Old windows are kind of captivating, in their own way. They can't be used in a house because their frames are too battered, the glass is single-paned, they're often the wrong size, or they might have other problems. But who wants to just throw them out? Think of how much they've seen, and how many people have seen through them.

The ever-resourceful people of Hometalk have come up with some very cool ways to use old windows in various craft, home improvement, and gardening projects.

Gardening cleverness

Blogger Somewhat Quirky of Grosse Point, Michigan needed a pergola. She had some old window frames. Problem solved! With help from some very basic framing, she tacked the frames together to make an innovative and intriguing pergola that will look smashing once it's covered in flowering vines. Her decision to use different sizes and paint colors gives the pergola a rustic, delightful feel; you can contact your own Minneapolis carpenter for help with a project like this.

North of the border, Anne in Canada made a miniature greenhouse from old windows. This little project doesn't require a lot of DIY skills and the result is totally charming -- it will also fit pretty much anywhere, including on a stoop, deck, or balcony, for those who don't have a great deal of room around the house. In addition to holding plants for practical purposes, Anne's greenhouse has a charming aesthetic that mkes it a delight to look at, thanks to the addition of small sculptures and other decorative items.

Home improvement, recycled style

Gail Aldridge of Missouri was struggling to come up with fencing materials she liked, and she came up with a very creative solution: old doors and windows. Using various vintage finds, she created a distinctive, one-of-a-kind fence with total rustic charm. Her decision to use colorful paints added a new layer of interest to the fence, and will help to seal the wood so it will be less prone to rot and other problems. 

Craft time

Miss Charming of Texas certainly has me charmed with this map window -- talk about windows on the world. All she did here was stick a vintage map behind a window and cover it with a colorful pennant, but the result is a really sweet and beautiful piece of art for her wall. If you're in the mood, you could periodically switch out the map, or use an erasable pen to draw itineraries, dream vacations, and more on the glass...

I LOVE window tables. Love. Them. Marty's Musings' window table here uses all recycled components for a beautiful display piece that can be changed with the seasons, her mood, or major events in her life. It also just makes for great storage. She kindly provided a tutorial for readers, so I might get inspired to finally make one of these for myself.

Jami started out using this window as a mantel decoration, which is a pretty familiar trick. But then, she decided to bring it to the next level, and she used paint to turn this window into a mirror; she'd discovered that big mirrors can be quite costly, but she wanted the look and feel of a mantel mirror. Now she has one, at a fraction of the price, and she loves the way it reflects the light of her room.

What are you doing with old windows?

Katie Marks writes for Networx.com.