Window Picture Frame-Gallery Wall Update

Do you love things like Window Picture Frames as much as I do? I am a sucker for all types of architectural salvage! I assume if you are here, you do too.

 There is something about sitting at my computer punching these keys that makes me feel like I am chatting with a friend. I see you there on the other side, coffee in hand (maybe it's evening and you've moved on to wine no judgement). I am going to show you how I took the most boring blank ginormous wall, which happened to be my living room wall & turned it around using an old Window as a Picture Frame in my gallery wall. I had scooped these windows up without knowing what I was going to do with them. They came from the demolition of an old house in San Francisco.

I cannot even believe I am sharing my before pics, I seriously lived with this blank slate for about 8 years before making it a priority. I had slapped a few random art pieces there over the years but hated them all. I even had a contractor out to discuss putting in windows to break the space up. He got to talking to my husband and told him it would create a glare on the TV. Not cool, I love windows & don't watch TV.

I start most projects with a vague idea of what I want & then sketch it out. You know how it is when you are self taught to do things. I have to plan, measure 87 times, draw it on paper, draw it on my wall and then execute and patch the oopsie holes as I go. It's a process, some have on the job training others have Blogs, YouTube, and blind determination.

Plan Window Picture Frame Placement

1. First I measured the entire wall space & divided by 2 to find the center.
2. Next I measured my windows and decided how far apart I wanted them.
3. I measured half of the distance I wanted them from each other and marked that off from center
4. Before I forget. I used D ring hangers rated at more than my windows weighed. I also used a Bulldog brand anchor to hang them from. I want to make sure they are not easily coming down.

Part of what I loved about these windows was that they were clear. I wanted my photos to float in the center of the window picture frame without any matting. It can be a challenge to get each photo perfectly centered. But, it is important to create those straight lines. I made what is called a jig in wood working. I assume it is called the same in paper working. It is just a measuring tool to simplify a repeatable process. 

First, I measured my window picture frame panes (8.25″h x11.25″w). Next I subtracted the size of my photos (5″h x 7″w). Then I divided the differences by 2 to get the center border for the photo. Once I had my numbers I mapped out my border onto a piece of card stock.

With the jig set up

• Spray re-positionable adhesive spray on to the card stock
• Use the guidelines to line your photo up on the jig
• Add clear, acid free glue dots on the corners of your photos
• Line the outer corner of your card stock jig up with the back of your window picture frame glass. 
• Put pressure from the back side of your card stock jig. The front of your photo and the glue dots will adhere to your frame glass. 
• Slowly peel your jig off of your photo. 

Tada! It is centered and you can do that 23 more times in this case.

We did also end up getting a new couch, and I built that coffee table. It is amazing how when you find the right pieces it all starts to fall into place. Come see how I built the coffee table here.

I love so many things in the space! Some are found treasures & a few are pieces I made. You can shop those here.

Domino Wall art

EE. Cummings quote art

I hope you found useful information and maybe a little inspiration from seeing how we did our window picture frames! Share in the comments below, I love hearing from you & know that I am likely sitting here with my coffee or wine in a coffee cup depending on the time of day {WINK}.