Found a bunch of old window frames in my garage during our renovation, and instead of tossing them, I cleaned them up, slapped on some paint, and hung them in a little gallery wall in our hallway. Adds a ton of character, plus it’s a fun way to show off family pics or little art prints behind the glass. Anyone else tried repurposing old windows like this, or got a better idea for them?
I’ve done something similar, but instead of a gallery wall, I turned a couple of old windows into a coffee table top. Left the panes in and just sandwiched some pressed flowers and postcards underneath—kind of a conversation starter, though it does collect dust in the corners if you’re not careful. Ever thought about using them for functional pieces like that, or do you prefer keeping them strictly decorative? I’ve always wondered if there’s a sweet spot between art and utility with these old frames.
I’ve tried both—hung a few old windows as art, but also built a bench with one as the top. Honestly, I lean toward functional pieces, mostly because my house is already a shrine to “cool old stuff” and I need more surfaces than wall space. But you’re right, dust is the enemy. I once found a petrified raisin in the corner of mine... not sure how it got there. There’s definitely a balance, though—sometimes you just want something to look at, not set your coffee on.
I get where you’re coming from about functional vs. decorative—there’s only so much wall space before it starts to feel like a flea market exploded in your living room. But I’ll admit, every time I see someone hang up old windows as art, I have to fight the urge to ask if they’ve considered using them for insulation or draft-proofing instead. Guess that’s just me being obsessed with energy bills.
I actually tried turning an old window into a coffee table once, thinking I’d get the best of both worlds—a conversation starter and a place to put my feet up. It looked great, but let’s just say it became a dust magnet and a cold spot in winter. Glass isn’t exactly cozy. And don’t even get me started on the fingerprints—my niece managed to leave a handprint that I swear is still haunting me.
But yeah, sometimes you just want to keep something because it looks cool, not because it’s practical. I respect that. Still, I can’t help but wonder if there’s a way to make these displays pull double duty. Maybe add some LED strips behind the panes for mood lighting? Or use them as frames for thermal curtains? Probably overthinking it, but old habits die hard.
That petrified raisin story made me laugh—pretty sure I’ve found similar “artifacts” under my radiators. Maybe every old house just comes with its own set of mysteries.
Anyway, I guess it comes down to how much you want your stuff to work for you versus just looking good. For me, if it doesn’t stop a draft or hold a mug, it’s gotta earn its keep... but I’ll admit, sometimes you need something that’s just fun to look at.
The energy angle is fair—old windows aren’t exactly champions at keeping out drafts. For wall displays, I usually recommend sealing or backing them with foam core or even fabric, just to avoid that cold spot effect, especially if the wall’s an exterior one. LEDs behind the glass actually work pretty well for ambient light, but you’ll want to diffuse them so you don’t get harsh reflections. As for practicality, I’ve seen folks turn window frames into message boards with cork or chalkboard paint, but honestly, sometimes aesthetics win out over function. There’s a balance, but not every piece needs a job.
Funny, I ran into that cold spot issue last winter after hanging an old window frame on my living room’s outside wall. Didn’t think much of it until I noticed the cat kept avoiding that corner—guess she’s smarter than I am. Ended up backing it with some leftover foam insulation and a bit of muslin, which helped a ton. I agree, not everything needs a function. Sometimes it’s just nice to have something that looks cool and reminds you of where the house has been.
Didn’t think much of it until I noticed the cat kept avoiding that corner—guess she’s smarter than I am.
Interesting point about the insulation. But I kinda question if backing with foam and muslin is enough for a real cold spot, especially if you’re in a drafty old house.
- Tried something similar with an antique window—still got a chill unless I added a layer of rigid foam *plus* sealed the edges.
- Cat avoidance is always a red flag for me. They seem to sense drafts before we do.
- Aesthetics are great, but I’d argue function matters more in winter. Maybe hang it on an interior wall instead?
I get the nostalgia, just think about where you put these things—sometimes “just looks cool” comes at a cost.
My place is from the 1920s and I learned the hard way—those old windows look amazing but man, the drafts are real. I tried hanging one with just fabric and foam too, but it didn’t cut it in January. Ended up moving it to a hallway where it’s more about the look and less about staying warm. Cat still gives it the side-eye sometimes… guess she remembers.
Yeah, those old windows are gorgeous but honestly, they’re a pain in winter. I tried the whole “insulate with fabric” trick too, but unless you’re layering up like you’re camping, it’s not enough. I actually just leaned into the look—put one up in my entryway with some dried flowers behind the panes. It’s all about the vibe, not function at that point.
Drafts are just part of the deal with these places. I’ve given up trying to totally fix it without spending a fortune. My dog won’t even sit near the living room windows in January, so I know it’s not just me. If you want actual warmth, you gotta go with legit storm windows or heavy curtains, but then you lose the cool old glass look anyway.
Honestly, sometimes you just have to pick your battles. The charm wins out for me, even if I’m wearing an extra sweater.
That’s pretty much the story of my house, too. I’ve got these big old sash windows that look amazing in the summer, but come January, it’s like living in a drafty barn. I tried the plastic film kits one year—looked terrible, but at least it cut down the wind tunnel effect. My wife hated it, though, so we ditched that idea fast.
Honestly, I just keep a stack of throw blankets on the couch and call it good. Heavy curtains help a bit, but you’re right, it kills the look. The irony is, the windows are what sold us on the place in the first place. Now I just tell guests to bring a sweater if they’re coming over in the winter.
I do like your idea of turning one into a display piece. At least then you’re getting some use out of them without freezing. Sometimes you just gotta accept a little discomfort for the sake of character... or at least pretend you’re in a cozy old movie.