Alright, I’m pretty darn excited about this one my friends!!!
Y’all know how much I adore antiques! There’s just something about finding that unique piece with a story to tell, some history to it. I’ve been collecting all sorts of treasures for years now – knowing how special each and every find is and just waiting for the perfect chance to use it. I’ve got boxes, shelves and closets even (yes, closets with an “s”, as in more than one, as in MULTIPLE) piled with trinkets, treasures and amazing finds that I couldn’t possibly pass up. You see, here’s the thing about antiquing: like most all other forms of shopping, you don’t always know that you need something until you see it, but what makes shopping vintage a little bit different is that if you don’t scoop up that fabulous piece, someone else surely will. You just can’t count on that amazing find still being there tomorrow when you finally make up your mind. There’s no time my friends to think about things or sleep on it. Gosh no! You need to grab that one of a kind find and claim it as your own before somebody else does! Which is why I’m saving closets with an “s” full of lovely old treasures. Now you might think I’m being a tad melodramatic, but I’ll tell you, it’s the ultimate test for someone as indecisive as I am! I can’t think of a single shopping trip that I haven’t agonized over something that I wasn’t expecting to find, let alone NEED – even though I hadn’t really figured out a place for it in my home, I just don’t want to live another day without it in my life. Hubs thinks I’m absolutely mad, but I’m quite sure I’m not alone in this!
Luckily, this was not one of those times.
You see, one fateful day of shopping for nothing in particular, I discovered some lovely vintage windows at one of my very fave antique stores that I just couldn’t resist. Though I may not have a plan for everything that makes it’s way home with me and it’s true that I hadn’t exactly been looking for windows, I knew the instant I saw these beauties what I was going to do with them! It was like we were destined to be together! #youknowthefeeling
I brought these babies home for just $20 a piece and got straight to work painting them up with a few of my favorite colours from Country Chic Paint. As much as wanted to keep them for myself, I knew my Mom had been looking for an eternity for the perfect mirror to hang in her dining room to bounce around a bit of light in a windowless space. I also knew that if there was anyone else in the world that could love these pretty little windows as much as I did, it would be her. So, keeping her neutral loving colour palette in mind, I painted up the fronts of the windows with some “Simplicity White” to match her new kitchen table, but added a bit of “Refreshed” in all it’s minty glory to the sides for just a splash of colour.
Then, I simply drove them down to our local glass shop and had the boys remove the old glass and add replace it with mirror, which they secured to the frame with just a bit of silicone. The whole process cost me about $50 for both and took just a few hours.
I couldn’t possibly be more in love with how these turned out!
These vintage window mirrors not only help to bring some light to my Mom’s dining space, but she’s really so excited to have actual windows where there had been none at all. Brilliant, right? How had I not thought of this sooner?!
I’ve gotta say, I’m SO head-over-heels in love with this project that I’m already on the hunt for some gorgeous vintage windows for my own home!
PS. Find me sharing here, Remodelaholic and Savvy Southern Style.
Love how these turned out… they really did turn out beautiful…
Awwww, thanks SO much Tammy! I’m thrilled that you love them!
Sorry, this post was so disappointing. All it states is that you refinished the windows’ wooden frames. You took them to a professional place which actually CREATED the window mirror. That is NOT DIY. I expected instructions on how to attach the mirror to the frame YOURSELF.
I’m so sorry you’re disappointed Sandra. I had the glass shop install the mirror since I had to have them cut it anyway, but if you’d like to install your own mirror, this tutorial might be more helpful: https://www.familyhandyman.com/windows/window-repair/how-to-glaze-a-window-single-pane/view-all/. Again, I’m so sorry your disappointed, I hope this helps.
This is an excellent post. The photograph clearly illustrates what mirror windows can do for a space. This kitchen actually opens up.
Awwwww, thank you! I’m thrilled that you love them! You’re so right, it’s definitely made a huge difference to the space!
I am so doing this! I have had a window frame from the neighbors garage remodel for 6 years and this is what it was waiting for. Thanks for the inspiration girl!
Oh my gosh! I’m SO happy you’re feeling inspired Michelle! I cannot wait to find another perfect window (or 10) to transform again too!
These look amazing! This something I would make…..I have lots of vintage windows! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you Gilly! I’m thrilled that you love them and how lucky that you’ve got a ton of vintage windows stowed away to make a few!
These turned out so so nice. I know your mama is thrilled to have windows, now. 🙂 We, too, have a room with no windows…..
I am working on a draft on mirror windows and would love to feature yours …may I do this? And, may I use one of your photos, all this with a link back to you and your pretty blog.
Thanks so much….
[email protected]
Of course BJ, I am always thrilled to have my projects shared!!! I’m so happy you love them! Thanks SO much!!!
SO pretty, Kristi! It really brightens up that wall, and I’m sure the whole room1 I love vintage windows, and adding the mirror was so clever! 🙂
Thanks SO much Amanda! I still can’t believe the way it’s transformed her dining area!
I just LOVE these! They really do look like real windows and I can tell how much light they bring into the space. Totally digging that little pop of mint too! 🙂
Thank you Erica!!! I still can’t believe how they’ve transformed her space! Definitely need to make some for myself now too!
I love the statement these mirrors make on your mom’s wall. They have tons of charm and grace, I think. Great find!
Awwww, thanks SO much Rebekah!!! I’m absolutely thrilled with how they turned out too!
Awesome as usual, Kristi!! I love how there are two simple panes in each window… such character! 🙂
Thank you SO much Christina!!! I’m really so happy with how they turned out too!
I love how this turned out. Great pieces you can put anywhere in your home.
Thank you SO, SO much Vanessa!!! I cannot wait to make more!
Wow girl! They look amazing! You did a beautiful job on them and they really act like a window in that space bouncing all that pretty light around.
Awwww, thank you SO much Corinna!!! I’m thrilled that you love them as much as I do!
Such a great idea – it looks so rustic and cute. I love how it makes the space feel bigger and fresher! 🙂 A x
Thank you SO much Ashlea! I still can’t believe the way they fill the space with light!
Kristi the window mirrors came out great! I love all the detail and the paint finish, so pretty and unique for your mom’s space! Thanks for sharing them on Best of the Nest!
Thank you SO, SO much Lisa! I’m thrilled that you love them! I really couldn’t be happier with how they turned out!
These are so cute! I love how they turned out.
Thanks SO much Marie! They really do bring a ton of light and personality to the space!
Love how they turned out Kristi! I found some back in the fall and just love worn look of antique windows! I bet your Mom is SO happy to have you so close now and do stuff like this for her! xo
Awwwww, thanks sweet friend! It’s definitely nice to be home!!!
These are beautiful! They add such great character to the room – I love using old windows for DIY projects and decor!
Thank you SO much Jenna! I cannot believe how they’ve opened up the space and they definitely do it with some personality!
These look so nice. I’ve always seen these windows etched on or just hung up, never as a mirror before!
I’d love for you to join in on Talented Tuesday Link Party! It’s on the blog now! 🙂
Thank you SO much Kristina!!! I’ll definitely pop by!
What a great job you did! Really adds so much light! I will have to try this in the summer at our cottage where we have soooo many old window frames like these. I found you over at Hit Me With Your Best Shot!
Stephanie @ http://www.mommyzoid.ca
PS:Feel free to drop by my linkup which happens Wednesdays! It’s called the Ladies Collective Linkup. Hope to see you!
Thank you SO much Stephanie!!! This would look so lovely in a cottage! And thank you so much for invite, I’ll be sure to link up!
Great idea! We’ve got a few old windows stored out in our shed that would be perfect for this kind of project. You’ve inspired me ;o) Thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop at Katherine’s Corner. Hope to see you again this week! Nina @ Vintage Mama’s Cottage
Thank you SO much Nina! I’m SO thrilled that you’re feeling inspired!
I love how simple and elegant your mirrors are. I bet they would be to die for at christmas with simple wreaths or a great way to dress up any season really. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday. Pinning and sharing on FB!
Thanks SO much Rachel!!! I cannot wait to get them all decked out with all sorts of holiday swag!
What a brilliant way to make the space feel so much more bright and open! And the mirrors themselves look fab!! Thanks for linking up at The Creative Circle! I can’t wait to see what you have to share with us this week!
Awww, thank you SO much Angela! I’m thrilled that you love them as much as I do!
visiting from Pin Me linky…great idea. I’ll have to try it!
Thank you SO much Cheri! Happy Friday!!!
Those came out just beautifully, what a great idea!
Thank you SO much Jesica! I’m so happy you love them!
Hello! I found this post through The Shabby Nest’s party. The mirrors look great and go so well with your decor. It also makes the room look bigger and so open! I love them!
Awwwww, thank you SO much Ashley!!! I’m thrilled that you love them as much as I do!!! Happy weekend girl!
I’m loving this! You always bring such amazing things to our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight at 7. I can’t wait! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you Kimberly! See you there!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Sherry
Thanks SO much Sherry!
Great job on the window mirrors Kristi! They really do look like windows on the wall. I have a ton of old windows in a lean-to behind our barn. One of these days I want to make chalkboards out of them. Thank you for sharing it at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Blessings, Deborah
Thank you Deborah! Super jealous of your old window stash – I bet you’ll come up with a ton of great projects for them! Happy weekend!!!
So sweet of you to do them for your mom, Kristi, they’re perfect for that wall! Thanks so much for sharing at Best of the Nest!
Awww, thank you Pam! Have a great week!
I love old windows, I have so many of them, and I have two matching ones that I wanted to make into mirrors but I didn’t know how. Thank you for this post, I am going to uncover those windows right now!
That’s great Angela!!! I’m sure they will make beautiful mirrors!!!
Wow it really jazzes the room up, love ho you re created the mirrors to give then a vintage look! Thank you so much for sharing this great idea on Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
Cathy
Thanks SO much Cathy! It’s really great to see some “windows” now where there were none before!
Smart, smart – these look great! Thanks for sharing at the Pretty Preppy Party! xx, b @ being-blanca.com
Thank you SO much Brett!!!
I’m confused. It appears that the window you purchased is rectangular and the grid runs north-south. Your completed mirrors appear to be square and the grid runs east west. Does this mean you had the windows cut in half? Not sure if it’sjust the way they appear in the photos, but the frames across the top of your mirrors appear smaller than the frame along the bottom of the mirrors. So I’m wondering how much construction was actually needed to complete these. Your instructions sound like you simply painted frames and have someone pop out the glass and pop in the mirrors. It appears that there was more involved than that. Am I wrong?
Hi Tania, thanks for reaching out to ask. There was no extra work or cutting involved, the difference you’re noticing is simply the window turned on it’s side. The instructions are correct as written, I did simply paint the window frame and then took it to the glass shop to have the glass replaced with mirror. Hope this clears things up!
I think these are absolutely beautiful – but – I must have missed something somewhere. What did you do to them? Did you make them mirrors with spray paint? Or attach mirrors behind them? What?
OK – I see by the comment above mine how you did that. TY!
Oh good, I’m happy you found your answer. Thanks Jeannie!