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    Home » Repurposed Items » Gray Window Shelf

    Gray Window Shelf

    Published by Gail | Published May 31, 2022 | Updated December 8, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Step by step directions on how to repurpose a window by adding scrap wood pieces to turn it into a window shelf! Easy project to do in an afternoon. What color will you paint yours? #MyRepurposedLife #easy #window #project #repurposed #shelf #tutorial via @repurposedlife

    I needed a window shelf, well, I didn’t need one for myself—I needed one to sell in my Vendors’ Village booth. I’ve been selling a lot of items lately and the walls seem a little empty, so I thought “why not make an easy window shelf project”?

    Free Windows for Repurposing

    I got these free windows in August of 2015, and I think I’ve only used a couple for projects. I literally walked into the carport and grabbed the first window I saw.

    Configure Window Shelf

    window shelf dry fit
    Upcycled Window Shelf Project

    I cut a 1x6 to size and used some scrap pieces of lumber as corbels or braces.

    Yes—scrap pieces, because I don’t throw anything away.

    Using Drop Offs for Projects

    jigsaw-pergola-ends

    You can see where the braces came from in this picture of Rodney cutting out the arbor for the diy picket fence. I kept all the drop offs for future projects.

    How to Use a Combination Square

    I used my combination square to make sure the brackets matched on either side.

    Secure Window Shelf Brackets

    To attach the shelf to the brackets and the brackets to the window I used Gorilla Wood Glue and my Ryobi Nail Gun.

    If you don't have scrap wood to make your own brackets, you could use something like these metal brackets, or some wooden corbels from Amazon.

    Gray Chalk Paint

    heirloom traditions gray days chalk type paint

    I went to look for a great color for painting the easy window shelf, and settled on Gray Days from Heirloom Traditions Chalk Type Paint.

    You can see I used a well-loved cheap chip brush to apply the paint. I used some clear wax from HTP and a carwash sponge to apply the wax.

    I had to scrape the old paint off the window, and it was a mess. Scraping the white paint off the window panes caused little dusty particles of paint to get all over the painted window. Note to self: next time scrape the window before painting it.

    Add D Rings for Hanging Window Shelf

    d-rings

    As always, I used my favorite d rings on the back of the window in order to hang the new window shelf. (I forgot to take a picture, but these are the d rings I always use)

    gray window shelf easy project

    I purchased some single hooks from D. Lawless Hardware to make some more  But First, Coffee signs. I never got around to making more, so I used them on this window shelf. I've also used these vintage looking metal hooks. I used an emery board to lightly distress the paint.

    Please Save & Share on Pinterest

    easy window shelf project MyRepurposedLife.com

    So, here it is staged on my privacy fence for kitchen use. I think it would be great to use for coffee cups and small knick knacks.

    25 DIY repurposed window ideas MyRepurposedLife.comI love making projects out of old windows, and I’ve even made some shelves before, but not quite like this one.

    If you have some old windows hanging around, get  more inspiration with these repurposed window project ideas.

    What have you made out of a window?

    gail

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    1. p

      September 11, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      p.s. ....
      I just scrolled thru your old window projects. (again)
      Soooo many cute ideas ! Truly inspiring !!!
      Wishing I had more old windows to work with.
      Thanks for sharing.
      p

      Reply
    2. p

      September 11, 2022 at 12:08 pm

      Thanks for sharing Gail 🙂 The shelf and 'corbels' are such a cute addition.
      Your process details are very helpful.
      I Do love old windows. I had an old cape cod in IL that needed new windows. I brought my old window stash with me to CO. So glad I did. I used several to make cabinets for my craft room (my fav place). So pretty to have fabrics, paints, and stuff peaking thru the windows. I find it inspiring.
      Your shelf design will surely be on my To Do list. 🙂
      p

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        September 13, 2022 at 10:01 pm

        Thank you so much! I truly appreciate you stopping by to check out my window projects. I love that you took those windows with you when you moved. That's definitely something I would do. It's awesome to have something from your former home in your new home.
        I'm always here if you need anything!
        gail

    3. girlfromwva

      May 31, 2022 at 9:54 pm

      love it! the color and finish is fantastic. great job!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        June 04, 2022 at 9:45 pm

        Thank you Nova!
        gail

    4. Cindy

      June 06, 2016 at 3:04 am

      Amazing , time travel! You've already got the windows in Aug 2016!!!! Lol Can't wait to see what else you make before you get the Windows ! ????

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        June 06, 2016 at 8:31 am

        good catch on that typo! 🙂

        and sometimes I wonder if anyone really READS my post. Thanks for making me smile this morning.

        gail

    5. Betsy

      June 01, 2016 at 10:59 am

      I sure wish I could find a stash of old windows! LOVE your creation, Gail!

      Reply
    6. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      May 31, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      Cute and functional - a winning combination! Featured at Be Inspired this morning. Thanks so much for sharing, Gail!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 31, 2016 at 8:58 pm

        yay! thank you for the feature Sharon! 🙂 That makes me smile.

        gail

    7. Mindi

      May 24, 2016 at 11:13 pm

      So cute Gail! I love window projects, and your scraps are perfect for this, you could make a ton! 🙂

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 25, 2016 at 10:30 am

        Mindi,

        I know you have a great appreciation for saving scraps and not throwing anything out!

        gail

    8. Debbie @ Refresh Restyle

      May 24, 2016 at 8:03 pm

      Love it Gail! I have a thing for windows 😉 pinned it for later!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 25, 2016 at 10:29 am

        Thanks for pinning Debbie.... I definitely have a "thing" for windows. I have so many in my stash, I could easily make every project in that Window Projects Roundup!

        gail

    9. Melissa's Antiques

      May 24, 2016 at 9:17 am

      Turned out great!

      Reply
    10. Malissa - Southern Sawdust

      May 24, 2016 at 9:08 am

      I would love this in my bathroom! I never considered adding a shelf! How clever you are! Thanks for the idea!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 25, 2016 at 10:28 am

        I wish my bathroom had a place for this window shelf... ohhh wait! I could put it over the toilet. I might have to see how that looks Malissa! thanks for the input!

        gail

    11. Anne

      May 24, 2016 at 7:44 am

      LOVE!!! I enjoy all the posts on your blog but the ones you create yourself are always the best.

      Have a great day Gail!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.com

        May 24, 2016 at 8:33 am

        Thank you so much Anne! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. Headed over to pay you a visit and catch up!

        gail

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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