Decoratively Suspending An Old Window From Your Kitchen Ceiling

Having new windows installed in your home is an exciting event, especially when the existing windows are quite old. Not only do you get the energy savings and improved appearance from the new windows, but you are left with old windows to get creative with. One project to consider if you have an older window and high kitchen ceilings is horizontally suspending the window above a center island or table.

To complete this project you will need:

• One old window – preferably about the size of the island or table you are hanging it over
• Chains – 4 of equal length if the ceiling is level (or of different lengths for slanted ceilings), determine the length by how low you want the window to hang
• 8 Heavy-duty screw eye hooks
• 8 Heavy-duty quick links
• Drill and bits
• Stud finder

Step 1: Get the Measurements

Start by measuring the parameter of the window. You will be placing one eye hook on each corner of the window. Mark each area where you will place the eye hooks by placing them evenly on the upper-side of the window.

Step 2: Locate the Ceiling Studs

To safely hang the window from the ceiling, you must find the studs in the ceiling. The easiest way to do this is by using a stud finder. As you find the studs, use a pencil to lightly mark them.

Use the measurements of the eye hooks on the window to mark the areas on the ceiling where you will place the corresponding eye hooks on the ceiling. Be sure that you are marking only the areas of the ceiling where studs are present. Without a solid structure behind the ceiling, the window will not hang securely.

Step 3: Pre-drill the Holes

Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of the eye hooks you are using to pre-drill the holes in the ceiling and on the window itself. Be sure that the depth of the hole is deep enough for each eye hook to be fully screwed into the ceiling and window frame without going the whole way through.

Step 4: Attach the Hardware

Now that the holes have been pre-drilled, screw the eye hooks into each hole. Once the eye hooks are in place, attach one quick link to each end of each chain. Hang the chains from the eye hooks on the ceiling.

Step 5: Hang the Window

Get some help with this final step to ensure that the window does not get dropped and to prevent injury. While one or two people hold the window in a horizontal position with the eye hooks lined up with the hanging chains, connect the quick links on the dangling chains to the eye hooks on the window frame.

Step 6: Decorate the Fixture

Now that the window has been suspended, you can decorate it as you please. Consider placing flameless candles, artificial vines or other decorative items to coordinate with the rest of your kitchen décor on top of it. Just watch how much weight you put on the window, as you wouldn't want to weigh it down or break the glass.

If you're considering having new windows installed, talk to companies like Aladdin's Glass & Screen Products Inc.