Barn Window Seating Chart
Barn Window Wedding Seating Chart
When I got married in 2022, I knew I wanted rustic decorations and I also wanted to make most of them myself. During a conversation, my husband’s aunt offered me some old barn windows, and I immediately jumped at the opportunity! Although one window was slightly different in size, they worked perfectly for our seating chart, fitting all 150 names across 20 panels.
First, I cleaned the windows with soap and water, making sure to preserve the rustic look. I didn't sand them since I wasn't sure if the original paint was lead-based. Instead, I applied two coats of primer to refresh them without losing their charm. After the primer dried, I used a razor blade to remove any excess paint from the panels.
For the seating chart, I used oil-based Sharpie paint markers, which allowed for fine writing and easy corrections with rubbing alcohol. Once dried, the writing didn't rub off easily. To improve readability, I added fake eucalyptus and glass pebbles behind the windows, creating a beautiful and practical display.
Two years later, my best friend borrowed the windows for her wedding. She needed only 16 panels for her 125 guests, so her mom, a talented artist, painted flowers in the remaining panels. They added legs to the windows for a freestanding display. To ensure the writing was visible, I bought thicker acrylic paint markers, which worked perfectly.
Not only have these windows been used for two weddings, but they are also booked for another wedding next year, and I can continue renting them out.
Cost Breakdown & Links:
Windows: Free (Antique shops sell them for around $12 each; check Facebook Marketplace)
Primer: Free (Used leftover Kilz primer)
Sharpie Oil-Based Markers: $8.59 for a 3-pack
Rubbing Alcohol: Free (Had it at home)
Akarued White Paint Pens: $8.69 for an 8-pack (Used 2 pens, approximately $2.18 total)
Total for both weddings: $10.87
