Hold the door! Save that window! There are countless creative uses for old doors and windows in the garden. Have a look at these ideas for turning them into arbors, art, and decor.
Also see this gallery of garden arbors, trellises, and obelisks for more ideas.
Reusing Old Doors and Windows in the Garden
Doors and windows too leaky and creaky to be useful? Give them a new life in the garden.
Whether you like them rustic or painted, there are plenty of ways to use them as structures and art.
Here’s some ideas to get you started.
Lead Paint Check
Older windows, doors, and furniture painted in the 1970s or earlier may contain lead. If you do not know that status of your painted item, find out using a lead test kit (Amazon). If there is lead, follow your government’s safety instructions.
1Old Doors Converted into Garden Arch
This door arbor was created by Empress of Dirt reader Dawn and her husband. I think it’s particularly striking with the contrast of the painted doors and stained wooden top rails.
By contrast, this one (above) is made from old doors for a more rustic look.
2Mini Shed Made from Doors
This next one is from the book, Upcycling Outdoors by Max McMurdo.
The complete tutorial for making this mini potting shed from doors is here.
3Custom Garden Gate Doors
This obviously is not a junk find, but it’s a neat idea for defining different areas of the garden where privacy and security are not an issue. Note to self: always make these openings wide enough to fit any standard equipment you may need later. You can find fence inserts here on Amazon.
Related: Decorate a Fence with Faux Windows and Doors.
4Picture Frame Artist Easel
This idea started popping up in gardens a few years ago: take and old picture frame or window (without glass), a wooden easel, and create an art scene. This one has a floral painting on it but some use the see-through area to show the garden as the art.
Related: Gallery of Garden Art Easels
5Black Door with Mirror
This is a clever use of various pieces to create the look of a door with a window which is actually mirror.
Related: Garden Mirror Idea Gallery
6Bold Green Door with Flowers
Bold green door: this one was in a garden nursery:
7Stained Glass Window in the Garden
Related: Creative Garden Gate Ideas.
This is another smart idea for defining different spaces in the garden plus adding some color and interest.
8Mirrored Windows in the Garden
If a shed doesn’t have a window, create one with an old window frame and/or some mirrors. Here they’ve added shutters and a flower pot window box.
This one is from my garden.
Money Saving Tip
Use burlap instead of pre-formed coir to save money with hayracks and hanging baskets.
Related: DIY Creative Garden Planters (Upcycled)
9Optical Illusion Garden Mirror
Here I created an optical illusion garden mirror to look like an open door.
Next is the tiny version for my miniature garden:
Optical Illusion Art for Miniature Garden
Here’s a mirror on a brick patio wall:
10Brightly Painted Window Frame
Paint an old window and use it to add some interest to the garden. Easy!
11Window Frame Planted with Succulents
This was created by Alex Mitchell, author of the book, Gardening on a Shoestring.
See the DIY Framed Succulents tutorial here.
Vertical succulent planters have become very popular in recent years. The top one uses a picture frame. The bottom one is made with a window frame.
Ebook
25 Garden Art Projects & Ideas
by Melissa J. Will
Grab the top garden art DIY projects and tips from Empress of Dirt
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12Old window with Frosted Design
Broken window? No problem. The two remaining glass panes have an etched design to turn it into a garden art piece.
You can buy etched window films ready made or make your own (link goes to my affiliate account at Amazon.com) .
13Plain Window on Fence
Sometimes plain is best. This old window breaks up the monotony of the long wooden fence.
14Faux Doors and Windows
I saw these ones on a garden tour. They’re so nicely done!
See more here: Faux Doors and Windows on a Fence.
Or collect a bunch and make a greenhouse:
I used the leftover windows from this project for part of the lean-to greenhouse on the side of our covered patio:
15Plain window with Window Box and Garden Art
Here I used a plain window and dressed it up with a watering can, a moon face, and a window box.
16Old doors for Garden Gate
This was a favorite idea I saw on a garden tour.
Using barn door hardware (you can get it here), they hung two old doors to mark the entrance to the garden.
This style allows a nice wide entry point for getting equipment in and out, and the wood definitely adds old charm to an otherwise very modern looking garden.
Ebook
Seed Starting for Beginners
Sow Inside Grow Outside
by Melissa J. Will
NEW EDITION | Everything you need to get started with indoor seed starting for indoor and outdoor plants. Grow what you want—any time of year!
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17Old Door as Focal Point
I found this old farm door at the side of the road.
18Old Window with Shutters
This is from my garden. The window frame and shutters came from the garbage and thrift shop on a lucky day where the sizes matched perfectly.
19Old doors on Garden Deck
I took this photo on one of my first garden tours. These old salvaged doors launched my own garden junk fever.
20Bird-Inspired Repurposed Window Art
This piece was created by Barb Rosen of Our Fairfield Home and Garden.
21Paint It
Sometimes it just takes a coat of paint in a pretty color. Lean the door against a fence or wall and call it art. I do. Can you see me there?
Here’s an industrial convex mirror hanging on the side of a garage. I love these!
This shares how to safely use mirrors in the garden along with tips for choosing mirrors that withstand outdoor weather.
Ready for more inspiration? Rustic ladders make wonderful garden art.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛