What do YOU do with old windows?

When renovating your home, swapping out the original windows with something more durable and eco-friendly is expected. But how do you dispose of your old windows?

You may wonder why you should repurpose your old windows when they no longer serve their original purpose. Well, rather than disposing of them, you may want to consider some creative uses from Crafty Captain!

Reusing old windows is a great DIY project for those wishing to make their home more personal and continue adding character.

That’s why we’ve come up with a list of 14 creative ways to give these household features a new life, which adds a special touch to your home decor and has the added bonus of promoting sustainability by reducing waste. Continue reading to check ’em out!

Hang it up in the kitchen

An old window, minus the panes, suspended from your kitchen ceiling is excellent for hanging your pots and pans… and maybe even a plant or two!

All you have to do is head to the hardware store and pick up some eye hooks and a chain to do the heavy lifting. You’ll also need to grab some “S” hooks to connect your cookware to the cross bars.

Build a new headboard

Another fantastic way to repurpose an old window is by using it as a headboard. All you have to do is hang it above your bed and watch as it recasts your bedroom into an oasis. You can even give a new color if you’d like.

This is an especially excellent option if you have several windows you want to repurpose because numerous windows next to each other make for a headboard that has that “wow” effect.

Create a new chalkboard

Using chalkboard paint or panels, you can create a surface within one of your old window frames to write on whenever you want. These window chalkboards work skillfully in kitchens where you want to see reminders before you leave the house or even in mudrooms.

Since windows have gridded sections, making a chalkboard like this can serve multiple functions across each grid space.

Create some window box planters

Window repurposing projects don’t have to be limited to your indoor spaces. Build a planter box at the bottom of your old windows and hang it alongside your house or shed.

You can add even a pop of your favorite color and keep your beautiful flowers safe from any deer lurking around.

Create some new picture frames

Repurposing old windows can open up a whole new world of opportunities to showcase your favorite photos and family portraits.

Each panel can serve as its own unique frame, allowing you to effortlessly switch out pictures whenever you want without dealing with traditional frame tabs. All you have to do is stick your pictures onto the window’s surface and let your creativity radiate.

Use your old windows to create a privacy fence in your yard

Another generally popular window usage is makeshift privacy yard fences. Instead of using posts or spindles across your fence, consider placing a window in the middle for a more creative look.

You can paint the glass in an intricate pattern with frosted film for extra privacy or hang them from the ceiling of your porch to add some separation from any neighboring homes.

Create a charming greenhouse

One of the best ways of repurposing your old windows is by using them as the walls for a new greenhouse. It all depends on how many windows you have, but you can either create a mini greenhouse to house a couple of plants or a full-sized oasis.

The open panels will help bring the sun in, while the glass protects the foliage from rain or any other outdoor elements like pests.

Create a new jewelry organizer

Hang your necklaces or any other jewelry on a DIY jewelry organizer made from an old small bathroom window to keep them from getting tangled. This one has the added bonus that it’ll minimize your morning getting-ready routine.

To create this organizer, take out the glass and replace it with some chicken wire. Now, all you have to do is attach hooks to the wooden frame. This clever repurposing idea adds functionality and a touch of vintage charisma to your room.

Make a coffee table out of an old window

If you have some extra-long, double-hung windows with several panels you can give your living room a unique upgrade in the form of a window coffee table! To achieve this project, paint your old window your favorite color and turn it on its side to act as a glass table top.

Then, all you have to do is simply attach it to four legs. Or you can keep the look rustic with wooden farmhouse-style table legs you may find at a thrift store. You can even opt for something more modern with a metal base.

A new coat rack

Keep your grab-and-go items on hand at all times with an eclectic new coat rack. You can replace the old windowpanes with mirrors or even leave the glass intact.

From there, all it takes is a bit of light sanding, a fresh coat of your favorite paint, and a few hooks. From there, your new creative coat rack is ready for you to hang your hat at the door!

Divide your rooms using some old windows

Utilizing a window as a room divider isn’t just for the outdoors. It also provides a compromising balance of space definition and openness in your indoor spaces.

You can have an oversized statement window that hangs by a new or recycled barn door track, allowing your home’s unique personality to shine through. And again, you can decorate it whichever way you see fit… paint, mirrors, the possibilities are endless!

Create a decorative mirror for an empty wall

Consider giving your old window new life as a decorative mirror to hang somewhere in your bathroom, on an empty wall in your living room, or any other spot in your home.

To transform the window into a mirror, all you have to do is remove the transparent glass panels and substitute them with mirrored glass. Besides looking chic, these mirrors can help make your rooms look more inviting and spacious.

Decorated panel with flower hangers

If you were looking forward to repurposing the entire window but you have some broken panes, don’t worry; you can still use it!

Place some background paper on the glass that’s still intact, plus add some flower pots to hang in the empty spots. Voila! You’ve got something genius and stunning. And you can place it wherever you’d like in your home!

Create a new bathroom cabinet

One way to squeeze a bit of extra storage out of a small bathroom is to utilize the often-overlooked space above your toilet. Using the vertical space, you can transform an antique window into the front door of a storage cabinet, and free up some counterspace.

All you have to add to this craft is some cabinet door hinges and latches, and you’re all set. Our friends at Amazon can help you out with this part!

So what do you think of these clever ideas on repurposing those ancient doors? Can you think of any others we might have missed? PLease feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

But don’t leave just yet! Crafty Captain has many more fantastic tips and tricks for its readers. For instance, check out these 6 Simple Home Renovations You Can Do for Under $1,000