How can I update this awful window?

Question

We have this hideous window in our dining room (exterior anterior wall) and have been racking our brains with what to do with it. It's a double pain window and the graphics are on  the inside of the interior pane. Also, it appears as though the pains are connected together with a strip of metal around the perimeter. We don't mind the shape, but the graphics 😱. Removing it isn't an option right now because it's wintertime in northern Michigan. We've talked about white wooden shutters installed inside and/ or attempting to frost over from the inside. Any thoughts?

Mary · Answer

Gallery Glass paints are good for covering unsightly windows, yet allow light in. Get a design you like, outline it in the fake leading (many colors and make on a piece of glass first for best results), then color in the other areas. You can use the translucent also and do a swirly or pebble type finish. I used them on my sidelight windows and matched my glass door, even adding a clear cut glass jewel to the center of the design. Fabulous!

Jennifer | CrazyDiyMom · Answer

You could try frosting it with contact paper! I did that on my windows and love it. It's hard to tell how dark your graphics really are from the picture so I'm not 100% positive that you could cover it. But you can find cheap contact paper at the dollar store to test it out. You could cut out a cute design and see how it works! I just posted a project on how to do it, if you need an idea. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/q-awful-window-25370369 Good luck!

William · Answer

You could use craft glass paint and paint a stained glass pattern over it. Or use frosted spray paint to give it an etched look.

Susan S · Answer

We had a large ugly orange fish eye window. We replaced with a beautiful spring bouquet o flowers. The woman who made it didn't charge much. Perhaps you could find a stained glass maker to do the same from your design. It looks like your window is not too large. Always try to look forward to a time you will sell and add elements that would enhance your home.

Sti2242965 · Answer

Sorry I dont have anything to add but I wanted to ask if it is just my computer that is showing ads via Hometalk to win supermarket vouchers or is everyone getting them ? they are on the front page and look as if they are part of the site? If so they have malware on them and look like scams anyway. I was trying to find a contact click button or a post report button to get direct to mods/admin but cannot see any

Jules · Answer

You could paint the glass the same colour as the wall, then cover the wall with old photo frames in the same colour. It would then become a feature wall.

Annie · Answer

Sure agree with you on the graphic! Before you do anything, I'd take a photo of it to a glass shop. Bet you that graphic is a film that could be peeled off. Surely there

is a way to open up the metal strip that holds the panes together. Worse case scenario, they cut a mirror to fit inside the frame.

Banjojane66 · Answer

Wow! This is a challenge! I have read all the comments and I like them, but I was wondering if you use this window to your advantage. If you do, then I suggest that you cut the glass inside and replace it with a small window from the hardware store! If you don't use it, try to change the graphics to a small flower picture! Maybe paint the outside frame a different color than your wall! Hope I have helped you, or maybe stir a few more ideas your way. Good luck, Jane.

Charl · Answer

Home Depot sells window film in simple patterns that look great. I did it on the glass of my front doorin a frosted pattern for privacy and it looks very real...holds up great. They have lots of pattern to choose from.

Tina · Answer

If it's actually etched on the glass there isn't much you can do that will not show the etching through it. That includes paint, contact paper, even trying to use etching cream on top of it. All these things will likely lessen the look but will probably not have the effect you are looking for. If you cannot wait for better weather to replace the glass or cut a bigger hole for a more standard window, hang a picture or mirror on it.

D roach · Answer

why not just stick a picture of your choice {mounted on cardboard/hardboard} on to the actual window, and then replace the window in the warmer weather

Virginia · Answer

Take various colors of cut glass and glue over window.

V Valencia · Answer

I would paint the window the same color as the wall and trim so it blends in with the wall. If I understood correctly, you intend to remove it eventually. Or, you could cover it with a picture or drapery depending where the window is in the room.

Christy Roppel · Answer

You could use glass etching and put an initial (your last name)

You could frost the window

You could buy some of that cling stained glass film (sold at Home depot for one)

You could paint the frame contrasting color to make it a statement

.....just my 2 cents :)

Linda Johnson · Answer

I would just put a picture over the window. (Make sure the frame is large and deep enough to cover the window frame. I would put a one-way mirror window film on the window first, so you don't see the back of the picture outside of the house. Easy and no damage to the window or wall.

Fran · Answer

Get a mirror cut the same shape. Stick it on top of glass. Make a thick wooden frame around it, maybe a few thin frames around it. Rough amd rustic would be nice!!

Sti2242965 · Answer

I was using public library computers, I presume they have good protection. Thanks for the suggestions and pointer to reporting stuff (I find that on different systems sites can be different and the site can be changed by the owners, annoying when you are just getting used to it the way it is, Outlook mail are good at that and it doesn't improve it gets harder to navigate!)

Sorry again for hijacking thread OP !

Zeljka · Answer

I agree with Charlshaffer's suggestion; mostly because that's the one I thought of too. I actually purchased a roll of the cling film in a stained glass style and covered my smaller basement window and back door window with it. It's been on there now for a few years and still looks great. Very pretty when the sun shines through.

Carol Kennedy · Answer

Buy an ornate picture frame at the thrift store and cut it down to frame the window. You could also use a spray etching paint and make a pretty design. DIY tutorials are online.

Vickie · Answer

Paint it like stain glass

Deb13686859 · Answer

Paint glass with that mercury looking paint , construct 2 same size diamond frames for each side with same framing or complementary . Go crazy! Put in them what you like? Clocks ( 2 clocks why not? ) art work, nature items, photos, etc. Color it and use it instead of hiding it, must go with the age of the home?

Dale Diane Hedgecough · Answer

Home depot or Lowes sells contact paper that look like Stainglass. You can cut it to fit like youre wallpaper the window. Easy and colorful

Susan Sam · Answer

You can cover the whole glass surface with an acrylic clear caulking on the inside, in a open hand swirling pattern. This will hide the grahic but allow the light in. It looks beautiful and lasts for years if you want it to. If you dont like it, it only costs a few dollars and can be scraped off with a straight razor. Then back to square one.

Shawna Bailey · Answer

If it's just till after the winter I would pick the cheapest easiest solution of adding frosted contact paper to cover it up. That may leave weird shadows though.

Cheryl Markus Reynolds · Answer

As some have suggested, I would put a mirror in it. I'm not sure of the size of the window, with it being recessed, I would also add a small shelf about 2 inches from the bottom and put a picture, knickknack or a small vase on the shelf.

B J Alexis · Answer

That looks like something from the 1920's, or made to look as such. Lowe's sells several styles of window cling rolls that would easily cover the window. Something I found recently there is called Peel and Stick Mosaics --the colors are limited but it mimics glass tile, not see through and easy to work with, 9.4' x 10' sheet (less than $10.00 per sheet) it appears one sheet would cover most of the window and paint could be used to cover any remaining area. Good Luck.

Marilyn · Answer

Take the molding off and hang a picture or mirror over it.

Dal13542943 · Answer

put clear contact paper over it. let's in light and is what you would call translucent. cheap too.

Eloise · Answer

Amazon has any number of decorative window film designs that are easily installed and removed to change the look. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=decorative+window+film

Kathie · Answer

REMOVE THE INTERIOR MOLDINGS PLACE A MIRROR INSIDE THE EXISTING WINDOW,

RECUT A THICKER/WIDER INTERIOR WINDOW MOLDING AS A CIRCLE OR A RECTANGLE REVEALING AS MUCH OF THE MIRRORED AREA AS YOU CAN. ANY DETAIL YOU ADD TO THE MOULDING WILL DIMINISH TH E MEMORY OF THE ORIGINAL WINDOW AND CREATE A PLEASING CHANGE.

How can I update this awful window?

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