I hear you on the Pinterest fails... I tried turning a couple of old sashes into picture frames and ended up with splinters and a lopsided "art piece" my wife won't let me hang anywhere people can see it. Did you ever try using the frames for anything else, or just the glass? I'm always torn between repurposing and just hauling stuff to the dump.
I’ve definitely been there—tried to turn some old sashes into a cold frame for the garden, but the wood was so brittle it just crumbled in spots. Ended up salvaging the glass panes, though, and used them for a little greenhouse box. If the frames are really shot, I usually just pull out any hardware that looks reusable and toss the rest. Sometimes you just gotta admit defeat and let the dump have its day... but I always feel a little guilty about it.
I hear you on that guilt trip—feels like a waste when you’ve got to pitch old wood, especially if it’s got some history. But sometimes those frames are just too far gone. I’ve tried patching up rotten sashes with wood filler and epoxy, but after a certain point you’re basically building a whole new frame around the old glass anyway. The hardware’s usually worth saving, though. Hinges, locks, even those funky old handles can come in handy for other projects.
Honestly, I’ve always wondered if anyone’s actually pulled off one of those Pinterest-y projects where they turn window frames into wall art or some kind of shabby chic mirror. I gave it a shot once and ended up with more splinters than décor. Anyone actually managed to make something cool out of totally shot frames, or is that just internet magic?
I gave it a shot once and ended up with more splinters than décor.
Yeah, I hear you there. Tried turning an old sash into a picture frame for my wife’s garden photos—looked cool in my head, but the wood was so far gone it just crumbled apart. I do save the old brass latches and hinges, though, like you said. Sometimes you get lucky and the muntins are solid enough to use for small projects, but most of the time, it’s just not worth the hassle. Those Pinterest projects look great, but they don’t show you the hours of sanding and cursing...
Those Pinterest projects look great, but they don’t show you the hours of sanding and cursing...
That about sums it up. I fell for it too—thought I’d make a rustic mirror frame out of some old window wood from our 1920s place. In my head, it was going to look all “vintage farmhouse chic.” In reality? The wood was dry-rotted and full of ancient paint layers. I spent a weekend trying to strip it, only to realize I’d inhaled more dust than I’d saved in usable lumber. Ended up with a pile of splinters and a new respect for anyone who actually finishes those projects.
I do agree, though, the hardware can be worth salvaging. Those old sash locks and handles are way sturdier than the new stuff. I’ve cleaned up a few and reused them on cabinets, which is about as crafty as I get these days.
Every now and then I’ll see someone on YouTube making it look effortless—just a bit of sanding, quick coat of stain, and suddenly it’s gallery-ready. But they never mention the lead paint risk or how half the old wood crumbles if you breathe wrong.
Honestly, most of the time I just try to recycle what’s left or donate if it’s halfway decent. Not everything needs to be upcycled, despite what the internet says. Sometimes, tossing it (responsibly) is just the saner option.
Still, hats off to anyone who pulls off those projects without losing their mind or a fingertip.
Man, I’ve been there. Got sucked into the “old window turned shabby-chic photo frame” thing and ended up with way more glass shards than Instagram-worthy results. The hardware is honestly the only part that didn’t try to kill me—those latches are solid. I just keep a couple frames stacked in the garage now, thinking maybe one day I’ll have the patience (or a hazmat suit) to tackle them again. For now, I just admire the Pinterest folks from afar... they must have magic dust masks or something.
Honestly, I get the appeal of those Pinterest projects, but old windows can be a real headache—especially with single-pane glass and all the lead paint risks. I tried repurposing a few, but after one too many close calls (and way too much time with a shop vac), I started salvaging just the hardware and recycling the glass. It’s not as pretty, but I’d rather put my energy into better insulation and air sealing. Still, props for giving it a shot—those frames do have character, even if they’re a pain.
Yeah, I hear you on the headaches. I tried to turn a couple of old windows into “charming” wall art once—ended up with splinters and a mess of paint chips everywhere. I’m all for reusing stuff, but honestly, single-pane glass isn’t doing anyone any favors in terms of efficiency. These days, I just strip the latches and hinges (some of those are pretty cool) and send the rest off for recycling. The character’s nice, but my heating bill says otherwise...
I hear you on the single-pane glass—my old farmhouse had those, and I swear you could feel a breeze even with the windows closed. Tried to turn one into a picture frame for my wife’s birthday, but let’s just say it looked more haunted house than shabby chic. Ended up prying off the handles (those little details are neat) and using the wood for kindling. I love the idea of upcycling, but sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle or the drafty nights.
I get what you mean on the upcycling front—sometimes those old frames just don’t cooperate. I tried to salvage a couple from our attic thinking I’d make a cool mirror or something, but the wood was so warped it looked like a funhouse. Ended up just keeping the hardware, which is actually kinda nice for little repair projects around the house. I’m all for reusing stuff, but yeah... not every window deserves a second act.