This page contains tips and information on installing, repairing. covering, and weatherizing windows, and more.
Privacy Window Using Contact PaperYou can create a sense of privacy without adding shades or curtains to a window. Get a frosted glass look using contact paper. It is an inexpensive way to create a privacy window in a bathroom or any other window you would like some privacy but not loss of light.
Dying Vertical Blinds?I recently purchased some white vertical blinds. Even though they look great, straight away I realised I got the wrong colour. Somebody mentioned about dying them to the colour I want but I've never done anything like that before. What's the best way of doing this and what kind of dye do I need to buy? Thanks.
Darken Your Bedroom and Keep Out DraftsAfter our neighbors were vandalized, they installed outdoor motion detect cameras and flood lights. While I sympathize with their plight, I don't appreciate the blinding light that pours into my bedroom around the edges of my window treatments, keeping me awake.
Preventing Birds From Hitting Your WindowsI use those little glow in the dark star stickers, I put them on the outside of my windows. You can place as many as you like. It doesn't obscure our view and the birds can see them. Since I have done that, just the odd bird hits the window compared to the many that did before. It really is a life saver.
By Sue Anson
Hanging Temporary ShadesYou have probably seen those temporary paper accordion shades in your home improvement store. They are great while you are planning permanent window treatments in a newer home, but they come with a caveat about using on delicate surfaces and freshly painted walls, as they are hung with double faced tape. My tip is how to install them without damage when you are removing them.
Condensation on WindowsMoist air in a home can cause condensation to form on the inside surface of windows when the air is colder outside than in. A dehumidifier can help reduce the excess moisture and reduce or eliminate the problem.
Keep Your Sun Shade Cords in PlaceI have a very cheap sun shade. I pull it up in the evenings just to keep the breeze from blowing the shade and letting the loops underneath come loose.
Removing a Broken WindowThis is a page about removing a broken window. Placing tape onto the glass before removing it helps prevent the glass from shattering as much. You should be left with larger pieces of glass that you can remove while wearing gloves.
Make Your Own Storm WindowsThis is a page about making your own storm windows. Storm windows help prevent drafts and help to keep your home from losing heat. They can also be quite spendy, so here are some tips for making your own.
Mysterious Black Powder on Window Sill?This page contains information about mysterious black powder on window sill. Black powder on a window sill could be caused by mold, carpenter ants or other causes.
Putting Curtains on a Curtain RodThis is a page about putting curtains on a curtain rod. Securing the ends of the curtains on the rod can make it easier to hang.
Making Blackout Window CurtainsThis is a page about making blackout windows with black plastic. If you work nights or the full moon keeps you awake, you may want an inexpensive way to completely block out the light from a window.
Making Functional Window Shutters?Outdoor shutters are often added as decor, but can help protect your windows when they are made to be closed in bad weather. This page is about making functional window shutters.
Adding Shades to a Skylight?This is a page about adding shades to a skylight. Adding shades will help cut down on the light and heat that at times are a downside of having skylights.
Saving Money on WindowsThis is a page about saving money on windows. Replacements for old uninsulated windows can be quite expensive, not only to buy, but also to have installed.
Making Your Own Curtain RodsThis is a page about making your own curtain rods. Curtain rods can be expensive and sometimes it is difficult to find just what you need.
Unique Curtain IdeasThis page contains unique curtain ideas. Window coverings can be decorative and help maintain privacy.
Making a Window More PrivateWhen you don't want to lose the daylight coming through your window, there are ways to retain your privacy. This page is about making a window more private.
Repairing Leaky Skylights?This page is about repairing leaky skylights. It is wonderful to have daylight through the ceiling unless there are problems with the roof seal or flashing.
Tiling a WindowsillThis is a page about tiling a windowsill. Tiling a window sill is not only attractive, but also useful for displaying plants and such.
Easy Window CoveringsThis page contains easy window treatments. Whether it's for privacy or shade, there are many ways to cover your windows.
Moisture Between Window Screen and Glass?We have new double pane windows and every morning wake up to moisture between the screen and glass. What is causing this? What can we do?
Stop a Window Brace from RattlingI don't know if this would ever happen to you, but it did me.
Fixing up a Viewless WindowI had these old, thread bare, smoky drapes. Because I didn't want to take down the ugly drapery rods, I chose to put up a board. I had this wonderful wallpaper boarder, and hot glued it to the board, along with the pretties I didn't want to worry about falling.
Cutting Mini Blinds To Fit New Window?How do I cut mini blinds?
Installing a Glass Block Window?How many glass blocks size 8x8 do I need for a 29x30 size window?
Use Vintage Knobs as Curtain FinialsTo save money on curtain finials, re-use old vintage knobs. If you can' find a curtain rod long enough for your needs, a piece of thin PVC pipe works! Just cut to size and sand the ends and attach your finials.
Use Hair Ties to Hold Back CurtainsWhen you want to tie back your curtains to let air in, but their not usually tied back, use a ponytail holder/hair tie. Gather the curtain panel and pull the holder/hair tie up from the bottom.
Covering a Bathroom Window?We are remodeling a bathroom that is in a house built in 1954. It is a very small bathroom with no shower. We are installing a shower and keeping the tub and putting up the bath surround kit.
Rain Water Draining Into Window Well?How do I prevent rain water from draining into a window well?
Drafty Window Tips?We live in a modular home and are having problems with wind forcing cold air into the house around the window frames. Caulking would seem to be one answer. How about using an insulating foam bead? Any other ideas? I am lazy and cheap.
Stuffing Balloon ValancesWhen hanging curtain valances and balloon shades, try stuffing them with tissue paper or plastic grocery bags to give them body and make them more fluffy.
Repairing Broken Window Sash Cords?How do I repair a broken sash window? The cables have broken.
Storing Window Blind Cords?Does anyone have a clever way to store pull cords on window blinds? They are driving me nuts.
Covering Glass on Doors?My sister's home has a double front door with glass in the upper halves, leading into the great room. The back of the great room is all windows and french doors. Therefore, at night you can see through the whole house.
Covering a Glassed Paned Door?I have a glass pane front door in my new house and I was wondering what would be a cheap and easy way to cover it at night and when we're gone?
Measuring for New Windows?My daughter wants to fix up her house before she sells it. She wants to do some of the work herself. She needs new windows but does not know how to measure for them.
Window Treatment For Victorian Bathroom?How do I decorate a window in the bathroom that does not need to be screened off for privacy? Just an idea of how to drape some voile or net curtaining on a rod or hook? Any suggestions would be appreciated. My bathroom is Victorian in style.
Staining Window Frames?I have 4 large windows on the front of my house that take a beating from the afternoon sun. The part of the window frame closest to the window, about 1" has all the finish gone and needs to be re-stained.
Moisture In Double Glazed Windows?Can you get the moisture out of leaking double glazed windows?
Taking Down Blinds?I was pleased to see the items on cleaning blinds. However, what I want to know is how to take them down!
Wooden Window Shutters?I would like to make or purchase wooden window shutters that will bi-fold when opening or closing. I would love any input that someone could give me, I'm stumped on this one. I'd like to make them.
Looking for Storm Window Instructions?My request deals in the building of wood storm windows. The idea of using plexiglass is wonderful! What I need is a drawing or plans to build the wooden frames. I have access to the wood and have tools, I just need the instructions to build them.
Frosty Contact Paper?Looking for frosty contact paper to cover a window without blocking the light. I have used it before, it's not just plain frosted, it had a pattern.
Ana from Florida
Darkening Room for Day Sleeper?The size shade I need runs in the hundreds. Block out drapes won't work because the hardware sticks out from the wall letting in streams of light from both sides. I now have a blanket covering the window with a black sheet behind it and it's still not dark enough. Does anyone have any inexpensive solutions? Outside appearance is not an issue.
Inexpensive Window Covering?I need to find an attractive, inexpensive way to cover a small vertical window next to my front door. The window is 35" long and 7" wide. Any suggestions would be appreciated! =)
Getting Rid of Condensation Between Glass Windows?How do you remove condensation between two windows?
Removing Label from a New Window?How can I remove a label from new window?
Creating Shades for Skylights?I have two skylights in my living room that let in way too much heat this time of year. Since I don't have an air conditioner, I would love inexpensive ideas for covering my skylights to make it cooler in here.
Wood Stripped by Double Sided Tape?I have removed some of the plastic from windows and the 2 sided taped that holds the plastic is removing the seal and stain of the wood.