Creating Window Decorations

Home Improvement

Windows are often missed opportunities for added interest in and around your home, especially if you’re a plant lover. A windowsill shelf, a set of plant shelves, or a windowbox can be added to any window to provide plants with direct access to the sunlight they need while providing additional places to showcase them.

For those who aren’t into plants, window-based shelves are an ideal way to display collectibles or other items. The window’s light showcases every detail, and utilizing the area around the window maximizes space.

Keep in mind that windowboxes, plant shelves for a window, or a windowsill shelf can be placed on the inside or outside of your house. All you need are a few tools and some wood to get started.

Follow the step-by-step instructions on the next page to replace a standard windowsill with an expanded windowsill shelf.

For more ideas on window-related projects, see:

• How to Repair Windows: Get the tips and instructions you need to correct common problems and keep your windows in good working order.
• How to Clean Windows: Dirty windows are a big detraction, so follow these directions to keep your glass panes shiny and clear.
• Kitchen Window Treatments: The kitchen is often the center of a home, so windows there need a special look. Choose the perfect treatment for a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

How to Create a Windowsill Shelf

Remove the apron under the old windowsill and cut the sill off flush with the wall surface (left). Butt the new shelf, as wide as 12 inches, against the cut edge (right); brace it with wood brackets and a 1 × 4 apron.

A windowsill shelf is a practical location for plants, canisters, jars, or any display items you’ve collected, and it can be placed on the inside or outside of a window. Building a windowsill shelf is an easy way to add interest and extra storage space without taking up more room.

Tools:

• pry bar
• hammer
• measuring tape
• pencil
• handsaw or power saw
• saber saw if needed
• plane
• carpenter’s square
• nail setter
• paintbrush

Materials:

• 1 × 6, 1 × 8, 1 × 10, or 1 × 12 pine stock
• carpenter’s glue
• 6-penny and 10-penny finishing nails
• 1 × 4 pine stock
• matching paint or stain

Time: approximately 2 hours

The method for building your windowsill shelf depends on the window’s construction. First, figure out how to fit the shelf into the window’s trimwork. You’ll likely need to remove some or most of the trimwork to cut it.

Using a pry bar, remove the apron beneath the windowsill. Remove the windowsill, and you may need to remove the side jamb trim and the side casing. Remove all trimwork carefully, ensuring that it isn’t damaged.

Measure and mark the sill so you can cut the inside edge, which faces the room, flush with the surface of the wall. Cut the sill as marked and smooth the cut edge with a plane. Then replace the sill.

To create a windowsill shelf, select pine stock in 1 × 6, 1 × 8, 1 × 10, or 1 × 12 sizes. The shelf can be up to 12 inches wide and as long as the window, extending beyond the window sides if desired. If it extends beyond the sides, make sure it spans a wall stud on each side for secure shelf braces.

The shelf ends can be squared, rounded, or angled as desired. Measure, mark, and cut the shelf to fit using a saber saw to curve edges if needed. Check the shelf for a perfect fit against the sill and wall and plane and smooth the edge as needed.

Measure the side pieces of the window frame and trim as needed to fit snugly against the top of the shelf. Apply carpenters’ glue to the bottom ends of the side pieces and where the shelf joins the sill and window framework. Secure the shelf in place by driving 6-penny finishing nails up through the shelf and into the ends of the side pieces. Countersink the nails with a nail set.

Install shelf brackets by attaching them firmly to the wall studs on both sides of the window and to the shelf using 10-penny finishing nails. Countersink the nails.

Cut a 1 × 4 pine stock piece for an apron beneath the shelf to provide additional support and hide the rough opening of the window. Nail the 1 × 4 in place using 10-penny finishing nails. Countersink the nails.

Finish the shelf and trimwork to match the window trim. To build a set of plant shelves for a window, design a frame to fit over the window frame with shelves set back a few inches from the glass.

Required Tools:

• Measuring rule
• Pencil
• Handsaw or power saw
• Carpenters’ square
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Paintbrush

Required Materials:

• 1 × 8, 1 × 6, and 1 × 2 pine stock
• Carpenters’ glue
• #8 flathead wood screws
• 3-penny finishing nails
• Sandpaper
• Stain or paint
• Shelf brackets with screws
• Angle irons with screws

Time: approximately 2 to 4 hours, plus finishing time. The plant shelves are designed to fit a 36-inch wide and 48-inch long window. However, if adjustments are necessary, modify the measurements and materials to fit any window. Make sure to measure from the outside edge of the window frame to keep the shelves a few inches away from the windowpanes. Direct contact with the glass can damage plants during very cold weather.

Begin by cutting two 49 1/2-inch pieces of 1 × 8 pine stock for the sides of the shelf frame assembly, and cut two 36-inch pieces of 1 × 8 for the top and bottom. Cut three 36-inch pieces of 1 × 6 pine for the shelves. Cut six 5 1/2-inch pieces of 1 × 2 pine to create shelf supports. Use a carpenters’ square to ensure your cuts are even.

Lay out the boards for the top, sides, and bottom of the frame on a flat working surface, with the top and bottom boards butted between the side boards. Apply carpenters’ glue to the board edge at each joint, and join the frame pieces. Drill three pilot holes for three #8 flathead wood screws for each joint. Secure each corner of the frame assembly with three screws.

On the inside face of one side piece, mark the positions for three shelf supports. Measuring from the bottom of the frame, make marks 8 inches, 16 inches, and 32 inches from the bottom. Alternatively, add shelves or vary the spacing to suit your needs.

Place the shelf supports over the marks, with their ends flush with the edges of the sides. Drive in three 3-penny finishing nails to secure each support. Measure and mark the locations for the shelf supports on the opposite side, and repeat the procedure for fastening them in position.

Once the frame is assembled, stain or paint the frame and the shelves as desired, and let the stain or paint dry completely, as directed by the manufacturer.

To install the shelves, locate the wall studs at the sides and center of the window. Position a shelf bracket against each stud, 3/4 inch below the window frame. Mark the locations for bracket screws on the wall. Drill pilot holes for the screws, and then fasten the brackets to the wall studs with the screws provided.

Set the shelf frame on the wall brackets and mark the locations for bracket screws under the frame. Drill pilot holes into the frame, and fasten the frame to the brackets.

Position three angle irons — one at each corner and one between them — on top of the frame. Mark the locations for screw holes in the top of the frame and into the wall studs. Drill pilot holes for the screws, and fasten the angle irons to the frame and wall.

Secure the top of the frame with angle irons at the wall studs; then set shelves across the support brackets.

To complete the windowframe plant shelves, set a shelf on each pair of shelf supports and add plants.

To learn another way of displaying plants in a window, read on to the next page about constructing a window box. Additionally, for more window-related projects, check out guides on repairing and cleaning windows, as well as choosing window treatments for your kitchen.

For those interested in building their own window box, it can be made using 1×8, 1×10, or 1×12 boards for the desired depth and width, with 1×2 strips added along the top edge for reinforcement. The front and back should be cut to fit the inside width of the window frame. This versatile box is perfect for a variety of window plants and can be an attractive addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

To complete this project, gather tools such as a measuring rule, pencil, carpenter’s square, handsaw or power saw, small mixing dish and stick, power drill with various bits, screwdriver, hammer, and safety goggles. Materials needed include 1×2 and 1×8, 1×10, or 1×12 redwood or cedar stock, resorcinol glue, #8 x 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel flathead wood screws, 6-penny brass or stainless steel finishing nails, and heavy-duty shelf brackets.

The window box can be built in about 1 to 1 1/2 hours and should be made to the full inside width of the window. By measuring across the inside of the window frame, you can determine the desired length of the box. The front and back should be cut to this length, while the side pieces should be cut to the width of the stock plus 1 1/2 inches. The box can be assembled using simple butt joints and should have the grain of the side pieces running the same way as the front and back for a cohesive look.

To assemble the window box, use resorcinol glue and #8 × 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel flathead wood screws. Connect the front and back boards to the bottom board, then attach the side pieces. Drill 11/64-inch holes through the face of the board being attached, but not the bottom board. Make holes at each end of the board and about every 4 inches along the joint line. Set each board into place, mark the screw holes on the board edge it’s being fastened to, and drill starter holes into the board edge at the marked points. Mix resorcinol glue as directed by the manufacturer, apply the glue to the edge of the board you’re fastening to, and set the facing board into place. Secure the joint with #8 × 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel flathead wood screws through the predrilled holes and into the edge board. To make a stronger window box, add a reinforcing strip across the front and around the sides, and butt the front strip over the cut ends of the two side strips. Use 1 × 2 redwood or cedar for this reinforcing band. Attach the side strips first and then the front strip, with the top edge of the 1 × 2s flush with the top of the box. To hang the window box, use heavy-duty shelf brackets secured to the house wall. Make weep holes in the bottom of the box to prevent water logging if you plan to use it for plants that demand a lot of water. Finally, add plants and enjoy your window box.

If you need more inspiration for projects involving windows, check out:

• How to Fix Windows: Learn helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to fix common problems and maintain the functionality of your windows.
• How to Keep Windows Clean: Don’t let dirty windows ruin your view! Follow these instructions to keep your glass panes sparkling and transparent.
• Window Treatments for Your Kitchen: Since the kitchen is often the heart of the home, the windows should reflect that. Choose the ideal treatment to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

FAQ

1. What are window treatments?

Window treatments are a type of interior decoration that is used to enhance the look and feel of windows. They can be in the form of curtains, blinds, shades, shutters or valances. Window treatments offer a combination of style and functionality, as they provide privacy, light control, and insulation for your home.

2. How do I choose the right window treatment?

The first step in choosing the right window treatment is to determine your needs. Do you need privacy, light control, or insulation? Once you have identified your needs, you should consider the style of your room. Choose a window treatment that complements the style of your room. Finally, consider the material, color, and pattern of the window treatment.

3. How do I measure for window treatments?

To measure for window treatments, you will need to measure the width and length of the window. For curtains and drapes, measure the width of the window and add 4-8 inches on either side for fullness. For blinds and shades, measure the width of the window and deduct ½ inch for proper fitting. Measure the length of the window from the top of the window to the desired length for curtains and drapes. For blinds and shades, measure from the top of the window to the bottom of the window sill or floor.

4. How do I install window treatments?

The installation process for window treatments varies depending on the type of window treatment you choose. For curtains and drapes, you will need to install a curtain rod. For blinds and shades, you will need to install brackets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.

5. How do I clean window treatments?

The cleaning process for window treatments also varies depending on the type of window treatment you choose. For curtains and drapes, check the care label for cleaning instructions. Most curtains and drapes can be dry cleaned or machine washed. For blinds and shades, use a soft cloth or duster to remove dust and debris. For stubborn stains, use a damp cloth and mild detergent.

6. How often should I replace window treatments?

The lifespan of window treatments varies depending on the type of window treatment you choose and how well you maintain them. On average, blinds and shades can last up to 8 years, while curtains and drapes can last up to 10 years. However, if your window treatments are damaged or outdated, it may be time to replace them.

7. How can I save money on window treatments?

You can save money on window treatments by shopping around for the best deals, buying during sales, and using coupons and promo codes. You can also save money by choosing a durable and long-lasting window treatment that will not need to be replaced as often. Finally, consider installing the window treatments yourself rather than hiring a professional.