Windows & Doors

Looking to overhaul your windows and doors but overwhelmed by all of the options? Hometalk is here to help you figure out the right windows and doors for your home. Are french doors up your alley? What kinds of windows are best for the climate you live in? Browse our top, best, and newest projects to get you started.

Window & Door Ideas

Top Projects for Windows & Doors

Visit our top window and door projects and revamp your home.

DIY Faux Roman Shade

A step by step tutorial on how to make a high end looking window treatment, with a few materials, and in under an hour.

Brooke Cribbs- Cribbs Style

DIY Front Door Transformation

Do you live with an ugly dated door? Here is how we changed our entryway with this Glass Door insert and how you can easily change the look of your home in just a few hours!

Noting Grace

Quick and Easy Interior Slab Door Makeover With Trim

We live in a relatively older home (built in the 1960s) with lots of finishes that are basic, old, and out of style. In one section of the home, there are several old boring slab hollow core doors that are in much need of a makeover. While I could replace them, adding a little trim to these interior slab doors does the trick for a fraction of the cost of door replacement. I’ll walk you through how I did it below.Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). As an Amazon and Home Depot Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Supplies: Nail gunThin wood strips (I used leftover vinyl flooring but ¼” plywood would be perfect) CaulkPaint

Sarah

Interior Hollow Core Door Makeover

Give your ugly hollow core doors an impressive makeover that wont break the bank. This DIY will completely transform your space!

Heather Cammack

Faux Stained Glass Cabinet Technique

Grab some Elmer's glue and craft paint for this one of a kind cabinet update!Check out the video for more how-to's!

Abbie M

Sunburst Door Knob Tutorial

I was inspired by some beautiful yet very expensive door hardware, after searching for affordable options or tutorials and finding none, I decided to make my own and share it with you.

Loyda| La Casa Sunrise

Making a Roman Shade With a Curtain Panel and Mini-Blinds

My husband and I spent two years renovating our tiny cottage. We started the process before farmhouse chic became popular though there are definitely elements of that throughout. From our antique apron-front sink (my husband’s great-great-grandfather’s) to the original white shiplap in the laundry room, there are touches of charm and vintage quaintness all over. Since we live pretty far out in the country, I didn’t think too much about window treatments when we moved in. We have plantation shutters on the front side that faces the road, but the back of the house overlooks a four-acre field on our property, so I left those windows bare.Over time, my husband and I felt that even those windows should have some sort of decor and at least a partial covering. I didn’t want to install shutters and block the pretty view, so I got creative with a way to solve the problem. I settled on roman shades, which would add a touch of personality to the room without obstructing any of the scenery they provide. The only problem? The roman shades I was pricing online were way above our budget, and even if I had someone make me one, the fabric and labor were going to cost me more than I was comfortable spending. We have two small children and are in the stage of life where absolutely every penny counts.So, I started researching some options on how to create a DIY roman shade as inexpensively as possible. I landed on a site that detailed a process using a cheap single curtain panel and mini-blinds from the dollar store. The technique seemed simple enough and the supplies were certainly low-budget, so my husband and I set forth! I tweaked the process here and there to meet our timeframe and dimensions, so here is what we ended up doing:

Courtney Myers

Turn An Old Window Into Wall Art

I always loved the way the windows looked in my church, the intricate stained glass that was breathtaking when the sun shown through. I have an antique window hanging in my apartment as wall art and I was inspired to turn it into a custom stained glass piece!

Kara S.

DIY Cordless New Sew No Heat Roman Shade

It’s not often you find a DIY project that costs nearly nothing, but ends up making a swoon-worthy impact on your space. Double points if it adds function and meets a need! Our powder room has a window that gives a birds eye view to the neighbor. Not ideal when you’re trying to take a view moments to tend to some private business. Thankfully this project was super easy, super cheap, and super fast at taking care of the problem.Before you start you will need to measure your window and determine what size blinds you need, and how much fabric.

Lauren Jamison | DIY + Design

DIY Faux Roman Shade

A step by step tutorial on how to make a high end looking window treatment, with a few materials, and in under an hour.

Brooke Cribbs- Cribbs Style

DIY Front Door Transformation

Do you live with an ugly dated door? Here is how we changed our entryway with this Glass Door insert and how you can easily change the look of your home in just a few hours!

Noting Grace

Quick and Easy Interior Slab Door Makeover With Trim

Sarah

Interior Hollow Core Door Makeover

Give your ugly hollow core doors an impressive makeover that wont break the bank. This DIY will completely transform your space!

Heather Cammack

Faux Stained Glass Cabinet Technique

Grab some Elmer's glue and craft paint for this one of a kind cabinet update!Check out the video for more how-to's!

Abbie M

Sunburst Door Knob Tutorial

I was inspired by some beautiful yet very expensive door hardware, after searching for affordable options or tutorials and finding none, I decided to make my own and share it with you.

Loyda| La Casa Sunrise

Making a Roman Shade With a Curtain Panel and Mini-Blinds

Courtney Myers

Turn An Old Window Into Wall Art

Kara S.

DIY Cordless New Sew No Heat Roman Shade

Lauren Jamison | DIY + Design

Popular Window & Door Slideshows

Get ready to be inspired by our DIY window and door slideshows.

DIY Window & Door Videos

Watch our DIY video tutorials to help you make over your windows and doors.

DIY Wood Privacy Screen

In the area we live in, backyards are very small and are commonly quite close to the neighbors. Even though my yard is enclosed by a fence, I wanted a privacy screen to further separate my backyard space from my neighbor’s house that is very close to mine on the other side. This wood slat screen was the perfect way to add a bit more privacy to my yard, and the contrast of the warm wood with the metal adds a lot of style at the same time. This was a relatively simple and inexpensive DIY project to complete in a weekend to beautify and improve my outdoor living area.

Robin Lewis

Not a Lattice Privacy Screen

Do you have something to hide or just need some privacy? This screen will be the envy of the neighborhood!

Alicia W

Front Porch Privacy Screen

When our neighbours decided to store their garbage bins at the side of their house we had more than just a curb appeal problem. Every time we came and went out the front door we were met with an unappealing view of their trash.

Birdz of a Feather

Dollar Tree DIY Outdoor Movie Theater | Projection Screen

Create an outdoor movie theater/ Movie projection screen for under $12 in the backyard this Dollar Tree DIY. Save money on family movie night.

ToolBox Divas

Hometalkers' Favorite DIY Window & Door Projects

Here are the best window and door projects Hometalk has to offer. Check them out!

My Long Dark Hallway Needed Some Lights.

My hallway was very plain and dark. It needed some sprucing up.

Connie Chrisman Hatch

Build a Privacy Screen for Your Utility Boxes

Are your utility boxes/meters visible on the side of your house? Have you built a 'privacy' screen or box for them? Our utility boxes and gas meter are on the West side of our house. Do we go over there a lot? No. Do I like the look of them? No. I'm not even sure if they are very visible to the drivers who pass by on their way down the street. But, I do see them when I am mowing or pulling weeds and they bug me.

Jeanne

Faux Wood Painting on Hollow Core Doors

I recently bought new pantry doors, and rather than leaving them white like the rest of the doors in our house, I decided to give them a little more character.

Amanda

Shower Curtain Valance

If you've followed any of my previous posts, you may have seen where I did a mini makeover on our bathroom a few months ago. It, to me, was a pretty big change cosmetically but there was just one element of the makeover that didn't sit well with me so I finally changed it up and I'm so happy with the result! It's amazing what some shower curtains and Stitch Witchery will do to a small bathroom!We want to help you DIY, so some of the materials in this post are linked to sellers. Just so you know, Hometalk may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Turn Your Dollar Store Beach Mat Into Blinds!

I bought this dollar store beach mat and turned it into blinds for our door! Keep reading to see how you can do it too!Click HERE for a quick overview!

Sew Bright Creations | Jackie

EDITED$5 Glass Cabinet Door Transformed Into Faux Stained Glass Window

Hello friends! Thank you so much for your feedback on this project. This is my very first post on Hometalk.com Many of you have taken the time to comment or query so I do apologize for not providing better instructions. I will endeavour to update my instructions in the next day or two. (I also didn't have photo for every step of the process, so I will be sure to address that in my next project. )In What to do with a reclaimed glass cabinet door....? Well, with $3 dollar poster paints, some white glue, shaving cream and battery powered led lights, you can make a beautiful faux stained glass window!

My Long Dark Hallway Needed Some Lights.

My hallway was very plain and dark. It needed some sprucing up.

Connie Chrisman Hatch

Build a Privacy Screen for Your Utility Boxes

Jeanne

Faux Wood Painting on Hollow Core Doors

I recently bought new pantry doors, and rather than leaving them white like the rest of the doors in our house, I decided to give them a little more character.

Amanda

Shower Curtain Valance

Rob & Courtney M, Hometalk Team

Turn Your Dollar Store Beach Mat Into Blinds!

I bought this dollar store beach mat and turned it into blinds for our door! Keep reading to see how you can do it too!Click HERE for a quick overview!

Sew Bright Creations | Jackie

EDITED$5 Glass Cabinet Door Transformed Into Faux Stained Glass Window

Popular Window & Door Discussions

Browse the DIY windows and doors discussion board and give us your two cents.

Do all window curtains in an open room have to match?

/> Mom19286515

Window, curtains, living room, and dining room are open to like one room , but they have separate windows should the curtains all have to be the same

View discussion

Is it possible to paint the grids in a window?

/> Melanie

We are buying a home soon thats going to fill all my Magnolia Design feels. Its a southern architecture style home with white siding, red brick and a large front porch. I would love to do some slight updates to the exterior to make it "pop" a little more with curb appeal. I am thinking about a Black Front Door, with Black Trim around it. This house comes with upgraded windows that have the Grid lines Inside the window panel. I really want to see if can change those white Grid lines inside the window and the trim around it to black as well. Is it possible to DIY that color change to the Grid lines inside of window from white to black or does this task require a professional? Wife asking before she puts this task on her hubbies "to-do" list. (tehehe)

View discussion

Does anyone have a temporary solution for screenless windows?

/> Debra Moreno

I have purchased a home that have no screens on any windows. I need a solution to be able to open windows until I can afford to have custom screens made. They are larger than standard sized windows and 2 sets of sliding glass doors. The windows open and close side to side, not top to bottom.

View discussion

Can you mix silver grommet curtains with a bronze rod?

/> Msj812

Would like to purchase curtains but the grommets are silver my rods are brown.

View discussion

New Window & Door Projects

Looking for new ideas for your home's windows and doors? Peruse our collection here.

How to Trim Out a Window for a Flawless Finish

By Judy Schumer Adding trim to your window finishes the rough installation and adds a beautiful and functional architectural element to your home’s look. Installing window trim yourself is a doable DIY project, but when buying window trim, it’s important to look for good quality wood trim without warps or splintering. You’ll also need the patience to measure carefully. The old saying “measure twice, cut once” is absolutely true when you’re working with trim.This guide will first walk you through the important parts of a window, and then teach you how to trim out a window yourself. And if you’re looking to get more decorative with it, we’ll also show you how to trim out a window with moldings like blocks and rosettes.

Judy Schumer

How I Winterized My Cheap Garage Door

My garage door is very cheaply made, it’s basically hardboard (which is the thin material at the back of bookcases). The garage also isn’t heated. I use it as a workshop, but during the winter it’s pretty much useless, due to the cold temperatures. The temp inside the garage is the exact same as outside. I’m about to work on a pretty big painting project, which requires a minimum of 12° C (53.6 F) for the paint to properly dry and cure, so I decided it was finally time to invest in a new insulated door! I got the quotes, all set to order…but…they were looking at an install date of March 2022! Whomp whomp.Since I’m stuck with the crappy door for another cold Canadian winter, I decided to winterize it. But I will forewarn you, this post is about functionality and comfort, NOT beautification!

Valerie Burge

How to Make a DIY Roller Shade

Alissa HaganHow to Make a DIY Roller ShadeThe old blackout roller shades in my daughters nursery have been falling apart. They rarely roll up anymore and when they do it takes 2-3x to get them to go. Then sometimes they just unroll all on their own. It was beyond time to replace them. I read through a few diy Roman shade tutorials, ordered my supplies and winged it, per usual. Here’s what I did! Materials: Fabric of your choice (I used old linen curtain panels from Ikea) Using curtain panels saved me time on sewing hems and money. (How much you need will depend on your window size.)2- Lobster Claw Clasps with D Rings. I got mine here. (Should have ordered larger ones but I made them work.)Embroidery thread or other thicker thread.2- 60” Leather strips. I got mine here.Sewing machine or could do this as a non-sewing project and use hem tape. 2- 1/2” wood screws2- 1 1/2” wood screws (I chose brass to match the lobster clasps)1- 1/2” x 1” board for the top rail, cut. 1/2” less than the width of the window (the part that screws into the window frame).1- 1/2” wooden dowel, cut 1/2” less than the width of the window. This is for the bottom hem to give the curtain some weight and roll the fabric on.Fabric ScissorsLarge Sewing needle with a big eye Step 1: Cut your fabric. My measurements were 35.25” x 66”. My window measured 34.25” x 58”. Be sure and calculate for hem allowance. I added 8” to the length dimension (4“ hem on top and bottom) and 1“ to the width (1/2” hem). I wanted my curtain to cover the whole width so there would be less light filtering through the sides.

Alissa

Opening Kitchen Wall to Make a Breakfast Bar/Passthrough

The 70s home that we recently purchased had an outdated built-in display case on the wall that separates my den from the kitchen. (I suspect that maybe there was a window there long ago and that the den was an addition to the house.)I decided to open up that wall and put a breakfast bar there. That would give us a nice view of the den's fireplace and also allow some light to flow in from the patio door.As it turns out, there was a header above that display case, so there was no need for me to build a support wall. (For info on how to build a support wall for a passthrough, This Old House has a good video on it).Once the job was done, it was a huge improvement. The house has a more open feel, and the views are much better!Here is how I did it step-by-step. I've also included the YouTube video if you'd rather watch that.

Steve

DIY Leather Curtain Tie Backs

I wanted to buy leather curtain ties for sons room but the price of them was insane so I made my own for over half the cost!

CrystalRansons

Easy DIY Window Cornice You Need to Make Now

If lighting is the jewelry of a home, then window treatments surely are the shoes! I mean, you need them! Learn how to make an easy DIY window cornice for your home in just an afternoon!This post contains affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. Ok, so you don’t actually need them, but your naked windows will thank you for it. I have a pretty hard and fast rule when it comes to windows, and it’s pretty simple. Do you wanna know what it is?Dress them up! Seriously though, windows can be a focal point of any home, and a great accessory. So you should show them off. A well-dressed window can make or break a room design.I do have 2 exceptions where I’m willing to break my own rule though.Black aluminum windows. All the heart eyes here guys, and on my wish list for a someday build.