If you love antiquing or admiring old houses, then I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of antique windows and maybe you’ve even wondered how to incorporate them into your apartment. Repurposing antique windows is an excellent way to decorate your living space while also giving these old pieces a new lease on life. Below are some ideas on how to repurpose them for your apartment.
Decorative Room Dividers
If you live in a studio apartment, then creating decorative room dividers with antique windows is not only a great way to repurpose them, but it also helps create the illusion of having separate rooms. To do this, buy two to three long windows and door hinges to connect them. Use a drill to hinge each of the windows together and then you’ll have an adjustable room divider. If you would like more privacy, you can paint the glass on the windows with regular paint or chalkboard paint. If you decide to use chalkboard paint, make sure you have plenty of chalk your guests can use when they come over!
Unique Wall Art Displays
Antique windows can be used as standalone wall decor. Hang them on the wall with some nails or hooks and use them as a backdrop for other decorative items such as vintage signs, wreaths, or antique mirrors. You could even make a corkboard out of the window by replacing the glass with cork. If you’re not looking to replace the glass, then you could paint a picture on the back of the window. Don’t trust your painting skills? Then commission a local artist to create the perfect piece of art for your home!
DIY Baby Greenhouse
Looking for a way to add more plants to your apartment? Then creating a DIY baby greenhouse out of antique windows is perfect for you! For this project, you’ll need four to five antique windows (depending on whether you want a roof to your greenhouse), one piece of wood that’s the same size as the windows, a drill, two door hinges, and a door handle.
Place your window-sized piece of wood on the ground and set up the four windows on top of it like a box. Decide which window will be the door to your greenhouse. You’ll want to drill the windows to the base and then together, but don’t drill the door.
After everything is attached, drill the door handle onto your door. To add a roof, drill the remaining window on top of the four windows. There you have it: your own baby greenhouse. Place your greenhouse indoors or on your balcony or patio and fill it with plants. Just remember to water them!
Craft a Unique Coffee Table
Repurpose an antique window into a distinctive coffee table that’ll become the centerpiece of your living room. To make a coffee table, gather one antique window, four sturdy wooden legs, some screws, a drill, and some paint.
Secure the window frame to sturdy wooden legs using your drill or screws. You can add a glass top to create a functional surface or leave the window as-is. After assembling the table, paint it any color you like.
Place your new table in your living room and add some decorative items or coffee table books.
Design a Headboard
Turn an antique window into a headboard to add vintage charm to your bedroom. Start by measuring the width of your bed and select a window frame that matches or slightly exceeds the dimensions. Attach the window securely to the wall behind your bed, ensuring it is at an appropriate height for comfort. Once you have attached the window, consider painting the frame or adding upholstery to the glass panes for a softer, cozier look.
Antique windows add charm and personality to any space. These are just a few ways you can incorporate them into your apartment, but the options are limitless. Next time you’re out antiquing, take a second look at that window and think about how you can repurpose it. You might be surprised by what you come up with!
