From Old Windows to New Greenhouse

A DIY journey to a magical space.

- Stephanie Leleux

Building a greenhouse has been a long-time dream for me and my husband, Skip. Over the past few years, we've been continuously thrifting and collecting materials that could bring this dream to life. Our goal was to not only create a space that was functional for germinating seeds and nurturing plants for our garden, but also to serve as a peaceful escape for outdoor dining and entertaining. This year, through creativity and hard work, we turned our dream into a reality, building a greenhouse that has practical functionality and nostalgic charm. We learned so much through this DIY journey, and I'm sharing these helpful tips to guide you through the process!

FINDING YOUR MATERIALS

Reused: Reusing old materials is an environmentally friendly choice that adds architectural detail and personality to any garden. Our search began with the hunt for the perfect windows. Flea markets, estate sales and salvage yards are treasure troves for vintage windows. Look for ones with character-peeling paint, unique patterns, or even a bit of old hardware still attached. Remember, imperfections add character, so don't shy away from windows that show a bit of history. Many of the windows we thrifted had broken glass panes, 22 to be exact, but they were easy to repair using glass from other thrifted windows.