7 New Ways to Use Old Windows

Spring promises all things fresh: flowers, air, even perspectives. What better time to a dust off an old window or two for a different point of view? These glass panes are infinitely versatile and easy to pick up at flea markets, salvage yards, thrift shops—maybe even out of your own garage. Click through for seven ways to fashion an old window into a new home accessory.

By Tracy Anderson | Updated Jul 31, 2023 04:58 PM

Rack and Roll

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DIY Coat Rack

Keep your grab-and-go items at the ready, with an eclectic new rack like this one from Annie's Appetite. You can replace the old windowpanes with mirrors—or simply leave the glass intact. From there, a light sanding, a coat of paint, and a few hooks are all you need to hang your hat at the door.


Related:  8 DIY Storage Solutions for a Closet-less Room

anniesappetite.wordpress.com

Mirror the Look

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DIY Mirror

A mirrored window makes a beautiful statement—especially when it means a designer showroom look for a fraction of the price. Pop out the glass and replace with mirror pieces cut to the necessary size.The real fun of this project is all in the finish work, whether you decide to sand and paint or distress and glaze. Get the how-to at Cozy Cottage Cute.


Related:  Mirror Magic - 10 Ways of Using Mirrors to Your Design Advantage

cozycottagecute.com

Cook Something Up

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DIY Pot Rack

When suspended from the kitchen ceiling, an old window (sans panes) is perfect for hanging pots and pans. Eye hooks and a chain do the heavy lifting, while simple hardware store "S" hooks will connect your cookware to the cross bars.


Related:  5 Upcycled Pot Racks & Cookware Storage Ideas

thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com

Turn the Table

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DIY Coffee Table

An antique window feels right at home as an airy coffee table, leaning on a simple wooden frame and four legs for support. Your sanding and painting technique all depends how much of the original texture and charm you want to retain. Visit Tater Tots and Jello for the step-by-step.


Related:  16 Designs for a Low-Cost DIY Coffee Table

tatertotsandjello.com 

Get the Green Light

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Old Window Greenhouse

Greenhouses made of glass attract the sun's rays, which makes salvaged windows the perfect building blocks for this structure. This Instructable outlines each step for building a custom greenhouse in your own backyard, from framework to flooring.


Related:  Planning Guide - Building a Backyard Greenhouse

instructables.com

Great Divide

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DIY Room Divider

Utilizing a window as room divider provides a compromising balance of space definition and, still, openness. In this space from Jones Design Company, an oversized statement window hangs by a reclaimed barn door track, allowing the home's unique personality to shine through.


Related:  10 New Uses for Old Doors

jonesdesigncompany.com

Bathroom Cabinet

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DIY Bathroom Cabinet

One way to squeeze a little extra storage out of you bathroom is to utilize the often overlooked space above the toilet. Taking advantage of the vertical space, Liz Marie and her handy husband transformed an antique window into the front of a storage cabinet. Head over to Craftsman Drive for the full details. 


Related:  12 Easy Ways to Boost Bathroom Storage

lizmarieblog.com

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