Salvaging old windows
August 18, 2011
I was talking to a friend recently about different ways to re-use old windows as design elements. She and her family have found some pretty creative ways to integrate windows, including using them as message boards and picture frames. Since Joe and I are going to have about six or seven old windows that, for various reasons, we won't to be able to reuse, we're trying to figure out what to do with them. Well, at our last design meeting we found at least one solution. Our designers, Dee and Andrew of Terrat Elms, suggested we keep an old window that we originally planned on removing (shown here) so we'll be able to look into the mudroom from the kitchen, and through it, all the way out to the front yard. Since the current window is in pretty bad shape, Joe measured out some of the other windows we have onsite so we can use one of them to fit the original window space. Sure, we'll lose some upper shelf space, but I think it will be worth it to let more light in, and to to open up a space that is very cramped. Can't wait to see the finished product!
Any other ideas from readers on re-using old windows? Thanks!
Posted by
Rebecca Titlow | Categories:
Bedford 2011-2012 |
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(7) Comments
Hi Rebecca and Joe I have at least one idea for one of your old windows and it is kind of an Extreme Makeover kind of idea. How about taking one window out cleaning it real well so no lead paint is left on it and then turning it into a real cool picture frame. I think the window should be made tiltable so you can tilt it in but in your case not so much for cleaning but so you can get to the pictures to change them. You could even frame the window but have it facing a wall and not out to the open. I think I have even heard of some people using windows inside their house in certain rooms like the master bedroom facing into a hall way instead of outside. That way if the door is locked you can take a peak into a hall way to see what is going on. Don't forget old doors either they could be used as hope chests if properly cleaned and cut down to size. Anyway those are my thoughts I hope you post back I would be interested in knowing what you and your husband think of my and other peoples ideas. Oh by the way I think your webcams have died again it looks like just recorded images again and nothing live. Good luck to you and thank you for the post.
I like the idea of keeping that window, hopefully it will be operable and you'll be able to open it and the mudroom window to get a breeze. As to other windows, maybe Joe can find a place to store them in the garage. It won't be long before he will want to build a playhouse for your daughter.
I you have enough of them you could build a green house, or cold frames for your garden.
Since the current window is in pretty bad shape, Joe measured out some of the other windows we have onsite so we can use one of them to fit the original window space. Sure, we'll lose some upper shelf space, but I think it will be worth it to let more light in, and to to open up a space that is very cramped.
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James
It is an ingenious and resourceful approach in home re-decor. It is environmental friendly too.
There is so much to learn from you guys and I've been reading alot of stuff in your mag. Keep up the good work!
Nice! We actually have a lot of old windows at home. Some we’ve made into dividers for our kitchen and dining room. We also put up a small counter in the middle of the divider. Can you picture that out? It looks good. What happened to your windows after the renovation?