Ideas for Transforming Old Doors and Windows into Functional and Decorative Pieces for the Home
It’s no surprise that as time goes on, doors and windows become outdated and need replacement. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to throw them out. There are many functional and decorative uses for old windows and doors that you can use around the home. Consider these unique ideas for your old doors and windows when it’s time to install new windows and doors.
Mirrors
If you have an old door or window with a nice frame, you can buy a full-length mirror and cut it to fit in the panel. Measure the panel and cut the mirror to size by scoring it with a glass cutter. Snap off excess pieces. Sand the area of the panel where you will be placing the mirror and then use mastic to glue the mirror in place.
Tables
An old wooden door can make for an impressive table top. You can sand it, paint it, or stain it to match your interior décor. Attach any type of table legs, or use two painted sawhorses instead. If the door has recesses, you can place a sheet of glass cut to size on top for a balanced and smooth surface.
Hanging Outdoor Table
For a unique take on outdoor furniture, consider hanging a door table from a strong tree branch or a porch beam. Drill holes in the door, hang strong twine over the branch or beam, feed the twine through the holes, and tie into knots. You can also hang the door with chains instead of twine, using eyelets secured with bolts.
Bookcases
For decorative storage, you can turn those old doors and windows into bookcases. Install shelves on the front and either anchor the windows and doors onto the wall or install wooden feet at the bottom of the doors. If you’re feeling particularly creative, you can install decorative panels on the sides, top, and bottom.
Privacy Screens
If you want to section off part of a room for privacy, you can turn three or four old doors into a privacy screen. Attach the doors with decorative hinges and make sure they are all around the same size. You can paint, stain, or add decorations to the doors to suit your interior design.
Pot Racks
For extra storage space in the kitchen, consider hanging windows and doors as pot racks. For solid doors, screw in hooks to hang pots and pans, and use the top of the rack for storage. For windows and screen doors, replace the screen with a strong hardware cloth or chicken wire that will hold hooks and pots securely. Once you’ve attached the chains on each corner of the rack, anchor the chains properly to the ceiling.
Benches
Old solid wood doors are strong enough to be transformed into a bench and withstand people’s weight. Use two doors—one for the seat and one for the back. Glue and screw the two doors together at 90-degree angles and attach legs, or use smaller panels from the doors as end pieces that act as legs while holding the bench together.
For unique home décor ideas, consider these uses for old windows and doors. From storage to furniture, these pieces can be recreated to match any interior design while providing solid and functioning solutions for the home.