How to Make Farmhouse Window Picture Frames

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I recently purchased window frames for a DIY project. I wasn’t sure what I would do with them, but I knew I’d find a purpose. Taking old farmhouse windows and turning them into something else, is always fun. There are so many different things you can do with them!

Farmhouse Window Frame Projects

We had recently remodeled our downstairs bathroom and had a long wall with no decorations. I decided I wanted to use 2 of the window frames in there for decoration. At first I could not figure what to do with them. I put them in the bathroom and stared at them and decide what to do with them. This took several months.

make a mirror from a farmhouse window

I decided I wanted pictures put in them. I chose pictures that I had taken around our house and pictures from our travels.

What you’ll need:
wood window frame
stain/paint
polyurethane
photos (I prefer matte finish)
poster putty
hangers

getting started

You will want to use a window frame that has a sturdy structure and still has the glass in it (or put new glass in).

Clean the window and decide will you paint it or stain it. If you like the old crackled missing paint look keep it. If you want a smooth finish, sand and paint over it. I picked the side of the window frame that was stained. Using a stain that was similar in color to the cabinets, I stained the window frame and used a polyurethane that is good in wet areas (our project went in a bathroom where there is moisture). Apply at least 2 coats of poly.

Allow the stain and poly to dry. Install the hangers on the back. I like the saw tooth hangers.

Take your photos and decide which photo is going where. You could also take a large photo and cut into pieces to fit in the window panes.

Decide on the layout of your photos. The pictures will go on behind the glass. I have tried a few things to adhere the photos and found the post putty worked best for me. Tape did not work due to the humidity in the bathroom. Work the putty in your hands to get it warm. Put a good sized piece in each corner of the picture.

The putty may need to be replaced over time. Because our farmhouse picture frames are in the bathroom, they are around moisture and have required to have the putty replaced.

What pictures will you use in your window picture frame project?