Discover 19 old window ideas to decorate with salvaged windows. Vintage charm meets creative home decor with these stylish repurposing tips.
Old windows are full of charm, character, and endless decorating possibilities. In this post, I’m sharing 19 creative old window ideas that will inspire you to decorate with salvaged windows in fresh and stylish ways.
From vintage wall displays to functional statement pieces, these repurposed window frame ideas are perfect for cozy homes, cottage style, and farmhouse flair.
How to Start Collecting Vintage Home Decor
Are you new to vintage collecting? This beginner’s guide will walk you through what to look for, where to shop, and how to style your favorite finds with an eclectic and personal touch.
Decorating with Old Windows for Vintage Charm
Salvaged windows are more than just architectural leftovers—they’re beautiful pieces of history that can add instant vintage charm to your home. Whether you’re working with old farmhouse-style windows, arched panes, or multi-pane frames, there are countless ways to incorporate them into your decor. Think statement wall art, upcycled picture frames, rustic garden accents, or even creative room dividers—the possibilities are endless when decorating with old windows.
Here are some creative ways to incorporate vintage windows into your interior design:
Salvaged Window Costs and Where to Find Them
Where Can I Find Repurposed Old Windows?
Old windows are surprisingly easy to find—and they’re often budget-friendly, too. You’ll spot salvaged windows at antique shops, architectural salvage yards, flea markets, secondhand stores, and even your local dump or recycling center. Online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay also offer a wide selection of vintage window frames in all shapes and styles. Prices typically range from $15 to $100 each, depending on age, condition, size, and architectural details.
Shop Old Windows on Etsy
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Pro Tip
When shopping for salvaged windows, look for details like divided panes, chippy paint, or original hardware. These vintage features add instant character and make your old window decor ideas feel even more unique and authentic.
5 Easy Old Window Ideas for Vintage-Style Decorating
What Can You Do with a Vintage Window?
Vintage windows are packed with charm—and so many decorating possibilities. Whether you’re styling a cozy cottage corner, adding rustic, flair to a gallery wall, or creating a DIY statement piece, these salvaged treasures are full of potential. From repurposed wall art to practical uses around the home, here are five easy old window decor ideas to inspire your next project.
1. Hanging Brass Candlesticks from Salvaged Windows
One of my favorite old window ideas! In this project, I used white salvaged windows with divided panes to create a dramatic floating candle display. By suspending vintage brass candlesticks with fishing line, I added instant charm and elegance to a bookshelf backdrop. You could also use pewter, silver, or wooden candlesticks for your own spin. The full tutorial shows you exactly how to recreate this easy and eye-catching vintage window decor idea at home.
2. Blue and White Plates Hung on Old Windows
This simple and charming DIY came together after a fun day Thrifting with the Gals. I used a set of small blue and white vintage plates and hung them inside salvaged window frames using clear fishing line and thumbtacks—just like I did with the brass candlesticks. It’s the perfect way to create a layered look over a mantel or dining room wall. Check out the full tutorial to see how easy it is to style old windows as a backdrop for your favorite vintage dishes.
Recommended REading
You may find more inspiration in this Uniquely Decorate with Tulips and Terracotta post.
Easy DIY Home Decor Projects with Vintage Style
Explore our easy DIY home decor guide with vintage style, using thrifted and repurposed finds. Simple, beginner-friendly ideas to decorate your home with charm.
3. Hanging Vintage Teacups from Salvaged Windows
How about a few teacups to continue the trend? This old window idea brings together two of my favorite things—vintage teacups and salvaged frames. I used transferware teacups in blue and brown tones and suspended them inside old windows to create a whimsical, cottage-style wall display. Visit the full post to see how I styled this over the mantle and how you can create your own vintage window teacup wall.
Recommended Reading
You may also be inspired by this Vintage Crocks: Spring Floral Arrangements post, which is linked to this salvaged window teacup project over our mantel.
4. Layered Botanical Prints on Salvaged Windows
This vintage mantel display was my first experiment layering framed botanical prints over salvaged windows—and it’s still one of my favorites. Using fishing line, I suspended delicate spring botanicals in front of two old window frames, then added vintage brass candlesticks and a bouquet of tulips to complete the look. It’s a simple yet elegant way to decorate with salvaged windows for the season. You’ll find the full tutorial and spring styling ideas in the post.
5. Patriotic Mantel Styling with Salvaged Windows and Vintage Tennis Rackets
This simple old window idea is perfect for summer holidays like the Fourth of July or Labor Day. I layered salvaged window frames over our mantel and styled them with leaning vintage tennis rackets and a few red apples for a fresh patriotic pop. It’s an easy, nostalgic way to bring vintage charm to your holiday decor. Be sure to check out my full Vintage Tennis Racket Decor Ideas with Patriotic Style for Summer Holidays post for even more inspiration.
More Salvaged Window Decorating Ideas from the Blog
Looking for even more creative ways to decorate with old windows? Browse through some of my favorite salvaged window decor projects—all styled, thrifted, and repurposed right here at home. These blog posts are packed with vintage inspiration, easy DIYs, and charming ideas to help you make the most of every window frame you find.
Recommended REading
You may also find inspiration in this Decorating with Flea Market Vintage Frames post.
10 Repurposed Window Decor Projects for Creative Home Styling
What Can I Do with a Repurposed Window?
Repurposed windows open up a world of creative possibilities, turning old frames into both decorative accents and functional home features. From building a rustic potting table greenhouse to crafting custom cabinets and wall displays, these salvaged window decor ideas offer clever ways to give vintage frames a second life. Scroll through these 10 inspiring repurposed window projects to see how others have transformed old windows into one-of-a-kind treasures.
From floating candlesticks to botanical art displays, salvaged windows bring so much heart and history into a space. Whether you’re a seasoned vintage lover or just starting to explore old window ideas, I hope this post sparked a few creative possibilities for your own home.
Explore the Charm of Vintage, Thrifted, and Antique Living
Looking for a welcoming place to begin? Start with my Start Here page, where I share favorite vintage decorating ideas, thrifted finds, and styling inspiration from our cozy New England homes in Vermont and Coastal Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Window Ideas
Some of the easiest old window ideas include hanging vintage candlesticks, displaying plates or teacups, layering botanical prints, or leaning old windows on a mantel for instant architectural charm.
Old windows make beautiful wall art, layered displays, room dividers, and even headboards. They’re great for cozy, vintage-inspired spaces like cottage or farmhouse-style homes.
Absolutely! Old window ideas can be adapted for every season—think botanical prints for spring, patriotic themes for summer, and layered wreaths or greenery for fall and winter.
Most are—but always check for chipping lead paint, loose glass, or weak frames. You can seal old paint with a clear matte polyurethane spray and reinforce fragile areas before styling.
You can find old windows at antique shops, salvage yards, flea markets, thrift stores, or even online at places like Etsy and eBay. Keep an eye out at curbside pickups or recycling centers too!
Which idea will you try first?
I’d love to see how you decorate with old windows—share your projects with me on Instagram or tag me in your thrifted finds. And if you’re looking for more vintage DIY inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you never miss a post.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
All STUNNING ideas!! I have never thought of any of these ways before. The teacups are my favorite…so pretty! Thanks for sharing!
You have the best ideas for decorating with salvaged windows. Thank you for including my idea in your post.
Thank you so much Paula💗💗💗
Such great ideas Ann. I’m going to share on Dirt Road Adventures this Sunday.
Thank you so much Rachel🤗
Beautiful ideas! Especially loved seeing how you varied the decor around your mantel and salvaged windows for each season.
Thank you so much Lora🙏🏻