DIY Window Makeover - Angela Marie Made

Learn how we updated our three windows with DIY window trim between windows and bamboo blinds for new window treatments!

For our current office makeover, the three windows needed a little makeover. When we first moved in, the windows had those cheap, builder grade, plastic blinds. They were not in good shape and the cords were all tangled.

Here is the BEFORE PHOTO:

windows with cheap blinds before makeover

I updated the windows by adding window trim between each window, so the blinds would not touch each other, and they would each have their own trim box.

Note, this post contains some affiliate links. For more info see my disclosures here.

I also added bamboo blinds for new window treatments.

Here is the AFTER PHOTO:

And here are the details on everything!

DIY Window Trim

There are many types of DIY window trim that you can add to windows to improve the look of them and make them look more custom.

For example, in our last home we added craftsman style DIY window trim around the windows for a big transformation. We also did a similar style with our simple and quick DIY window trim in our dining room.

Painted DIY window trim with bamboo blinds

And in our very first home, we did a similar update, but different style DIY window trim around our double windows.

I would have loved to update the window trim around these windows as well but I chose not to because we are adding a built in desk next to the window on the right side and I need all of the wall space there.

Instead, I chose to focus on the inside window trim. There was none. I really did not want my blinds to almost touch each other like they do in our bedroom:

So, we built two window trim boxes to divide the three windows.

How to install window trim between windows

Here is how we installed window trim between the windows, it’s very simple.

Feel free to change the trim sizes as needed. I made my trim 2 1/2″ wide to match a 1×3. This size is the widest that would work with my current windows.

Materials

(1) 1×3 @ 10ft
(1) 4ft x 8ft @ 3/4″ thick plywood or other 3/4″ thick wood (we used 1x3s ripped to size)
(1) 2×2 @ 8ft furring board
Wood Glue
1 1/4″ brad nails
2 1/2″ wood screws
Paintable caulk
Paint
Wood filler or spackle

Tools

1. Build the frame of the window trim and attach it to the current window trim

Rip 3/4″ plywood or other 3/4″ thick wood (we used 1x3s) to the depth of your current window trim frame less 3/4″ to account for your front 1×3 trim board.

For example, our window trim frame is 3″ deep so we ripped a 1×3 down to 2 1/4″ wide. Then, use a miter saw and cut two side boards to the height of your window frame opening.

Cut (3) 2×2 furring boards to 1″ wide.

Place the three furring boards between the two side trim boards, spread out at the top, middle, and bottom, then attach everything together with wood glue and 1 1/4″ brad nails on the sides.

installing DIY window trim between two windows

Attach the window trim frame to the current window trim by drilling 2 1/2″ screws through the top and bottom 2×2. Make sure the trim is centered between the windows.

screwing trim frame to current window frame

2. Attach the front 1×3 trim board

Attach the front 1×3 trim board cut to size with 1 1/4″ brad nails into the 2×2 furring boards and into the side frame boards.

front trim board attached to window trim

3. Fill holes, caulk, and paint the DIY window trim

Finish the DIY window trim off by filling in the holes with wood filler or spackle, then caulking all seams, and painting everything. Note, if you are not using pre-primed boards like us, make sure to prime first!

Window Treatments: Bamboo Blinds

The last part of this window makeover was installing bamboo blinds for our window treatments. Bamboo blinds are my favorite window treatments, I love the warmth and texture they bring to a space.

I also used bamboo blinds for my windows with my craftsman style DIY window trim and my other style of DIY window trim for my old house. Window trim and bamboo blinds looks great together!

I will also be adding some to our dining room windows where we installed simple and quick DIY window trim.

I’ve used 3 different brands of bamboo blinds in my past homes, from low prices to higher prices. I have a review of these bamboo blinds if you’re interested!

However, for these windows I needed to find another option for bamboo blinds.

Specifically, I wanted budget friendly because I needed three of them and I didn’t need any fancy features like blackout. I also needed blinds that could be custom cut to size due to the very specific sizes needed with my new window trim.

After searching, I found these cordless, budget friendly, bamboo blinds from Amazon, with good reviews, and available in custom cut sizes! I bought the Hatteras Camel color.

I love how they look installed and the price is great for what you get!

window makeover with DIY window trim between two windows and bamboo blinds

Here are the pros and cons of these bamboo blinds so far. I will have to add this to my bamboo blinds reviews!

Pros

Look beautiful & higher end
Filter daylight well
NOT see through at night with the inside lights on (in the Hatteras Camel color I have)
Great price for what you get
Custom cut to size
Easy to install
Cordless

budget friendly bamboo blinds from amazon and DIY window trim between windows

Cons

Screws strip easily when installing (so we used our own screws instead)
2 of the 3 of the blinds sit a little crooked when I open them (this is a common problem with lower price blinds). It takes a few extra seconds to adjust them to sit level!

This window makeover with DIY window trim between windows was a small detail to change and an easy update that I think makes a big difference visually in making the windows look more custom and less basic.