Our five favorite re-invintaged windows

In our world, old windows are pretty common. Really pretty ones? Not so common. But here are five ideas to re-invintage even plain wood windows into something unique and wonderful.

If you search for ideas on Pinterest for repurposing old windows, you'll see hundreds of images - from simple wallhangings to elaborate Victorian-esque hothouses. But here are our five favorites:

So why are these five our favorites? Two reasons. First, practicality. Each of these are do-able by anyone, and don't require special tools or cutting a window to fit. Second, personality: each of these projects will be unique and personal to you.

A few tips and pointers if you want to tackle a window project:

1. Make sure the glass is intact; if not, remove it or add glazing compound to re-seal it. For outdoor projects, we suggest removing the glass (Hail happens, y'all. So do flying pebbles from lawn mowers and weed-eaters.)

Next week, we'll show you how to to quickly and safely remove glass and those razor-sharp glazier's points!

2. Assume the window was probably painted with lead-based paint. Scrape and sand outside to remove any flaking paint. Wear a mask. When you're done distressing it, wash it down with a heavy-duty cleaner like Krud Kutter or Dixie Belle White Lightning to remove any lead dust. Paint or seal with wax or clear sealer before hanging.

3. Add D-rings, eyebolts, or heavy-duty sawtooth hangers to safely hang windows with glass intact.

Have we inspired you? If you need a window step out on our back porch - we almost always have a nice assortment, nicely priced.

Have you reinvintaged a window? Do you want to  try one? Comment below to tell us all about it!