Domakihub Upcycle Old Windows Into Stylish Home Decor
Turn salvaged window frames into mirrors, photo displays, and charming wall art.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 5 min read
Old shutters and window frames are everywhere in Greece, from village houses to renovated city flats, and they are too charming to throw away. The video above shows several upcycled window projects in action, and this guide walks you through the steps and ideas to recreate them safely at home. Whether it is a private home, a holiday rental, or a boutique hotel, a reclaimed window adds instant character without a big budget.
Why old windows make great decor
Reclaimed wooden window frames carry a patina that new materials cannot fake. The weathered paint, hand-blown glass, and old joinery give a room warmth and a sense of history, which is exactly the look many guests expect from a Greek island home or a stone-built kitonia.
Beyond the looks, upcycling is practical. A single frame can become a mirror, a photo gallery, a serving tray, or a herb shelf, so one piece of salvage solves several decorating needs at once and keeps usable timber out of the skip.
Before you start: safety and prep
Windows from buildings painted before the 1980s may carry lead paint, so do not dry-sand them indoors. Wipe with a damp cloth, work in a ventilated space, wear gloves and a mask, and use a lead-safe encapsulating primer if you are unsure.
Check the glass too. Loose or cracked panes should be removed and replaced with safety film, acrylic, or left empty. For rentals and hotels, secure every frame firmly to the wall with proper anchors so nothing can fall on a guest.
Five ways to upcycle an old window
- 1
Window-pane mirror
Remove the glass and fit mirror panels cut to each opening, or apply mirror film to the existing panes. The grid of small mirrors bounces light around dim hallways and small apartments, a classic trick for brightening Greek interiors with deep-set walls.
- 2
Multi-photo display
Leave the panes in place and clip or tape prints behind each section, or stretch twine across the back and peg up photos. It turns a single frame into a gallery wall for family pictures, or a menu and welcome board in a rental entrance.
- 3
Herb and succulent shelf
Mount the frame against a wall and add a narrow timber shelf along the bottom rail. Line up small terracotta pots of basil, oregano, and rigani for a fragrant kitchen feature that suits balconies and courtyards perfectly.
- 4
Chalkboard or message centre
Paint one or more panes with chalkboard paint to create a writable surface framed by the original wood. Hotels and rentals can use it for the daily forecast, breakfast hours, or local tips; homes get a tidy family planner.
- 5
Glazed serving tray or coffee-table top
Cut a smaller frame down, add two drawer handles, and place a printed map, fabric, or pressed flowers under the glass. Seal the edges and you have a sturdy decorative tray or a charming small tabletop with a protected display inside.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Get a vetted handyman pro in your city — one number, booked in EN/EL/DE.
FAQ
- Where can I find old windows in Greece?
- Look at salvage yards, building-renovation skips (with permission), village house clearances, flea markets like Monastiraki, and online marketplaces. Many renovations replace timber frames with aluminium, so the old ones are often given away free.
- How do I clean and protect a weathered frame?
- Wipe with a damp cloth rather than dry-sanding, treat any woodworm with a suitable product, then seal with clear matte varnish or wax to lock in the aged look. If you want a fresh finish, use a lead-safe primer before painting.
- Is this suitable for a holiday rental or hotel?
- Yes, reclaimed windows add the authentic local character guests love. Just fix every piece securely to the wall with proper anchors, replace or film any loose glass, and keep sharp edges and old hardware safely smoothed or removed.