IN THIS POST
– Make a Headboard
– Put Together a Coffee Table
– Build Wall-Mounted Rack
– Use as Cabinet Doors
Do the windows in your home look old and shabby? Are you planning to replace them? If so, consider repurposing your decommissioned windows instead of sending them to the landfill. Regardless of whether your house has wood or aluminium windows, there are quite a few creative ways you can upcycle and utilize them. To help you out, we have put together some tips on how to turn old windows into furniture.
However, before we begin, you might want to take a look at the popular types of windows and their rates in Pakistan to find a perfect replacement for your home.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can repurpose old windows and give them a second life.
Make a Headboard for Your Bedroom
Building a DIY headboard is one of the best ideas for old window frames without glass.
Required Material and Tools
- The material required for this project includes:
- Old window frames
- Plywood sheet
- Wood glue
- Screws
- Mounting brackets
- Steel wool
- Sandpaper
- Drill machine
- Primer
- Semi-gloss paint
- Paintbrush or small roller brush
Procedure
To turn old windows into furniture, start by measuring the area behind your bed to determine the required height. The standard headboard width for full bed is 56 inches, 62 inches for queen beds and 80 inches for king beds.
Depending on the available space and the size of the windows, you may use two or more frames to cover the entire area. Also, if the window has glass panes, do not forget to remove them beforehand as a safety measure.
Next, take a ball of steel wool and scrub off the old paint from the wooden frame. You can also use sanding paper to get rid of any visible nicks or scratches on its surface. Apply a primer and paint the frame to complement your bedroom décor. Let it dry for a few hours before attaching the plywood sheet to its back. You can also paint the plywood or cover it with fabric to add some texture and pattern to your room.
If you are satisfied by the DIY window headboard, insert the glass panes and nail the frame to the wall or secure it using mounting brackets.
Put Together a Coffee Table
Another way to upcycle old windows is to turn them into a coffee table for your living room. You can even add some storage space to your table to make it even more functional along with being aesthetically pleasing.
Required Materials and Tools
For turning old windows into furniture, you will need to purchase:
- Old wooden window
- 2 x 8 untreated wood boards
- Plywood sheet
- Cabinet pulls
- Four table legs
- Shelf liner
- Decorative tee hinge
- Screws
- Drill
- Socket wrench
- Screwdriver
- Steel washers
- Painter’s tape
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush or roller
Procedure
Measure the length and width of your window to determine the dimensions of your coffee table. The untreated wood will be used for the sides of the table, so you need to cut them depending on how high you want the furniture to be and how much storage space is required inside of it. If your window is 30 x 26 ft, you will have to cut two boards to 30 inches, and the other two to 23 inches.
Cut the plywood to match the size of your window frame, as it would serve as its base.
Before you begin turning these old windows into furniture, use a sanding paper to remove the paint build-up from the wooden frame. This step will also help you get rid of any surface flaws such as bumps and scratches. Make sure to sand the untreated pieces of wood as well. Once everything looks perfect, apply two coats of primer to the frame and wooden boards with sufficient intervals. Then take the painter’s tape to secure the glass panes and paint the window frame (plus the wooden sides) to your liking.
When your paint is finally dry, drill two holes about a quarter inch from the end of each 30-inch board. Attach the 30-inch boards to the end of the 23-inch boards using socket wrench and screws. You will have to repeat this to complete the other sides of the coffee table frame as well.
Next, screw a table leg to each corner of the frame. Once all four legs are secure, attach the plywood sheet to the base of the window frame using screws. You can then position the window frame on top of the wooden base and use tee hinges to affix them.
Attach the cabinet pull, as required, and cover the plywood sheet visible under the glass panes with the shelf liner. Unless you want to add another coat of paint to your new coffee table, remove the painter’s tape from the glass panes and place your new DIY creation in the living room. You can store your TV remote control and other items inside this coffee table.
Build a Wall-Mounted Rack
Although a wall-mounted rack or wall hanger may not be classified as a piece of furniture, it still comes pretty close. You can also replace the window glass panels with mirrors to make the hanger even more functional.
Required Tools and Materials
Here is what you will need to upcycle old windows into a wall hanger.
- Old window frame (preferably small)
- Sanding paper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush or roller
- Hooks
- Glass panes
- Nails
- Hammer
Procedure
This DIY project restoring old windows for decoration is fairly easy to complete.
You can start by removing all the nails and screws from the old window frame. Remove the glass panels as well. Next, use a sanding paper to get rid of the old paint as well as any surface scratches. Once the surface is smooth to touch, apply a coat of primer and wait for it dry before applying another.
After ensuring the primer has dried, use a roller or regular brush to paint the window frame. Wait a few hours until the paint is completely dry before screwing in the hooks on the wooden strip of the window in a vertical line. You can then install the mirror panels and nail the rack to the wall in your entryway. You can also repurpose glass panels for home décor.
Now, you can use this wall-mounted rack to hang your scarves, coats, caps and even keys. Meanwhile, the mirror can open up space visually and also allow you to take a quick look at yourself before exiting the house.
Turn Old Windows into a Cabinet
One of the best ways to use old windows is by turning them into a storage cabinet.
Required Tools and Materials
Take a look at the list of materials and tools required for this project.
- Old window frame
- 2×6 timbre
- Screws
- Nails
- Wood glue
- Sanding paper
- Primer
- Paint
- Paintbrush or roller
- Cabinet pull
- Hinges
- Magnetic catch
- Bun legs (optional)
- Plywood sheet for shelves (optional)
Procedure
In terms of assembling, this old window frame project is not much different than the DIY coffee table mentioned above.
Firstly, you must cut the timber to the same size as your window. The top board will be about an inch wider for overhang, while the other three pieces will be of the same size. You can fasten them together with nails and wood glue to create a frame.
Next, take a sanding paper and rub it across the wooden frame to smoothen the surface. You should do the same with the old window frame to remove the paint build-up and other flaws. It is important to do this before putting everything together. After sanding down both frames, prime and paint them.
Once the paint is dry, screw the hinges to the top and bottom part of one long side of the window frame. Then, position the window on to the new wooden frame and attach the two by screwing on the other side of the hinges. On the opposite edge, install a magnetic catch to the interior of the door and add a decorative cabinet pull.
You can also add feet and shelves to your cabinet if required. To add shelves, simply cut a piece of wood and mount it inside using four steel brackets. For the feet, you can screw them tightly to the bottom of the cabinet using the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also hang these cabinets on the well.
So, which of these projects for old windows will you try out next?
Let us know your thoughts and comments about turning old windows into furniture by sending us an email at blog@zameen.com.
Moreover, if you are new to the world of DIY home improvement projects, here are a few helpful tutorials that you must check out:
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