17 DIY Repurposed Old Window Ideas (Get Creative!)

“I went window shopping today! I bought four windows.” – Tommy Cooper

An old window may seem like an odd thing to buy—four of them even more unusual. But as home décor experts know, there are dozens of creative ways to repurpose old window frames into something beautiful. Decorating your home or garden with vintage windows instantly adds a casual, historic charm.

From wall hangings to wreaths, we’ve collected an impressive gallery of repurposed old window ideas. As you scroll through, imagine the ways you can transform these discarded objects into useful, lovely keepsakes.

1. Make a Chalkboard from an old Window

Transform an old window into a functional chalkboard. Start by cleaning the glass thoroughly. Then apply a coat of chalkboard paint directly onto the glass surface. Allow it to dry completely before adding a second layer for durability. This chalkboard can be a great addition to your kitchen for grocery lists or a fun message board in a child’s room.

Repurposed old window turned into a rustic chalkboard sign with an uplifting family message, framed with distressed wood.

Repurposed old window frame turned into a multifunctional board with sections for corkboard, chalkboard, dry-erase, and photo display.

2. Repurpose Into a Pegboard Frame

Convert an old window into a stylish pegboard frame. Remove the glass and replace it with a pegboard panel cut to size. Paint the pegboard in your desired color to complement your room’s decor. Add hooks and shelves to the pegboard for a customizable storage solution that works great in craft rooms or garages.

Vintage window repurposed into a pegboard organizer, holding brushes and twine above a retro Singer sewing machine.

3. Use as a Table Decor

An old window can become a unique centerpiece for your table. Lay it flat and place a variety of decorative items on the panes, such as candles, small potted plants, or seasonal decor. This creates a charming, rustic vibe for dinner parties or everyday elegance.

Repurposed arched window with a peace sign made of fairy lights, styled with a gold lamp, textured vase, and pampas grass.

Vintage wooden window frames with peeling paint leaning against a rustic brick wall, with a potted plant in the background.

4. Hang String Lights

Create a whimsical lighting feature by attaching string lights around an old window frame. Hang the window on a wall or suspend it from the ceiling. The lights will cast a warm, inviting glow, perfect for a cozy reading nook or a romantic dinner setting.

Repurposed old window frame decorated with hanging fairy lights, paired with rustic candles, pampas grass, and a wooden side table.

5. Create a Wall Art

Turn an old window into a piece of wall art. Paint the frame in a color that matches your decor, or leave it rustic for a vintage feel. You can add wallpaper or fabric behind the glass for a pop of color, or leave the panes empty for a minimalist look.

Repurposed old window frame decorated with festive garland, plaid ribbon, jingle bells, and snowflake accents for a Christmas touch.

Repurposed old window used as a Halloween wall display with cobwebs, spiders, and candles, complementing a cozy farmhouse living room.

Repurposed old window frame turned into modern geometric wall art, featuring black and white leaf patterns, displayed above a fireplace.

Repurposed old window frames with leaded glass hung as wall decor, one featuring a heart-shaped wreath, reflected in an ornate mirror.

Repurposed old window screen turned into farmhouse wall decor, featuring a 'gather' sign and a lavender bouquet tied with a lace ribbon.

Repurposed old window frame with a 'Thankful' banner, a macrame hanging plant, and a rustic wooden shelf decorated with greenery.

6. Use as Jewelry Organizer

Convert an old window into a chic jewelry organizer. Attach small hooks or knobs to the frame for hanging necklaces and bracelets. For earrings, stretch a piece of lace or wire mesh across one of the openings. This organizer is not only practical but also adds a decorative touch to your room.

Rustic old window frame repurposed into a jewelry display, featuring earrings clipped to strings with mini clothespins.

Repurposed old window frames painted distressed turquoise, hanging from chains as shabby chic wall decor, one with mini clothespins for display.

7. Create a Picture Frame

Utilize an old window as a multi-pane picture frame. Clean the glass, then attach your photos to the back of each pane using double-sided tape. This approach allows for a creative display of family photos, travel memories, or artwork.

Repurposed old window frames used as farmhouse-style art, featuring scenic barn prints, displayed on a black piano with rustic decor.

Vintage window frame repurposed as a postcard display, featuring old travel postcards and letters, hung with rustic rope on a dark wall.

Repurposed old window frame turned into wall art, featuring a cityscape print behind glass, styled with vintage decor on a mirrored dresser.

Repurposed old window frame with mirrored glass, styled as a faux balcony scene with an ornate wrought iron planter filled with lavender.

Bright farmhouse dining room with a white wooden table, vintage decor, a rustic pendant light, and a repurposed old window frame on the wall.

Rustic old window frame repurposed as a wall art piece, featuring three black and white floral prints, hanging in a cozy living space.

8. Paint or Print on the Glass

Unleash your creativity by painting or printing directly on the glass of an old window. You can create a stained glass effect with glass paints or use stencils for precise designs. This personalized art piece can serve as a focal point in any room.

Repurposed old window frame with a personalized monogram design, leaning on a cozy cream-colored armchair in a warm, inviting space.

Repurposed old window frame painted bright yellow, featuring hand-painted glass art of colorful owls, flowers, and a butterfly.

Repurposed old window frame featuring vibrant fused glass art with colorful flowers, sunflowers, and a dragonfly on each pane.

Repurposed old window frame with abstract green and black hand-painted artwork, creating a unique decorative statement piece.

Repurposed old window frame with a distressed white finish, featuring hand-painted sunflowers on glass for a charming farmhouse wall decor.

Repurposed old window frame with a gothic-style birdcage silhouette on glass, adorned with black floral and branch accents for a vintage look.

Repurposed old window decorated with Halloween-themed paper cutouts of jack-o'-lanterns and a spider web, illuminated in a dark rustic setting.

Repurposed old window screen featuring hand-painted wildflowers with white daisies and blue blossoms, set against a brick wall background.

9. Build a Small Greenhouse

Assemble a mini greenhouse using several old windows. Construct a box frame to fit the size of your windows, then attach the windows as the roof and sides. This greenhouse is perfect for growing herbs or small plants and adds a charming touch to your garden or balcony.

Rustic greenhouse made from repurposed old windows and a wooden door, featuring an open-frame roof in a serene outdoor setting.

Lean-to greenhouse built from repurposed old windows, attached to a house with a gutter system, creating a cozy space for plants.

10. Install a Rustic Mirror

Give a new life to an old window by turning it into a rustic mirror. Replace the glass panes with mirror tiles cut to size. The weathered frame combined with the reflective mirrors creates a vintage yet elegant look, suitable for bathrooms or hallways.

Repurposed arched window turned into a mirror, decorated with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and pinecones for a cozy seasonal display.

White faux window mirror with shutters and a picket fence-style shelf, mounted on a blue wall and used for bathroom storage.

11. Turn into a Plant Rack

Create a hanging plant rack using an old window. Install shelves across the frame, ensuring they are securely fastened. This rack is ideal for displaying small potted plants, creating a living wall effect that brings freshness to any room.

Repurposed old window frame painted turquoise, transformed into a vertical garden shelf with potted plants, hanging decor, and greenery.

12. Frame Dried Flowers

Preserve the beauty of your favorite flowers by framing them in an old window. Arrange dried flowers between glass panes, creating a natural and delicate display that captures the essence of each bloom.

Repurposed old window frame turned into a rustic wall art piece featuring a nature-inspired painting, adding charm to a cozy living space.

Vintage window frame transformed into botanical art, featuring preserved dried flowers and sunflowers sealed behind glass for a rustic display.

13. Use as a Styling Tray

Transform an old window into a stylish tray. Add handles to each side of the frame for easy carrying. This tray is perfect for serving drinks, organizing perfumes and cosmetics, or as a decorative coffee table piece.

Repurposed old window frame used as a festive tray, decorated with candles, a red reindeer figurine, glass trees, and antlers for a cozy holiday display.

14. Hang a Wreath

Utilize an old window as a backdrop for hanging a wreath. This combination adds depth and character to your wreath display, making it a striking focal point in any room, especially during the holidays or special occasions.

Shabby chic repurposed old window frame with distressed white paint, decorated with pink floral garland and rustic tabletop accents.

Repurposed old window frame with a rustic wood panel backing, featuring a cotton wreath for a farmhouse-style wall decor piece.

Rustic shabby chic display featuring a distressed old window frame, heart wreath, vintage decor, framed photos, and farmhouse-style accents.

Repurposed old window frame mounted on a brick wall, decorated with a fall-themed wreath featuring autumn leaves, a burlap bow, and warm tones.

Repurposed old window frame with a distressed white finish, decorated with a simple greenery wreath featuring white berries for a farmhouse touch.

Vintage wooden cabinet styled with a repurposed old window frame, a decorative wreath, rustic pottery, and greenery for a cozy farmhouse touch.

15. Vintage Gallery Wall

Create a vintage gallery wall by arranging multiple old windows in different sizes and styles. Fill some with photos, others with art, and leave a few empty for a varied and interesting display. This gallery wall adds a unique charm to large, empty walls.

Collection of vintage leaded glass windows in various sizes and finishes, repurposed as elegant wall decor for a shabby chic look.

Cozy farmhouse living room with repurposed old window frames as wall decor, fall-themed accents, plaid pillows, and vintage-style furnishings.

Vintage farmhouse-style living space with repurposed old window frames arranged as wall decor, rustic wood furniture, and cozy accents.

16. Make a Key Holder

Turn an old window into a practical key holder. Add hooks along the bottom of the frame, and you have a perfect spot to hang keys. This idea is especially useful in entryways or mudrooms, keeping keys organized and accessible.

Repurposed old window frame turned into a rustic wall organizer with decorative feather hooks and a personalized chalkboard sign.

17. Display Typography Art

Show off your favorite quotes or sayings by displaying them in an old window. Print or paint the typography directly onto the glass. This personalized piece can serve as daily inspiration in your living space or office.

Rustic repurposed old window frame with hand-painted cactus art and an inspiring quote reading, 'Life is rough, so you gotta be tough.'

Vintage distressed window frame repurposed as wall art, featuring an elegant hand-lettered German quote on glass about art as a window to the world.

Where can I find old windows for a window project?

Salvage yards and reclamation centers are good places to start looking for a nice old window frame. Antique shops, garage sales, and estate sales are other places where old windows are commonly found.

How do you make wood look old with glue?

Create a perfect chippy, aged paint vintage window with three simple items: Elmer’s glue, chalk-based paint, and a paintbrush. Paint the window with chalkboard paint and let it dry. Paint a layer of glue over the entire piece and let it partially dry to a tacky stage. Gently paint a different color of chalk paint over the top and as it dries, you’ll see it start to crackle.

How do I use old windows in my garden?

Use old wood windows as mirror frames and hang them on a wall where they’ll reflect your prettiest flowers. Connect a collection of salvaged window frames into a small greenhouse for a functional garden accent. Use an old window frame that still has its glass panes as a fun shabby chic outdoor coffee table top.