13 Ways To Repurpose Those Old Window Screens In Your Home And Garden

If you can't recall the last time you replaced your window screens — or even checked on their appearance — you may be overdue for this simple home upgrade. In general, window screens need to be replaced every 10 to 12 years or when they become ripped, frayed, broken, rusty, or otherwise unsightly. After many years, they can become harder and harder to clean and become more susceptible to damage. Once they break or warp, old screens can make it difficult to open your windows from the inside — in addition to looking messy. If you have traditional old window screens, replacing them with solar screens can help you save money on your energy bill, too! But before you throw out your old ones, consider all the ways you could repurpose those window screens around your home and garden. 

While window screens might seem like a basic single-purpose item, they can actually be adapted to suit a wide range of uses, whether it's home organization, lawn care, or unique wall décor. Here are 13 creative ways to reuse your old window screens to reduce waste and simplify your household projects. 

Flip your old window screen flat and set it up on wooden table legs near the garden hose. After harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden, spread everything out over the screen and spray it with the hose for a preliminary wash that will knock off any remaining dirt or insects. This is a great hack for washing lettuce and other leafy greens, and you can even place some potted plants below the screen so your washing water won't go to waste.

If you're constantly digging for the right necklace or your favorite earring's mate, turning an old window screen into a jewelry wall can save you time and clear up your dresser. Put your window screen in a cute frame or trim it with washi tape to add some personal flair. Alternatively, you can paint it the same color as your wall if you want it to blend in. Secure it to the wall with nails or command hooks, then neatly display all your favorite bling.

With this handy window screen hack, you won't have to worry about birds eating your grass seed before it can sprout. Either cut out the mesh from your window screen or use the entire thing. Lay down your screen over a patch of freshly sown grass seeds and secure it with weights or stakes through the corners. Once your seedlings have started to grow, after about 1 to 2 weeks, you can remove the screen and let them enjoy the full sunshine. 

For an extra large sieve, you can leave the window screen as it is and use both hands to shake dirt or seeds and sift them through to the ground. If you need more precision, cut out circular pieces of the window mesh and wrap the edges around metal hoops, securing them with glue. You can also use embroidery hoops for a deeper sifting pan. These handmade sieves are great for sifting soil, dry cement, grout powder, and even paint to remove any hard pieces or lumps. 

Mesh window screens are great at holding soil in, but they can also keep weeds out. Instead of throwing it away, use your old window screen mesh as landscape fabric to keep weeds at bay. You can cut the mesh, leave it in its original frame, or even stack bricks around the edges of the frame to turn it into a brand-new weed-free garden bed. Adding the window screen as a bottom layer in raised garden beds effectively blocks pesky weeds while allowing for good drainage. 

Transform an old or thrifted shelving unit or build your own from scratch, repurposing your window screens into breezy walls and a door. You can use this cabinet to cool hot pies (a la Tom and Jerry) or move it outside to protect food from flies during a backyard potluck. If you'd rather employ it in the garden, this neat, breathable cabinet is also a great place to keep young seedlings safe from the harsh sun and any hungry wildlife or pests.