When my grandma first decided it was time to replace the aging, drafty windows of her beloved farmhouse, I found myself facing a bittersweet problem: what could I possibly do with all those beautiful frames too full of history to simply throw away?

That’s when my passion for old windows projects truly began. I remembered the stories of people turning old windows into greenhouses, and suddenly, inspiration struck. My husband and I decided to give those vintage windows a second life, so a DIY dream was born.

In fact, when my husband found a listing for 32 salvaged windows, he didn’t hesitate, he bought the entire lot for just $300. We spent weekends piecing them together, planning every wall and angle like a puzzle. I still remember standing back, watching the skeletal frame of our greenhouse rise against the sunset, and feeling a deep sense of pride.

The project wasn’t perfect: some windows were cracked, and not all sizes matched, but that raw, imperfect charm was exactly what made our farmhouse greenhouse so magical. Just like those before us in the 1970s who built greenhouses from discarded wood-frame windows, we found beauty in the imperfections.

Today, our farmhouse old windows project stands strong with thriving plants. We also added a polycarbonate roof for durability and a rainwater collection system to keep everything eco-friendly.

Whether you’re eyeing windows at a local salvage yard or have some tucked away in a barn, these 13 beautiful farmhouse old windows projects ideas will transform your salvaged windows into stunning stuning pieces.

13. Create a Vintage Window Photo Frame

Transform a multi-pane window into a rustic photo display by fitting personal photos behind each pane.

Tip: Attach photos without damaging the window using double-sided tape or small photo corners. For an aged effect, lightly sand the frame and apply a whitewash finish.

12. Build a Farmhouse Window Greenhouse

Construct a mini greenhouse by joining several old windows into a box frame with a pitched roof.

Tip: Secure windows with corner brackets and heavy-duty wood glue. Install small hinges on the roof for easy access to plants.

11. Design a Shabby Chic Chalkboard

Replace the glass pane with a painted chalkboard surface, ideal for grocery lists, daily menus, or inspirational quotes.

Tip: Use high-quality chalkboard paint and seal the edges with painter’s tape for crisp, clean lines.

10. Craft a Window Coffee Table

Attach an old window to a sturdy wood frame and a storage space underneath to convert it into a rustic coffee table.

Tip: Add slow-close hinges so the window top can lift up, providing hidden storage for books, magazines, or throws.

9. Make a Rustic Window Mirror

Replace the glass panes with cut-to-fit mirrors to create a bright, space-enhancing farmhouse decor piece.

Tip: Use mirror adhesive and protective backing to safely secure the mirrors within each pane.

8. Construct a Window Pane Room Divider

Join multiple window frames vertically with hinges to create a folding screen that visually separates rooms while maintaining an airy feel.

Tip: Vary window heights and finishes for an eclectic farmhouse style or paint them uniformly for a cohesive look.

7. Build a Wall-Mounted Coat Rack

Attach vintage hooks to the base of your old windows projects and mount it near entryways for a charming farmhouse coat and bag holder.

Tip: Add a reclaimed wood shelf above the hooks for hats, baskets, or seasonal decor.

6. Assemble a Farmhouse Window Headboard

Use large or multiple window frames to create a dramatic, rustic headboard behind a bed.

Tip: Secure frames directly to the wall with heavy-duty anchors and layer additional molding around the edges for a custom built-in look.

5. Make a Window Shelf Display

Install small shelves across the panes of a window to create a beautiful display for your old windows projects.

Tip: Use metal brackets underneath each shelf for extra support without detracting from the vintage look.

4. Build a Repurposed Window Jewelry Organizer

You can use string chicken wire in your old windows projects for hanging jewelry in an artful, accessible way.

Tip: Add small decorative knobs at the bottom for extra necklace storage.

3. Turn Old Windows into Garden Trellis Panels

You can make old windows projects into the garden to act as trellises for climbing plants like ivy, morning glories, or beans.

Tip: Seal the wood with outdoor polyurethane to withstand weather conditions.

2. Create a Seasonal Window Wreath Display

Hang wreaths from the center of each windowpane using ribbons or twine to create festive old windows projects.

Tip: Secure ribbon on the back side with a small tack or strong adhesive hooks for easy swaps.

1. Assemble a Hanging Window Frame Light Fixture

Suspended horizontally from the ceiling, old windows projects can be fitted with pendant lights or fairy lights for a magical farmhouse ceiling fixture.

Tip: Use sturdy chains and ceiling anchors rated for the fixture’s weight, and consult an electrician for safe light installation.

Conclusion

Repurposing old windows into functional and decorative farmhouse elements brings warmth and character into any home. With a touch of creativity these old windows projects ideas allow us to preserve vintage beauty while enhancing modern spaces in practical, charming ways.