Tour a Greenhouse Made From Upcycled Windows

See how salvaged building materials were repurposed into a large, walk-in greenhouse.

May 28, 2021

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

The Backside of the Garage

We love this charming greenhouse attached to the back of the home's garage. It was built inexpensively from salvaged windows, a dumpster-dive door, recycled lumber, an old clawfoot tub and other repurposed building supplies. Because it is attached to the home, electricity and water were easily run to the greenhouse, making it convenient to water the plants and control the climate when needed.

Red Door

This door was a dumpster-dive find that went from trash to treasure with minimal effort. It was given a fresh coat of paint, and then a vintage knob and a quirky pig-shaped door knocker were added.

Window Walls

The framing of the structure was built to accommodate the various rows of reclaimed windows. The cobblestone floor is warmed by the sun then radiates heat throughout the greenhouse. The windows and flooring are not only functional for bringing in light and heat, they add a stylish industrial vibe to the space

Ceiling Fan

To keep air moving — which helps plants grow — a ceiling fan was installed inside the greenhouse. The extra circulation helps keep the climate consistent and prevents the space from becoming stagnant.

Louver Base

Louvered panels were used as walls in areas where windows weren’t needed. The horizontal slats not only add texture to the overall design but aid in ventilation as well.

Repurposed Shelving

Leftover framing boards were repurposed into shelving. Everything was painted the same color in order to keep the look clean and consistent. Store-bought table legs were added to the bottom shelf to make it a work table.

Grow Light

Grow lights were mounted on the underside of the shelves to ensure plants get as much light as possible, especially in the winter months. And the groovy ambiance the light gives off is a bonus.

Skylights

Who doesn’t love a good skylight? This gorgeous feature not only elevates the space but is key in letting in more light and supplying ventilation when needed.

Reclaimed Clawfoot Tub

No space is complete without an inspiring water feature. Ours is a reclaimed and refinished mini clawfoot tub that serves as the watering station. Beautiful and brilliant!

Sustainable Drain

The tub drain isn’t connected to the sewer lines. Instead, the runoff feeds the exterior planting beds surrounding the greenhouse. Not one drop is wasted.

Salvaged Kitchen Faucet

Repurposing a kitchen faucet with a sprayer nozzle makes watering easy.

Rainwater Harvesting

A rain chain not only looks cool but leads runoff water from the roof of the greenhouse into a rain barrel. Functionality is built into every aspect of this garden haven.

Rain Barrel Watering

A hose added to the rain barrel allows for an easy way to water the plants and shrubs outside of the greenhouse. Nothing goes to waste, not even rain!

Chic Upcycling

This charming greenhouse proves that upcycling projects don’t have to be campy or cringe-y. You can be thrifty and sustainable and design-forward at the same time.

See More Photos: 30 Whimsical Container Gardens Made on the Cheap