Updating your window trim is a simple solution to upgrade your interior for under $15 in lumber! Perfect for beginners, this step-by-step tutorial teaches you how to achieve this stunning look!
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I can’t help but chuckle and also feel a bit of embarrassment that of all the projects we’ve done in our home since moving in, I’ve yet to put up a single curtain anywhere.
Well one Monday night, I thought – ‘I’m going to change this. I’m going to finally put up these curtains that have been sitting in the corner of the dining room for the better part of a year!’
So I put curtains up on one of the 4 windows that we have in the living room. And gosh, it looked so weird! I wasn’t sure if it was because I’m not used to seeing curtains up, or if it was because there was this super awkward space between the top of the window and the ceiling. It just felt like something was missing.
I remembered that when I did the Board and Batten Accent Wall in our master bedroom, I added trim to the windows and really liked how it added to the overall look of the accent wall. It was such a simple task to add trim to the windows, and I knew that using a wider board would easily add height to the window, getting rid of that awkward gap.
The finished look came out perfectly and the extra trim was exactly what the windows needed to give them a more finished look. No more awkward gap, and the curtains seem right at home now.
Tools & Materials:
(our windows are 35” x 58”, but no worries if yours aren’t the same – the instructions are made for you to easily customize!)
- (3) – 1”x2”x8’ MDF Boards
- (1) – 1”x3”x8’ MDF Board
- (1) – 1”x6”x8’ MDF Board
- 1 box of 2 inch Brad/ Finishing nails
- Hammer or Nail gun
- Wood filler
- White Trim Caulk
- Caulk Gun
- Saw (Hand, Circular or Miter Saws would all work)
- Paint (to match your trim color)
- Painter Tape (optional)
Steps:
1. Cut your Boards for the Window Trim
- Cut two 1x2s to the height of the window
- Cut another two 1x2s to the width of the window plus 5 inches
- Cut the 1×6 to the width of the window plus 3 inches
- Cut the 1×3 to the width of the window plus 7 inches
2. Nail Window Trim to the Wall
Start with the side pieces that are the height of the window. This will make it easier to get the proper overhang on either side once the side trim is attached.
Assemble the top 4 horizontal pieces together before nailing it to the wall. Attach the flat 1x2s to the top and bottom of the 1×6 and make sure there is an even 1 inch overhang on each side of the board before nailing them together. Then nail the 1×3 to the top of the 1×2, laying it flat and making sure it also has an even 1 inch overhang on either side before nailing. Then, take the 4-piece unit and nail it to the wall above the window.
Make sure the overhang is even on either side before nailing to the wall.
3. Fill in Nail Holes with Wood Filler
Fill in any of the nail holes that are exposed. You don’t want them messing with your aesthetic once the window trim is all done!
4. Caulk Your Window Trim
Everywhere that the new window trim meets the wall, you’ll want to caulk to give it that finished look. You’ll also want to caulk between the trim pieces so that it looks like one, cohesive piece. It’s a small touch, but it adds so much value.
5. Paint the Window Trim
A coat or two of paint to match the trim is the finishing touch that makes the window trim look right at home.
This was such an easy project and so fast to do! I started this on a whim and it took about 1 hour per window to complete.
I think this is a great beginner project if you’re just dipping your toe in the DIY pool. There are no complicated cuts or angles and the new trim sits right on top of the existing window sill. It matches perfectly and fits into our space like it’s been here all along.
So here is the final product of the DIY Window Trim! Let me know what you think and if you’re going to pick up that hammer and nail and DIY this window trim in your home. If you do, be sure to tag or DM me on Instagram or Pinterest @MelanatedMakerDIY
If you want behind the scenes footage of how I accomplished this easy and affordable window trim or any of my other projects, check out my Instagram @MelanatedMakerDIY