Salvaged Window Decor Ideas, How to Hang Brass Candlesticks

After spotting a striking window display at a local antique shop here in Vermont, I couldn’t stop thinking about how effective hanging objects can be when layered against old architectural pieces. That moment sparked this project and one of my favorite salvaged window decor ideas, using brass candlesticks as a vertical display instead of styling them on a table or shelf. In this post, I’m sharing how I used salvaged windows as a backdrop and simple hanging techniques to create a collected, light-catching wall display that feels unexpected, vintage, and easy to recreate at home.

Salvaged Window Decor Ideas Inspired by a Hanging Candle Display

Some salvaged window decor ideas start with seeing something unexpected and then figuring out how to make it work at home. While out antiquing, I came across a window display that immediately stopped me in my tracks. Brass candlesticks were suspended from the ceiling using clear fishing line, hanging at different heights inside a large storefront window. The effect was geometric, airy, and almost sculptural, with the candlesticks floating and catching the light as cars passed by outside.

What struck me most was how simple the concept was. There was no wall display at all, just everyday vintage candlesticks transformed by the way they were hung. That idea stayed with me, and once I got home, I started thinking about how to recreate the same sense of movement and vertical interest using what I already had. By using salvaged windows as a backdrop, I was able to adapt that hanging candle idea into one of my favorite salvaged window decor ideas, turning a bold shop display into a softer, more collected look for home.

The video below shares a closer look at the original inspiration and how this hanging candlestick idea translated into a salvaged window display.

How to Create Salvaged Window Decor Ideas With Hanging Brass Candlesticks

Using salvaged windows as a backdrop makes hanging brass candlesticks feel intentional rather than improvised. This approach keeps the focus on vertical movement and light, letting the candlesticks float visually instead of sitting heavily on a shelf. The materials are simple, easy to find, and flexible enough that you can adjust the spacing and height as you go, which is part of what makes this salvaged window decor idea so approachable.

Materials Needed for Hanging Brass Candlesticks on Salvaged Windows

Step-by-Step Hanging Brass Candlesticks on Salvaged Windows

Before hanging anything, it helps to take a few minutes to visualize the finished look. This step-by-step approach keeps the process relaxed and flexible, allowing you to adjust spacing and balance as you go while creating one of those salvaged window decor ideas that feels collected rather than overly planned.

Step 1: Arrange the Candlesticks on the Window Frame

Start by laying your salvaged window flat and arranging the brass candlesticks where you think they’ll look best. I used a wooden window with two glass panes and found that hanging two candlesticks per pane, each in a slightly different size, created a balanced mix of charm and elegance. This is the time to play with spacing before anything is permanently hung.

Step 2: Secure the Fishing Line to Each Candlestick

Once you’re happy with the layout, tightly wrap clear fishing line around the top of each candlestick. Loop it several times to keep it snug and secure, making sure the line feels stable before moving on. Because the fishing line is nearly invisible, it allows the brass to stand out while giving the illusion that the candlesticks are floating.

Step 3: Attach the Candlesticks to the Salvaged Window

Add a thumbtack to the top of the window frame above each candlestick, leaving it slightly protruding. Wrap the fishing line around the tack several times, then gently hammer it in until secure. Adjust the height as needed so the candlesticks hang evenly within each pane.

The result is a salvaged window display where the brass candlesticks appear to float effortlessly inside the glass panes. It’s a simple project, but the visual impact is striking. Best of all, this is a budget-friendly way to transform an old window into a decorative statement that feels both creative and timeless.

The result? A set of decorative elements that seem to float effortlessly within the glass panes, adding vintage charm to any space.

Styling Salvaged Window Decor Ideas With Brass Candlesticks

Once the candlesticks were hung, the real fun began. Styling salvaged window decor ideas is all about deciding where the piece will live and how it will interact with the rest of the room. I chose to display these windows on either side of our built-in bookcases, where they add height, texture, and a bit of quiet drama without overwhelming the space.

The contrast between the warm brass candlesticks and the rustic character of the original wavy glass creates a natural focal point. Hung veritically, the windows draw the eye upward, while the candlesticks bring in that familiar vintage glow, even without candles added. It’s one of those combinations that feels balanced and intentional, yet still relaxed.

For hanging, I wrapped the existing wire hanger with burlap to soften the look and tie it into the surrounding textures. This is an easy detail to change with the seasons. As winter approaches, swapping the burlap for a deep green velvet ribbon would add a richer layer and beautifully complement the brass tones. Salvaged window decor ideas like this are flexible by nature, making it easy to refresh the look without starting over.

At the moment, the candlesticks are displayed without candles, which keeps the focus on their shapes and patina. Down the road, I may experiment with burned-down tapers or faux candles for a slightly moodier effect. That’s part of what I love about this project. It can evolve slowly, responding to the season, the room, or whatever vintage finds happen to come home next.

Whether it’s the timeworn glass panels, the gentle movement of the hanging candlesticks, or the way the brass catches the light, this display continues to surprise me every time I walk by. Salvaged window decor ideas don’t need to be complicated to make an impact. Sometimes it’s simply about letting beautiful old pieces shine in a new way.

Though I haven’t added actual candles (yet), I might experiment with some burned-down tapers for a moody holiday glow.

Where to Find Salvaged Windows for Decor Projects

Finding the right window is often half the fun when creating salvaged window decor ideas. Old window frames show up in more places than you might expect, and the best ones usually have a little wear, chippy paint, or character that makes them interesting as decor.

Some of my favorite places to look include flea markets, thrift shops, secondhand stores, architectural salvage yards, and local building reuse centers like Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Outdoor markets and vintage shops are also great spots to browse, especially if you enjoy hunting for pieces in person. Online marketplaces such as Etsy, eBay, and Craigslist can work too, though I always prefer seeing windows in person when possible.

Prices vary depending on size and condition, but many salvaged windows can be found in the twenty to seventy-five dollar range. I usually aim for something closer to twenty dollars. Affordable, full of charm, and perfect for experimenting with creative decorating ideas.

The same flexible mindset applies to what you hang on them. Brass, pewter, wooden candlesticks, or even finials and small architectural pieces all work beautifully. Anything that catches your eye and feels lightweight enough to hang can become part of a collected, salvaged window display.

Bringing Salvaged Window Decor Ideas to Life

Salvaged window decor ideas have a way of turning everyday vintage finds into something unexpected and personal. Whether you’re hanging teacups, brass candlesticks, or other collected pieces, old window frames offer a versatile backdrop that adds texture, history, and character to any space. The beauty of these projects is that they’re flexible and meant to evolve, allowing you to style and restyle them over time as your home and collections change.

If this hanging candlestick display inspired you, there are even more salvaged window decor ideas to explore. From using vintage plates to experimenting with other hanging elements, these projects are all about reimagining old windows in creative and approachable ways.

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