Update an Antique Window

Today's project is one that's near and dear to my heart...antique windows. With or without the glass, old windows are such beauties and I love the character they add to a home!

antique window

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Some girls like diamonds...I prefer something vintage or antique, with character...like an old window!

I love using old windows as art. I added an antique window to my renovated guest room, have one hanging in my kitchen, and then there's this big window.

This old window didn't even cost me a dime! My m-i-l's dear neighbor Louise let me pick out a couple windows from a stack in her yard in NC. It was like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one!

Antique windows are usually in rough shape. Paint is often weathered, chipped and peeling. Sometimes the glass is intact, but often it's cracked or broken.


That was the case with this window. We had to knock all the glass out (always be careful when working with glass to use heavy protective gloves and safety goggles) because it was cracked.

We were left with this empty window frame. Most of the paint had already chipped off long ago so it was just weathered wood.

old weathered window

I wanted to give the window some color, so after brushing it with a stiff brush to remove excess paint and dust, I dry brushed it with my favorite pale turquoise paint.

dry brush with chalk paint

I didn't even need to distress the window frame because by dry brushing, much of the original color was left.


Next I measured a length of lace and stapled it to the back of the antique window.

staple lace to window

I went all the way around the whole frame, pulling the lace snugly so it wouldn't droop.

add lace to old window

This antique window has been hung in a few places around our home, but I'm claiming it for my new office and craft space!

antique window update
I hung an easy DIY paper heart garland in neutral and soft tones across the window. It's perfect for Valentines...and maybe even all year! I love the femininity of the hearts and the lace with the rustic nature of the antique window!

turquoise antique window

It's a beauty, isn't it? A large window like this makes quite a statement. Lean one on your mantle, or above a sofa for a dramatic statement piece!

add lace to antique window


bringing beauty to the ordinary,

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Comments

  1. Saw your link at Create-Share. I have a large antique window and have changed it up several times and moved it often, but you've shared an excellent idea - paint it! You've inspired me!

    Mary

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    1. Hi Mary, I'm so glad you were inspired by my painted window! Have fun painting yours!

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  2. Very pretty! Love the lace insert. Visiting from The DIY Collective party.

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  3. I love your window, with the lace insert. I wish my dry brushing technique looked as good as yours. Maybe I just need more practice

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    Replies
    1. Aw, thanks Judy! Practice makes perfect! Just remember with dry brushing that you really want your brush almost completely dry. Wipe off the excess paint onto a paper towel before taking it to your piece...and keep some areas free of paint altogether to help with the "aged" look! Good luck!

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  4. Yep, it is. Sorry it bothers you, but it works for me as I frequently hang a wreath from that little built-in hook :)

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  5. I love it! I'm going to be using this to restore my old window :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Amber, it's a fun piece to use all over my home!

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