If you are looking for window frame decor ideas, you have come to the right place! Although many window frames end up in the landfill after years of service, they can have a new life inside the home. Below, I share several ways that frames can be repurposed into beautiful and functional pieces.
1. Create a Photo Gallery
What a wonderful way to display favorite family photos! Cindy at Cottage Instincts used old window frames to display photos of her family members. I really like how she edited her photos with sepia tones. The tones not only give off a vintage vibe, but also create a cohesive look for her collection.
2. Display a Favorite Photo
Instead of using several small pictures in each window pane, use a window frame to showcase a poster size version of a special photo.
3. Create a Chalkboard Message Center
Fun, functional, and oh-so-cute! What’s not to love about this chalkboard window frame? On her blog, Gina from The Shabby Creek Cottage shows you step-by-step how she transformed an old frame using chalkboard paint. Personally, I would love this in my kitchen! I would use it to write down dinner plans for the upcoming week, reminders to myself, quick notes to the kiddos, and ok, maybe even a few doodles.
Here are a couple more rustic window frame decor ideas using chalkboards:
4. Make a Weekly Chalkboard Calendar
April at House by Hoff took the chalkboard idea two steps further by adding letter stickers and hooks to the bottom of her frame. It would make me a little nervous to hang hoodies from the bottom (hey, I got rough and tumble boys around here), but I think it could be a great place to hang keys, a dog leash, and maybe even spare phone charging cords.
5. Make a Monthly Chalkboard Calendar
Karianne at Thistlewood Farms created a full month calendar using an oversized window that someone else threw in the trash. Yep, you read that right – the TRASH! Good thing Karianne was there to save and refurbish it.
6. Build a Wall Cabinet
Omgee, I really, really, REALLY want this cabinet in my bathroom. This is one of my favorite window frame decor ideas. Mr. LMB (his wife blogs at Liz Marie Blog) used his basic woodworking skills to transform an antique frame into this fully functional bathroom storage cabinet. If you want to build one, he has the instructions posted on his blog – see the link above.
7. Decorate Your Fireplace Mantel
Are you looking for an inexpensive way to fill the blank void above your fireplace? An old window frame with a wreath is the perfect solution! As the seasons change, I personally like to change the decor on my mantel. A frame makes a great anchor piece that works well with both everyday pieces and seasonal decor. For other mantel decorating ideas, make sure to check out my post: “How to Decorate a Mantel“.
8. Decorate Your Walls
Cristina at Remodelando La Casa purchased these window frames on Craigslist for only ten dollars each. Such a cute and thrifty find! Did you notice how some of the panes are adorned with patterned paper. Would you believe the paper is gift wrap that she found in the dollar section at Target? Seriously! It just proves that there’s no need to spend loads of money to make your home look like a million bucks.
9. Create a Faux Window
“Hmm, I wish there was a window there…” Have you ever stared at a wall in your home and thought those words? If so, this idea from Corey at Sawdust 2 Stitches is for you! I also love the chunky shelf she installed above the frame. Visit Corey’s blog at the link above to learn how to make the window frame mirror, which she made from scratch.
10. Make a DIY Fireplace Screen
Diane at In My Own Style used a window frame and a pair of corbels to create a custom fireplace screen. I think it’s much more attractive than any store-bought screen I have ever seen.
11. Showcase Your Artistic Talent
Years ago, I taught myself how to paint using Donna Dewberry tutorials. I’m not a great artist by any stretch of the imagination, but this is a project I definitely want to try. It just might be time to pull out the old paints again.
12. Display Vintage Doilies
I have a small box of lace doilies that my grandmother crocheted. She passed away in the 1980s, so I have had them for quite some time. I have always been afraid to use them because I did not want them to get ruined. However, this idea from Flea Market Trixie has me inspired to pull out the box and find a way to safely display their handmade beauty.
13. Build a Wall Shelf
Amy from With a Vintage Twist received this as a gift from a good friend. She uses the shelf on top to display pieces from her ironstone china collection.
14. Add Color with a Colorful Quilt
Jaime created this colorful windowpane quilt using scraps of leftover fabric. She created quilted blocks for each pane and secured them to the pane using cardboard pieces and hot glue. Check out her blog at the link above for specific instructions.
15. Make a Rustic Wall Sign
Donna at Funky Junk Interiors stencilled this design on an old window frame. If you have a Cricut or Silhouette machine, you could also create this look using vinyl die cut letters.
16. Make a Coffee Bar
Elizabeth at Right Where We Are reclaimed an old window frame to make this vintage-looking coffee bar. She added chicken wire to the panes to display memorabilia. Decorative knobs on the bottom of the frame hold her coffee cups.
17. Make a Memo Board
Lauren at My Wonderfully Made used fabric and ribbon in the outer panes of her window frame to create memo boards, where she can display photos and other sentimental items.
18. Create a Message Center
David and Caroline worked together to renovate an old window frame into a message center for the home. They applied magnetic primer to the beadboard backing the frame, which means that in addition to pinning items to the cork pieces, they can use magnets in the other areas to hang reminders, photos, and various mementos. Handy hooks are installed at the bottom of the frame for keys and other small items.
19. Make a Faux Headboard
Liz Marie used old picture frames to create a faux headboard in her guest room. What a warm and welcoming room for family and friends that stay at their home!
20. Build a Homemade Jewelry Holder
Andrea at Oak Ridge Revival repurposed two things – a fireplace screen and an old window – to make this gorgeous jewelry holder. She installed small hooks at the top of the frame to hold necklaces. The former fireplace screen has hooks to hold smaller items, such as earrings and bracelets.
21. Build a Mini Greenhouse
Visit Global Garden Friends to learn how to make this miniature greenhouse using old window frames. If you undertake this project, your neighbors will be filled with awe and envy – and I will be too!
22. Display a Vintage Map
Are you looking for window wall decor ideas with a little color? This just might be the solution. Kristy at Robb Restyle backed several old frames with vintage maps. Check out her blog at the link above for more inspiration.
23. Build a Pot Rack
Old window frames can also be hung from the ceiling. I love how this frame adds character and charm to an otherwise modern kitchen. With the right frame and hardware, this idea could also be used to create a hanging pot rack.
Do you have any other window frame decor ideas? If so, please share them with us in the comments below!
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