How to Cover Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows add exterior lighting to a room, while providing architectural interest to the interior and exterior walls. Designers can create virtually any shape or size, and often use glass block windows in powder rooms and bath areas.The initial impression is that the obscure glass will let in lighting, yet will not allow prying eyes from beyond to see into the room. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the case. Neighbors can often glimpse intriguing silhouettes, and should a passing peeper put eyes to the glass block, it is possible to get a clear view into the room.Rather than permanently covering the glass block windows, a homeowner can create attractive glass block covers that can slip into place for privacy, yet can easily be removed.
Things You'll Need
- Yardstick
- Ink pen
- Heavy cardboard
- Straight edge
- Box cutter
- Scissors
- Thin quilting batting
- Fabric
- Glue
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Sewing needle
- Ribbon
Instructions
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1
Using your yardstick, measure around the perimeter of the glass block window frame, and draw a pattern of the area onto your heavy cardboard. The pattern should be the exact size and shape of the inset window area. Depending on the shape and size of the window, you may choose to make a multi-piece window covering instead of a single piece. The following steps assume the covering is a single, rectangular piece.
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2
Use the box cutter and straight edge to cut the window pattern from the cardboard. The end result should be able to fit into the window, covering it.
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3
Use the cardboard cut-out to trace the pattern onto two pieces of quilting batting.
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4
Cut out the pattern you traced on the two pieces of batting.
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5
Use the cardboard cut-out to trace the pattern onto two pieces of fabric, adding an extra inch around the fabric's edge.
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6
Cut out the pattern you traced on the fabric. It should be larger than the cardboard pattern by the extra inch around the entire border.
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7
With the glue, attach one piece of batting to one side of the cardboard, and the other piece of batting to the opposite side of the cardboard. Allow to dry.
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8
Place the two pieces of fabric together, with the backside of the fabric on the outside, and the borders matching.
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9
Use the sewing machine to sew up three sides of the fabric. Your end product will be turned right-side out, and you will slip this over the batting covered cardboard. Adjust your position of the stitch to edge, depending on the thickness of your cardboard/batting. Stitching should be less than one inch from the edge of the fabric.
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10
Turn right-side out and slip onto cardboard/batting. It should fit snugly.
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11
Cut ribbon into a three inch piece and fold in half.
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12
Hand sew the open side of the fabric together, by folding the cut edges inward. When sewing this side together, insert the cut end of the ribbon into the seam, and sew in place. The ribbon will be used as a tab, which will allow you to easily pull the cover from the window.
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Tips & Warnings
Instead of hand sewing, you can add a zipper, which will allow you to remove the cover for washing.
This will not work if your glass blocks are flush with the wall.
