We started Ben’s “big boy room” last week (more to come on that later), and during the process, Kendall asked if we could update her room and I immediately said “yes!” Her room never really had a set style or theme, so I knew it was time. Everything about my plain builder-grade home needs to be changed (if you ask me, not my husband) and one thing I knew the bedroom required was some architectural interest. Everything was so flat and boxy. This tutorial for DIY window trim is by no means major, but it is life-changing. I cannot stop going into this room to stare at the window. I’m so in love with it and can’t wait to add trim to every other window in the house. Best part, it only cost us about $23-$25!

Easy DIY Farmhouse Window Trim

I’m very impatient, so I went ahead and added the bottom paint to her walls before the trim. This step didn’t really hurt anything. I had to touch up places, but I’m okay with the way I did the steps. The window before was very boring. We had curtains up as you can see with the rod holders but it needed more. You came here for instructions so let’s get to it.

I promise you; this is the easiest project you will ever do. It doesn’t require any fancy or complicated cuts and minimal tools.

DIY Window Trim Supplies

1×2 furring strip
1×4 pine
1×6 pine
Trim caulk (paintable)
Paint – We used Sherwin Williams Pure White
Saw – We used a tablesaw
Sandpaper
18g Brad nailer w/ 2″ brand nails (*see below)

*Alternative:
2″ Brad nails
Hammer
Nail setter

Let’s get started

I promise it’s that easy.

To start, we’re going to grab one measurement that will be used on 4 of your boards. Start with your window seal. Measure the width of the window plus 5″ on each side of the window. Our window opening was exactly 50″ so the measurement I took down was 60″. You need two 1×6 and two 1×2 in that length. While you’re here, measure the depth of your window as well.

On one 1×6, mark 5″ over and the window depth to create a cutout corner. Once everything is sanded down smooth, use a 18g nail gun or brad nails to secure your board. See below.

For the sides of the trim, measure from the top of the window to the newly installed 1×6 window ledge. Sand and install. To do that, add nails every few inches on either side of the board down the entire length of the boards. I’m sorry I forgot to grab a photo of those installed, but you can refer to the photo above to see how the sides should be placed.

Next, take your 1×2 (cut to the length of your window ledge 1×6) and lie it down across on top of the 1x4s. Secure it down from the top into the 1x4s. Two nails on each side should do it. Make sure it’s lying it down so that it sticks out over the window. See photo below.

Layer the other 1×6 flat on top of that, securing it to the wall. Then the last 1×2 on top of that, securing it into the 1×6 from the top.

You might want to make a note of the top of that 1×4 you see below. If you mess up on your measurements somehow (I totally blame my husband), just cut a small piece and stick that in. Later when you caulk, you’ll cover the seams, and after paint, you’ll never know. But now that I made you aware of our mistake, let’s move on haha.

And lastly, I almost forgot, cut a 1×4 for under the window seal. Measure from side to side from the 1x4s attached to the wall (NOT even with the window ledge). Install, so it lines up with the 1×4 above. See below photo.

At this point, caulk is your best friend. Caulk practically everywhere. Okay, not everywhere but definitely every seam, every nail hole. If you find that there are gaps between the wood and the wall (99.9% most likely there is), add more caulk until the gaps are filled. I’m clearly extremely messy when it comes to caulking but here’s a visual, so you have an idea. Once the caulk is dry, sand any raised areas down, so you’re left with a smooth service.

If you used brad nails, you’ll have to use a nail setter to push the nails in past the wood then fill the holes with caulk. This way you end with a smooth finish.

After two coats of Pure White paint, you’ll have a gorgeous new window.

I love the way it turned out so much. It went from boring to gorgeous in about 1 hour. Told you it’s super simple. Think it’s a DIY you can handle? Try your hand at this DIY Window Trim and let me know how it turns out. Any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to ask below.