Hey creative friends! Today I’m sharing a re-do of an old project I did years ago (before my blogging days) using an old window for outdoor patio lighting. It’s super cute, and it’s a great way to repurpose old windows while adding some vintage charm to your space. I call it my window chandelier!
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Old Windows – Perfect DIY Outdoor lighting Features
It all started with this old window I found at a flea market. At the time, I had no clue what I would do with it, but hey, it’s a vintage window. So I bought it, and then I flipped it into a cool lighting feature on my covered patio.
SUPPLY LIST:
- vintage window (with or without glass)
- string lights
- staple gun
- chalk mineral paint
- screening material (optional)
- eye hooks
- decorative chains
OPTIONAL
To start with, we have lots… I mean, LOTS of flying bugs in Texas, and the ones that cause me the most trouble is dirt daubers. I decided that if I were going to use old windows with the glass intact, I would need to add netting or cover for the back. We had some leftover screening material, so I stapled that to the back to keep my window clean. This step is totally optional.
I used hooks on all four corners and attached decorative chains. This will be how I hang my chandelier window from my patio ceiling. The length of the chain is up to you, and how much you want the lighting fixture to hang down.
Giving Old Windows A Fresh Look
To freshen up this window, I decided to go lighter. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE this vintage green, but my patio ceiling is a bit dark, and you’ll see what I mean later in the post. I painted the window frame with 2 coats of chalk mineral paint (cotton) and allowed it to dry. I didn’t use a topcoat because I wanted that matte vintage look. You can use Gator Hide to Seal the paint, but it’s not necessary.
And I painted it right where it stood! And I may or may not have cleaned the window before painting. 🙂
When I say this was an easy outdoor project, I mean outdoor! To add to the already vintage look, I did not tape off or worry about getting paint on the window panes. That’s just character! This is the way my Grandpa painted. LOL
Adding String Lights To Old Windows
I LOVE everything about this! String lights, old windows, and paint. What could be easier than this project on a sunny Spring day? And, of course, you know the rest. I added string lights and secured them with a stapler being careful not to staple through the cord. I used a 25 ft strand and did 2 laps around my window chandelier for extra lighting.
The next step is to hang them! I had some help in that department because hello… electricity is not my thang. Although I can be “shocking”… well, that’s what Mr. Honey Do would say. 🙂
We ran an extension cord from an outdoor plug under the patio for instant lighting. And my sweet man also hooked them up to a dimmer switch—mood lighting.
Old Windows Make Beautiful Patio Lighting
Isn’t it cute? I love the clean look with the round bulbs. It was the one thing on my back patio no one saw, but they will now! Of course, I could have purchased some fancy-schmancy outdoor lighting, but it wouldn’t be me. THIS is me!
Thanks for joining me today, and I would love nothing better than to hear about your old windows and how you repurposed them. I love sharing with you, but I do get inspiration from others as well.
Until the next project… xo, Do
Wow Do this is soooo cute I must make me one. Thank you for sharing. ❤️🥰
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed my windows lights. Have a blessed day. 🙂
Thanks so much Do for adding this project to your Blog!! I absolutely love it and think it will make a great addition to the Gazebo my Husband just built me for Mother’s Day. Thank you for all the details! Especially adding the screen I wouldn’t have thought of that! Have a blessed day!
You got a Gazebo for Mother’s Day??? What an amazing gift! I can see it now. You got to send me a pic when you get it done. I’m so happy for you. 🙂 xo
Hi Do Dodson! I hope you are well. This is an awesome idea. I have never seen this done before. I have an old window with the chippy paint and all and I think I will use one of the IOD transfers and put it in my booth. Thank you for sharing this awesome idea.
Hi Cheryl! I’m doing well. I’ve seen those transfers used on windows, and it’s another great way to utilize those vintage windows. Take care, my friend. 🙂 xo
Last fall we had 15 windows replaced (that’s 30top and bottoms). It wasn’t until they were gone that I might be able to use some of them. Oh well – so it goes I am sure that I can find some.
Have a great day while I think about that.
Isn’t that how it always goes??? I have done this too many times to count. I could kick myself. But like you said, there’s a lot still out there just waiting to be repurposed. 🙂 xo
This is so perfect. We had a water front Sears cottage for years. We reached the original windows. I have sold many but kept 4. One for me and one for each of my children. This is exactly what one of them.would love. Looks like I ha w a Christmas present to work on. Thanks.
This just warms my heart What a special gift that will be. 🙂 xo
I love your idea with the lights! I have an old window that will be perfect for this.
Just wanted to say when I first started reading, I had to laugh about what you said. My 9 year old grandson wanted to know why I was wearing dirty clothes again. I told him my clothes were clean, they were just full of paint!
My favorite customized designer outfit. 🙂 xo
Really nice job! Such a great idea. I would never have thought it up on my own! Thank you!
Isn’t it fun to find new creative ideas? Thanks for your kindness. I appreciate you. 🙂 xo
Fabulous you have given me some good ideas now😊
Hi Suzanne, I’m so glad you liked it. It’s a fun project and functional. 🙂 xo
Do!
I have had a window in my garage for years. You are the best. You are also an Enabler ’cause I now collect old furniture and “stuff” to work on. I need a bigger garage. Keep going
🙂 You’re welcome! Ha! It’s assuring when others affirm their same affliction. xo
Love this idea! Going to copy definitely!
Would you mind if I asked how y’all covered your wood frame patio area? It looks like you have some sort of plastic/corrugated material fastened to keep the area dry…?
Thank you!
Hi Tracey! You’re welcome. 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it.
My patio is covered with 3 separate pergolas, with the center one (10 ft) overlapping the 2 on each end. It was uncovered for a few years but we decided to add the top because of the summer sun in Texas. It was the right decision.
This is a great project Do! It’s so unique 😊
Thanks, Cindy! It is definitely unique. But then again, so am I. 🙂 xo
Love this idea, Do. Looks great!
Isn’t this fun? I’m thinking I need to make another one. I left this one at the old house when we moved. Thanks for stopping by, Tammy. 🙂 xo