There’s just something magical about taking something old and forgotten—like vintage windows—and turning it into a stunning piece of wall decor. If you’ve ever passed by a pile of discarded windows at a thrift store, flea market, or even a friend's renovation project and thought "I could do something with that!", well, you’re in the right place.

In this post, I’ll walk you through several ways to upcycle vintage windows using DIY decoupage, decorative transfers, and spray paint techniques. These simple, budget-friendly projects are great for seasonal decor or to add a unique vintage touch to your home year-round.

 Project 1: Vintage Window with Decoupage Paper

Let’s start with a timeless favorite—decoupage.

After laying the window flat, I began applying my DIY liquid patina. Don’t be shy with it—you want a liberal amount to help the decoupage paper really adhere. I rolled it flat using a brayer, working out the wrinkles as I went. The trick is to work in sections, especially for larger windows. I did one side first, then moved on to the other once it was laid down smoothly.

This particular paper was perfect for the window I was using. The soft, springy colors just brought it to life! I’ve linked the exact decoupage paper in the description if you want to grab the same one—it’s ideal for vintage windows or other large pieces you want to revamp.

Project 2: Using Transfers for a Farmhouse Look

Next up, I wanted to try something a little different with transfers. I had a large leftover transfer from a fall project—part of it featured a pickup truck, but I saved the rest for later. Lucky me, it turned out to be just right for this new spring-themed piece.

To start, I cleaned the glass with a razor blade and window cleaner. Then I spray-painted the back of the glass with Rustoleum flat white. You can brush it on if you prefer, but I find spray paint much easier and faster. Just make sure the glass is fully opaque—you don’t want any light shining through when it's on your wall.

For the front side, I applied the transfer in sections. This makes the large transfer easier to manage, especially if you're working solo. I made sure to line everything up so the design flowed naturally. These types of transfers stick beautifully to glass, so take your time and enjoy the process!

 Project 3: Floral Transfer Gallery Window

This one’s a showstopper. I used a floral transfer book that came with four sheets of gorgeous blooms and calligraphy—you better believe I was excited to use them.

First, I prepped my window: cleaned the caulk, removed stray paint with a razor blade, and gave the glass a gentle sanding. I also took off an old metal strip using pliers—it was easy to do and made the whole piece look cleaner.

Then, I spray-painted the back with Rustoleum Sand Dollar, a lovely neutral shade. Once dry, I laid out the transfer sheets, aligning them with the help of grid lines. My window had three panes, so I cut the transfer to fit each one, restarting the design in each new section to maintain the flow.

I used a little trick here: peel back a small portion of the white backing, press the transfer down, then slowly peel off the rest while smoothing it into place. It helps prevent wrinkles and misalignment. I continued working section by section until the whole window was done. The results? Simply stunning!

 Project 4: A Whimsical Botanical Theme

For this next window, I found a beautiful three-strip transfer with border lines that mimic a picture frame. Since I bought the window for $4.99 at the thrift store (score!), it was important to prep it properly. I removed the hardware and gave it a good cleaning and sanding.

After a couple coats of spray paint, I planned out the design. This transfer needed to be centered carefully because of the borders. I used the window’s center and the printed grid lines on the transfer to guide me. Cutting it down into strips made the application smoother, especially with the window's multiple panes.

Remember: go slow. Use a razor for clean cuts, and measure out your space before committing. Once it sticks, it sticks—so take your time lining things up. I finished this one by working from the center outward, applying each strip until the full design was in place.

if you also intrested in changing your backyard check our post about Modern Front Yard Makeover: From Messy to Minimal

 Not Just Windows: Picture Frames Work Too!

Now, if you can’t find vintage windows at your local thrift store or flea market—don’t worry! You can get the same look using large picture frames. They’re easier to find and still offer that glass surface perfect for painting and transfers.

Or, better yet, create a gallery wall with smaller frames! Add decoupage or floral transfers to each one, spray paint the backs, and voilà—you’ve got a beautiful wall feature that’s 100% youStyling Tip: Add a Shelf or Embellishment

Here’s a fun styling idea: I found a wired shelf at Goodwill for $6.99. I added a tiny nail to the top of one of the windows and hung the shelf from it. It’s such a cute, rustic touch that adds another layer of dimension. You can also hang wreaths, baskets, or signage for extra flair.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the ways you can transform old vintage windows into beautiful decor using decoupage, transfers, and a little paint. These are great for spring and summer, but honestly—they’ll look amazing year-round.

Next time you’re at a yard sale, thrift store, or know someone doing a home renovation, be on the lookout for windows. They’re often cheap (or free!) and can become something truly special with a bit of creativity.

Thanks so much for joining me today. I had so much fun working on these pieces, and I hope you walked away with plenty of inspiration for your own upcycled projects. Be sure to connect with me on social media—and I’ll see y’all next week with a brand-new DIY!

🛠️ Tools & Supplies Used:

• Rustoleum spray paint (Flat White & Sand Dollar)

• Floral transfer books (linked in description)

• DIY Liquid Patina

• Brayer roller

• Razor blade

• Damp rag

• Vintage windows or large frames

• Decoupage paper