Before & After: DIY Leaded Glass Window Restoration (Plus a Fun Auction Story!)
When my sister told me she was driving all the way to Chicago to pick up some leaded glass windows she found on eBay, I thought she was a little nuts — but in the best possible way. You know that feeling when you spot something so special, you’re willing to do just about anything to get it home? That was her.
She came back with two sets: different sizes, each one full of that old-world sparkle that makes my vintage-loving heart sing.
A little while later, she realized she only needed one set. And to my complete shock (and pure joy!), she handed the other set over to me. I could hardly believe it. I about jumped out of my skin with excitement and nearly tackled her with a big sister hug right there on the spot.
Bringing old leaded glass back to life
The moment they came home withe me, I started daydreaming about where I might use them. My mind spins in a million directions when I bring home a new-to-me treasure. But before I got too carried away, they needed some TLC.
I gave the glass a good cleaning with my trusty Mrs. Meyer’s glass cleaner (lavender scent is my favorite — it makes the whole house smell like a calm summer afternoon instead of a harsh chemical factory which gets my lungs in a tizzy). For the wooden frames, I went in with Murphy’s Oil Soap, followed by Old English to bring out that deep, rich warmth in the wood. Watching tired old wood wake up again is one of my absolute favorite parts of these projects — like it’s stretching after a long nap.
The magic of leaded glass
Leaded glass windows have such a timeless charm. They remind me of old cottages and historic libraries — they catch the light in the most magical way. There’s something about that gentle sparkle that makes a house feel like it has stories to tell.
Beyond their beauty, these windows are also pieces of history. Before large, clear panes were possible, craftspeople used small pieces of glass joined by lead came. Each ripple and bubble tells a story of a different era.
All the possibilities: repurposing vintage windows
I thought about using them as decorative wall hangings, or maybe as an unexpected piece hanging over our window in the kitchen. I’ve even seen folks turn leaded glass into stunning headboards, garden trellises, or outdoor porch decor.
In the end, I landed on a plan that makes my heart flutter every time I think about it: I want to use these windows as cabinet doors in our kitchen remodel. We have a space above the refrigerator that’s just begging for character. I picture storing my collection of glassware and hobnail pieces inside — soft morning light filtering through the glass, a peek at my favorite treasures, and a wink of vintage charm greeting me every day... ahhhhh.
Driving for antique pieces with my sister (and my very patient husband)
Speaking of unexpected treasures…
My sister, my husband, and I went to an auction together several years ago. This memory came to mind when I thought of her jaunt over to Chicago for windows. I spotted a china cabinet that thought to myself, I need this piece. Without skipping a beat, I started bidding — and my husband had no idea I was doing it! He was sitting beside me looking around, and sees my arm go up. He asks, what are you doing? My reply? Bidding on that china cabinet, I want it! Let’s just say he was a bit surprised when I announced we had won and it was time to figure out how to get it home.
The cabinet was so big, my sister had to sit on my lap for over an hour on the drive back. We were squished together, giggling like kids, trying not to think too hard about how numb our legs were getting.
When it was time to load up, someone offered to help my husband load it. After they finished, that same fellow turned around and asked my husband to help him load an even larger cabinet into his own vehicle. My husband still laughs about it — he says the guy really knew what he was doing: offer help first, then ask for help right back!
That cabinet now lives happily in our dining room, another piece that holds stories of adventures, laughter, and maybe a little bit of mischief.
How to clean and restore vintage windows
If you’ve ever thought about rescuing old windows, don’t be intimidated. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up:
Start with a gentle cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage old glass. I swear by Mrs. Meyer’s lavender glass cleaner — it smells like a summer garden and works beautifully.
Check for loose pieces. Old lead came (the strips holding the glass together) can loosen over time. Be gentle and inspect carefully.
Condition the wood. Murphy’s Oil Soap is my go-to for getting rid of grime, and Old English helps revive tired wood.
Take your time. Rushing can lead to cracked glass or chipped frames — and you want to preserve all that vintage character.
Thank you, sis!
I still can’t believe my sister gave me these beautiful leaded glass windows. Every time I look at them, I feel a little burst of gratitude and excitement for the future kitchen project they’ll star in.
I may not always know exactly where a piece will end up right away — sometimes it’s a long game of moving it from room to room, living with it a bit, and letting it whisper where it wants to go. But I always know it will find its perfect place in the end.
What's to come next?
What I did not mention is I have already had a mock up created for how these windows will look in our kitchen when the rehab is completed. We are taking our kitchen back in time. Now, everyone is different, but us? We do not care for new kitchens in older homes.
We like charm, and character, and all the feels antique and vintage pieces give us. We want that old kitchen to resemble what a cottage kitchen should look like. I do wish I could have seen the original kitchen in place. Although we have many pieces of the original kitchen in our basement, I cannot for the life of me figure out how it was configured? So here goes, a little sneak peek of what our plan is:
Don't they look dreamy above this fridge? I think so too! I want the cabinet to be the same depth of the fridge, not a small cabinet that sits way back from the refrigerator. This gal has been plans, I just need to find the right person to make these vintage kitchen dreams come true.
I admit, I would prefer a cabinet front fridge, but we're cutting costs, and a paneled fridge to look like cabinets will be out of the budget. I have not figured out if the fridge should have panels all the way to the floor yet or not though. Inquiring minds want to know. Of course, everything will boil down to who does the work, and what will our budget allow.
What would you do with vintage windows?
Would you have turned them into cabinet doors too? Or do you have another idea? I love hearing your creative takes — share in the comments below!
And if you’ve ever bid on a surprise piece at an auction (or ended up driving home with your sister on your lap!), I want to hear all about it.
Ciao,
Cara
