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Easy Window Project Fireplace Decor

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This easy window project will decorate your fireplace when it’s not in use. I updated the facade of my fireplace many years ago. It’s no longer a working fireplace, but I’m okay with that. I recently shared some spindle candlesticks for my fireplace. I’ve used a shutter fireplace screen for the last couple of years. After seeing a pretty fireplace screen from my friend Diane (In My Own Style) on Pinterest, I knew it was time for a change.

Easy Window Project

Easy Window Project Fireplace Decor

It just so happened that I had everything I needed on hand.

Supplies for Fireplace Window

stash of old windows

First, I went to the window department in the wood shed. My fireplace box is really, really large. It measures about 32 x 36. I didn’t have a window that large, so I chose the best suited size I had on hand.

What you will need to make this easy window project:

  • Window
  • Paint
  • Small wooden brackets (4)
  • Sandpaper
  • Scraper
  • Paint
  • Painter’s Caulk
  • Spray Paint
  • Screwdriver

Luckily, I had all of this on hand. It’s one of the perks of being a junk collector!

Clean The Window

clean old window for easy project

Because the window had been stored in the woodshed, it was pretty dirty and dusty.

spray window with hose

I used a hose to knock off the dirt and then a rag to dry it.

Remove hardware and more

remove hardware and rope from window sash

Removing the hardware and rope pulls before painting your window is best.

Tip for storing hardware

don't lose hardware while working on project

How often have you misplaced hardware while working on a project? I’ve lost stuff many times. I’ve learned to be more careful with knobs and handles. While working on this easy window project, I wanted to ensure that my hardware wasn’t misplaced.

Scrape or Sand Away Old Paint

scrape or sand old paint

Old windows may have layers of old paint. Use caution; use a lead paint test kit if you suspect lead paint.

kitchen island craft work station

Here’s a sneak peek into my kitchen island. It doesn’t hold the regular cooking utensils, but all the tools I need for a quick project done in the kitchen. It’s been too hot to work outdoors.

Paint Easy Window Project

paint old window easy fireplace screen projectOld windows are notorious for having less-than-perfect glazing. To make it less noticeable, I chose to paint onto the glass. I chose a nice Purdy paint brush for the job.

Small Wooden Brackets

small thrift store bracketsI got a great deal on these wooden brackets before Vendors closed. I’ve been waiting for the perfect project! They were already white, but I gave them a fresh coat to ensure they matched the fireplace window.

Spray Paint Hardware

spray paint easy window project

Due to windy weather, I had to place the hardware in a cardboard box to use the spray paint. I really liked how the original black hardware looked, so I decided to stay with the contrasting black.

Scrape Paint from Window Project Glass

scrape paint from window glass

A razor blade made scraping the new paint off the window pane a breeze. I only painted the front side of the window. The glazing wasn’t worth disturbing.

Painter’s Caulk Improves Look of Window Pane

window pane before and after caulk

After scraping the paint off the window, the old glazing was showing through the back. I used a small bead of painter’s caulk in the joint where the window meets the trim.

Install/Adjust Wooden Brackets

install small wooden brackets

The small wooden brackets were easily installed. I like that these brackets are adjustable. More about that later. Diane chose to install her brackets a little differently. I found that the way the screws are installed on the window frame makes the brackets adjustable. The four brackets were installed identically, but then when I placed the window into the fireplace, it was off-kilter. Therefore, I had to adjust the front brackets.

installing wooden brackets on window

Let’s see if I can explain it. The length the screw travels in the little track is dependent on how much the screws stick out from the window.

adjust window bracket

Notice how the front brackets extend a little past the window frame. I suppose I could have raised the back braces instead of lowering the front ones.

Easy Window Project as a Fireplace Screen

easy window project for the fireplace MyRepurposedLife

So, it’s not really a fireplace screen but more of a decorative option when your fireplace isn’t operational or in use. I’m so happy with how it turned out.

turn an old window into a new fireplace screen for an unused fireplace MyRepurposedLife

Won’t you share it on Pinterest with your friends?

Do you have windows in your stash? As you saw in the picture, I still have a lot to use for more projects!

gail

See more fabulous window projects here

11 Comments

  1. Beth,

    Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

    good luck, keep me posted!
    gail

    1. Beth,

      Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

      good luck, keep me posted!
      gail

  2. Beth,

    Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

    good luck, keep me posted!
    gail

    1. Beth,

      Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

      good luck, keep me posted!
      gail

  3. Beth,

    Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

    good luck, keep me posted!
    gail

    1. Beth,

      Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

      good luck, keep me posted!
      gail

  4. Beth,

    Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

    good luck, keep me posted!
    gail

    1. Beth,

      Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

      good luck, keep me posted!
      gail

  5. Beth,

    Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

    good luck, keep me posted!
    gail

    1. Beth,

      Thanks for stopping by and asking such a great question! I always suggest that my friends ask THEIR friends. If you’re on facebook, write a post update asking friends and family if someone has a window or knows anyone who does. Many people have this stuff laying around and don’t know how to get rid of it. If you ask online and in real life, I bet someone can put their hands on a window for you. Now, it might not be the right size, but you will at least have a window to make a project. Maybe one of these projects will inspire you . . . https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/13-repurposed-window-projects-bakers/

      good luck, keep me posted!
      gail

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