How to Decorate an Old Wood Frame Window
Few other materials offer the warmth and natural grace of wood framed windows. Yes, metal-framed windows---especially the ones with the crosspieces trapped between glass---wear better and are easier to clean and maintain, but even the most expensive ones have a cold look to them. Wooden window frames also add authenticity to an older home in a way the faux materials and reproductions just can't. It's not hard to decorate wood windows. In fact, in most cases, less is more. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Paint stripper
- Shop cloths
- Putty knife
- Medium- and fine-grit sandpaper
- Paint or stain
- Brushes or staining sponges
- Optional:
- Plantation shutters
- Wooden blinds
- Roman shades
- Valances or cornice boxes
- Curtains
- Potted plants
- Colored glass sculptures
Instructions
-
-
1
Restore the natural beauty of your wood framed windows by stripping off all of the old stain or paint with a chemical stripper and soft shop cloths. Once the wood is stripped, sand it down with medium-, and then fine-grit sandpaper and paint or stain as you wish.
-
2
Match wooden blinds to your wood framed window. Keep the slats narrow so they don't clash with the narrower strips of wood between the glass panes. Match the color of the blinds to the wood of the window frame, if you can. It's less distracting to the eye when the blinds are not all the way up or down.
-
-
3
Install plantation shutters in a larger or double window. Match the color of the shutters to the wood frame. This adds privacy and shade without adding clutter or taking up space on the wall.
-
4
Top the window with a simple, colorful valance or cornice to help define your wood framed window without overwhelming it. Don't get too fancy; wood-framed windows don't need much dressing up. If you go too far with a frilly, patterned cornice or too many layers of draped valance, your window will look like a scared child in a Victorian hat.
-
5
Frame your window with plain curtains and add decorative objects to the sill. Most old, wood framed windows have a much deeper windowsill than modern windows have. Small, healthy plants in colorful pots and colored glass objects look beautiful in a freshly painted or stained wood framed window.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Place drip trays under potted plants to protect your wooden windowsill.
Avoid sun catchers in wood framed windows, unless you hang them with clear line and center them in the window pane.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit window; image by lisichka from Fotolia.com
