could fall out.

Think outside the box - glue on some colored glass blobs to make a 'stained glass window' or use a similar method by painting shards of glass and applying them to the window with E6000 glue or some similar type of adhesive - make sure it dries clear so the color shows through.

Keep in mind that both of these crafts will add weight to the existing window, so make sure you use one that is strong enough.

Use gloves when working with broken glass; safety first, as always.

See the vintage windows page for more ideas for your old wood framed windows.

See more great window crafts on my Pinterest board;

Have you made anything cool with old windows?  Share your ideas!