Weekend projects using salvaged windows

by Michelle on January 21, 2010

Many thanks to loyal reader Maggie for tipping me off to what seems to be a epidemic of creativity over in the Cottage Life forums. Several members are showing off their own crafty ways of using salvaged windows.

I love the look of old windows in a house, although realize that they are quite inefficient compared to newer models. But it’s a shame to have to throw them away completely. And did you know that old windows sell in salvage shops for upwards of $100, depending on size and condition? Wowzers.

If you’re still intent on keeping them after hearing that little tidbit of information, maybe one of these ideas will strike your fancy.

“Pelee Islander” added stained glass to two wooden windows salvaged from a nearby church. I particularly love the fish one and, as Maggie pointed out, how appropriate to use fish in an old church window:

Picturebirds

Picturefish2

“Panache” took a few of her old windows to create a trompe d’oeil along the back of her cabin. After touching up the paint, carefully leaving a slightly salvaged look intact, she stapled black tar paper to the back of each pane and mounted them around a real window:

Which window is real? (Courtesy Debb Trahan Pero)

Which window is real? (Courtesy Debb Trahan Pero)

Of course, you an always turn old windows into a mirror, as Renee over at eatliveshop did, or even a bulletin board.

Any other ideas? I’d love to hear them. And if you tell me you take them to the dump, do let me know what that dump is located!

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2 comments

Posted in DIY, Windows and Walls

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Sharon D January 22, 2010 at 9:52 pm

Love that look that Debb put together. That’s one creative bunch over at the Cottage Life Forums. They never cease to amaze me with their ideas and solutions.

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2 mags January 23, 2010 at 9:09 am

Hi Sharon! yes the forum is filled with creative cottagers. I think anyone would be proud to display Pelee’s work.
As we add more windows to our camp, we always use old ones but we aren’t insulated so their efficiency doesn’t matter….agree with you Michelle…I luv ‘em

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