I have a great new project to share with you today, friends! I love all my projects. But I am really excited about this one! I am showing you how to turn a vintage window into a mirror. And you can do it with very few supplies and steps.
It is rare to find wooden windows in modern homes anymore, let alone vintage ones. And while the energy efficient windows available today are fabulous for many reasons. They just don’t have the character of their ancestors.
But! Even though beautiful functioning windows may be a thing of the past, it doesn’t mean we can’t find other ways to bring them back into our homes! Learn how to turn a vintage window into a mirror and you have a unique way to bring a vintage window new life. And you will also have a fabulous addition to your vintage or rustic decor!
How to Turn a Vintage Window into a Mirror
I first shared this project as a mini-tutorial on TikTok and was absolutely delighted when it took off and was seen by a ton of viewers! I knew that if TikTok users loved it, then many of you would too. So I had to turn it into a blog post for you!
You can check out the video if you want to (I’ve included it below). But I have also written out all the supplies and step for you. That way you can refer back to the instructions as you go instead of having to re-watch the video if you have questions.
Where to Find Old Windows
If you live in an older house, especially one that has been in your family for generations, you may only have to poke around your own place to find a window for this project. Most of us will have to look a little further afield to find ours. But they are much easier to find than you might think! Below are some great places to check!
Vintage Markets
You know I love to wander the vintage markets. And you can definitely find some fabulous windows here. While looking for your other treasures, you can keep an eye out for booths that sell windows. Some of the ones you will find at vintage markets are pricier though.
This is because some of them are works of art in themselves. If this is the kind of base you are envisioning, then by all means, grab one that you fall in love with. The window that I used for my mirror was just a run of the mill variety. And those you can pick up pretty cheaply other places.
Habitat for Humanity Restores
I’m sure you have heard of Habitat for Humanity and the wonderful homes that they provide. But did you know that part of their funding comes from the Restores that they have throughout the United States? They take donations (much like Goodwill) and then sell the gently used items to the public.
One of the things that I love most about the Habitat for Humanity stores is that they have more than the normal household items that you would find at a resale shop. They also receive donations leftover from local building and renovation projects.
So you can find great things like old windows and other pieces of vintage homes! And, depending on your area, the prices are often super low. If you have a Restore in the area and love looking for fun finds, I highly recommend checking yours out!
Best part? Everything you buy goes to a wonderful cause! It’s a win win, for sure!
Garage and Estate Sales
We all know that you can find treasures at garage and (especially) estate sales. You may have to wade through a lot of stuff that you don’t need or want. But it can be so worth it when you find something that is perfect for you.
You may stumble across a few old windows while out garagesale-ing this season. And now you will know just what to do with them!
How to Turn a Vintage Window into a Mirror Supply List
- Vintage window with the glass intact
- Drop cloth (or other protective layer)
- Glass cleaner
- Paper towel
- Mirror Effect by Rustoleum
How to Turn a Vintage Window into a Mirror Instructions
- Start by choosing the side of the window that you want facing out. It may be the side in better shape. Or the side with more character. Whichever you like best, that’s the one to go with! Just keep in mind that you will be painting the side of the glass that will hang on the wall. (Don’t worry, I will remind you when we get to that point!)
- Then use the glass cleaner to clean the glass well.
- Next, lay out a drop cloth or other protective layer outdoors. As with all spray paint, it is important to work in a well ventilated, outdoor space.
- Place your window with the “nice” side facing down. You should be working on the side opposite of the one that you want facing out. (See, I promised I’d remind you!)
- Then gently spritz the glass cleaner onto the window. Don’t wipe it off, this will give your mirror the spotted look of an aged mirror.
- While the mirror is still wet, coat it with the Mirror Effect spray paint. Allow the paint to dry.
- Then repeat the process for a second coat. Spritz with the glass cleaner again. Then add another coat of the mirror paint. Allow the paint to dry and decide if you need a third layer of coverage or not.
- Finally, give it one last coat of the mirror paint and you’re almost done!
- Attach hanging hardware to the back of the window mirror and find a spot to hang it!
The Wrap Up!
And that’s it, friends! A few supplies and a few steps is all you need to turn a vintage window into your own treasured mirror. I, of course love the vintage look. So I used the glass cleaner to make my mirror look spotty and aged.
But, if you would rather have a cleaner look, you can absolutely skip the glass cleaner step. You would simply add straight coats of the mirror paint until you are happy with the coverage. Just allow it to dry between each coat. And then once more after your final coat.
I would love to see how you use these window mirrors in your own home. So if you post any pictures of yours on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!
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