Old doors and windows are wonderful in the garden. Have a look at these ideas to use doors or windows in landscaping. They can be used as garden doors or creative outdoor art.
If you would like more ideas for garden arbors, trellises, obelisks, and other structures, I’ve got a photo gallery here. Plus, see the window greenhouse I made here (free instructions).
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.
1. Old 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.
2 Mini 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.
3. Custom 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.
4. Picture 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
5 Black 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
6 Bold Green Door with Flowers
Bold green door: this one was in a garden nursery:
7 Stained 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.
8 Mirrored 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. TIP: I use burlap instead of coir to save money with hanging baskets.
9 Optical 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:
10 Brightly Painted Window Frame
Paint an old window and use it to add some interest to the garden. Easy!
11 Window 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.
12 Old 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) .
13 Plain Window on Fence
Sometimes plain is best. This old window breaks up the monotony of the long wooden fence.
14 Faux 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:
15 Plain 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.
16 Old 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.
17 Old door as Focal Point
This is a really simple way to hide an eyesore in the garden and create a focal point: put a door there. This one is from Empress of Dirt Facebook reader Susan.
18 Old 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.
19 Old 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.
20 Bird-Inspired Repurposed Window Art
This piece was created by Barb Rosen of Our Fairfield Home and Garden.
21 Paint It
I found this old farm door at the side of the road.
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 plus my tip for mirrors that can withstand the weather.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
