Lane Swaniawski
Although the window was serving its purpose as a window does, I wanted to enhance it as more of an architectural focal point in the room to add more style and character to our basic builder grade living room. Besides upgrading the blinds and adding pretty curtains and hardware, I knew updating the window trim would be one of the best ways to do this! Overall I kept the trim design very simple and designed it so it would work well with outside mount blinds (which I added right after this project), since unfortunately I’m unable to have inside mount blinds with my windows.
Originally, I had wanted a more farmhouse style like a pin I saw on Pinterest from Love Grows Wild.
This project cost me about $45 for all the materials, including primer. If you have a smaller window it will be less, but I think it’s still very budget friendly and greatly improves the room!
Here is what the window looked like before I updated it, along with some cheap plastic blinds that I didn’t like either. Paint (I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore in Semi-Gloss) Tools Utility Knife
Miter saw (or have your home improvement store make the cuts)
(or have your home improvement store make the cuts) Brad nailer
**Adjust wood material lengths needed based on the size of your window. If you don’t have any window trim, then you can skip this step!
Begin by using a utility knife and scoring along the old caulk edges. Second, use a prybar and hammer to lift the old window trim off the wall.
If you are taking too much paint/drywall off the wall during this step, go back over your score lines with the utility knife. And if any old caulk is left on the wall, scrape it off with the utility knife. Measure from the side window trim outer edge to the opposite side window trim outer edge and add 1″ to the measurement. Next, I used a stud finder, drill, and 4 drywall screws to secure the board into the wall studs because I was going to be hanging my new blinds from the board.
I countersunk the screws beneath the surface of the wood so I could easily fill them with spackle. Attach final top window trim Calculate the 1×2 measurement by adding 1″ to the 1×5 board size.
Next, attach the 1×2 (allowing for 1/2″ overhang on each side) using a brad nailer and nailing from the top. It helps to use a clamp to hold this piece in place while nailing. You want it to line up with the outer edges of the side trim boards as shown:
Let the spackle dry and lightly sand any excess off. I used Simply White by Benjamin Moore in Semi-Gloss which matches the rest of my trim in the living room.
And overall it was a pretty simple project with a big impact!
After I took these photos, I added beautiful, bamboo roman blinds that I am excited to share about soon! And I’m also planning on adding some white or cream colored curtains to finalize the whole new look! Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for my latest projects and for all the updates on our living room makeover!
