How to Create Window Treatments

Windows are often an untapped resource for enhancing the look and feel of your home—especially for plant lovers. Installing a windowsill shelf, a set of plant shelves, or a windowbox allows plants to thrive with the sunlight they need, while offering you extra spots to display them.

Even if plants aren't your passion, window-mounted shelves provide a great space to showcase collectibles or other cherished items. Natural light streaming through the window highlights every detail, and utilizing the window space helps optimize your area.

Remember, you can place windowboxes, plant shelves, or a windowsill shelf both inside or outside your home. With just a few basic tools and some wood, you'll be ready to begin.

Flip to the next page for detailed instructions on how to upgrade a standard windowsill with a larger, more functional windowsill shelf.

For additional inspiration on window projects, explore:

How to Build a Windowsill Shelf

A windowsill shelf provides a convenient spot for plants, canisters, jars, or any other items you've collected. It can be installed on either the inside or outside of a window. Constructing a windowsill shelf is an easy way to enhance your space with extra storage and style, without taking up additional room.

Required Tools:

Materials Needed:

Estimated Time: Approximately 2 hours

The method you use to build your windowsill shelf will depend on how your window is constructed. Begin by figuring out how the shelf will fit within the window's trimwork. In many cases, some of the trim will need to be removed to make space for the shelf.

Using a pry bar, remove the apron beneath the windowsill. Next, take out the windowsill itself; you may also need to remove the side jamb trim and casing. Be careful as you remove all the trimwork to avoid causing any damage.

Measure and mark the sill to trim the inside edge—the side facing the room—flush with the wall's surface. Cut the sill as marked, then plane the cut edge smooth and square. Once done, replace the sill.

To construct the windowsill shelf, use pine boards such as 1 × 6, 1 × 8, 1 × 10, or 1 × 12. The shelf can be up to 12 inches wide and as long as the window’s width or longer—extending past the window's edges. If it extends beyond the sides, ensure it’s long enough to reach wall studs on either side, as the shelf braces will be attached to these studs.

You can leave the shelf’s ends square or choose to round or angle them according to your preference. Measure, mark, and cut the shelf to your desired length and shape, using a saber saw to curve the edges if necessary. Test the fit by placing the shelf’s edge against the sill and wall. If needed, plane and smooth the edge for a perfect fit.

Measure the side pieces of the window frame to ensure they fit snugly against the top of the shelf, trimming them if needed. Reinstall the side pieces and jambs into the window frame. Apply carpenters' glue to the bottom ends of the side pieces and the edge of the shelf where it meets the sill and framework. Position the shelf and secure it by driving 6-penny finishing nails upward through the shelf into the side pieces. Use a nail set to countersink the nails.

Next, attach the shelf brackets. Secure the brackets firmly to the wall studs on both sides of the window and to the shelf itself using 10-penny finishing nails. Countersink the nails to ensure they sit below the surface.

Cut a piece of 1 × 4 pine stock to serve as a new apron beneath the shelf. Fit the 1 × 4 under the shelf to provide extra support and conceal the rough window opening. Attach the apron with 10-penny finishing nails, making sure to countersink the nails.

Finally, finish the shelf and trimwork to blend seamlessly with the window trim for a cohesive look.

Once your windowsill shelf is complete, consider building an entire set of window shelves for plants. Check the next page for more information.

For more inspiration on window projects, check out:

How to Build Plant Shelves for a Window

Create a set of plant shelves that will not only make your plants thrive but also add visual interest to any window. These sturdy shelves are custom-built to fit, allowing you to fill your window with vibrant greenery and color.

Required tools:

Materials you'll need:

Time: roughly 2 to 4 hours, with additional time for finishing. These plant shelves are made for a window 36 inches wide and 48 inches long. For different window sizes, adjust both measurements and materials accordingly. Be sure to measure from the outer edge of the window frame, keeping the shelves a few inches away from the windowpanes. Direct contact with the glass can harm plants, especially in colder weather.

Start by cutting two 49 1/2-inch lengths of 1 × 8 pine for the side pieces of the shelf frame, and two 36-inch lengths for the top and bottom. Then, cut three 36-inch pieces of 1 × 6 pine to use as shelves. For the shelf supports, cut six 5 1/2-inch pieces of 1 × 2 pine. Use a carpenter's square to ensure your cuts are accurate.

Arrange the top, sides, and bottom boards on a flat work surface with the edges up. Position the top and bottom boards between the sides. Apply a bead of carpenter's glue along the edges of each joint and assemble the frame. Drill three pilot holes for #8 flathead wood screws at each joint and secure the corners of the frame with three screws.

On the inner face of one side piece, mark the locations for the three shelf supports. From the bottom of the frame, measure and mark 8 inches, 16 inches, and 32 inches. Alternatively, you can adjust the number of shelves or spacing as needed.

Position the shelf supports over the marks, ensuring their ends are flush with the edges of the side pieces. Secure each support by driving three 3-penny finishing nails. Measure and mark the shelf support positions on the opposite side, then repeat the process to fasten them in place.

Once the frame is assembled, apply stain or paint to the frame and shelves as desired. Allow the stain or paint to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.

To begin installing the shelves, first locate the wall studs along the sides and center of the window. Attach a shelf bracket to each stud, positioning it 3/4 inch below the window frame. Mark the spots for the screws on the wall, then drill pilot holes before securing the brackets to the studs with the provided screws.

Place the shelf frame onto the wall brackets and mark the screw positions beneath the frame. Drill pilot holes into the frame, then attach the frame to the brackets using screws.

Place three angle irons—one at each corner and one in between—on top of the frame. Mark the locations for screw holes on both the top of the frame and in the wall studs. Drill pilot holes for the screws and secure the angle irons to the frame and the wall.

To finish setting up the windowframe plant shelves, place a shelf on each pair of supports, and add your plants for a lovely display.

Flip to the next page for step-by-step guidance on another option for showcasing plants in your window: a window box.

Explore more window-related project ideas here:

How to Build a Window Box

Window boxes bring a touch of cheer to any room or the exterior of your home. These robust and straightforward boxes are perfect for a variety of plants that thrive by the window.

Necessary Tools:

Required Materials:

Time: approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Plan to build your window box to fit the full inside width of the window. For the width and depth, use 1 × 8, 1 × 10, or 1 × 12 redwood or cedar boards. The final size of the window box will match the width and depth of the boards you choose.

To construct the box, measure across the inside of the window frame. If you base the measurement on this, the finished box will extend about 1 1/2 inches beyond the window on either side. You can adjust this measurement if you prefer a narrower or wider box. Using a carpenter's square to ensure straight ends, measure and mark the desired length of the box on three boards, and cut them using either a handsaw or a power saw. For the two side pieces, measure and cut a board that matches the width of the stock plus 1 1/2 inches.

Assemble the box using simple butt joints, with the front and back pieces fitting over the bottom and all edges aligning flush. Place the side pieces directly over the open ends of the box, ensuring the grain of the side pieces runs parallel to the grain of the front and back, so the wood pattern wraps around the entire box.

To secure the box, use resorcinol glue and #8 × 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel flathead wood screws. Start by attaching the front and back boards to the bottom, then secure the side pieces. For each joint, drill 11/64-inch holes through the board being attached (front and back boards and side pieces, but not the bottom board). Space the holes evenly, with one at each end and others approximately 4 inches apart along the joint, set back 3/8 inch from the edge. Position the board, mark the screw hole locations on the edge of the board being fastened, and drill starter holes.

Prepare the resorcinol glue according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply glue to the edge of the board you're attaching, and press the facing board against the glued edge, ensuring all edges are flush. Secure the joint by driving #8 × 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel flathead wood screws through the predrilled holes into the edge board.

To reinforce the strength of your window box, add a reinforcing strip across the front and around the sides, and position the front strip over the cut ends of the side strips. Cut strips of 1 × 2 redwood or cedar for this purpose. Start by attaching the side strips, then affix the front strip, ensuring the top edge of the 1 × 2s is level with the top of the box. To secure each strip, apply resorcinol glue to one side of the 1 × 2, place it on the box, and nail it securely with 6-penny brass or stainless steel nails, spaced every 4 inches.

If you're planning to use the window box for plants that need plenty of water, create weep holes at the bottom to avoid water buildup. Drill a series of 1/2-inch holes every 4 inches along the center of the bottom board. To improve drainage, add a layer of gravel at the bottom of the box before filling it with soil.

To hang the window box, use heavy-duty shelf brackets. Position the brackets so they rest against the wall studs beneath the window, aligned vertically from the window edges and usually at the center. For larger windows, you may find studs 16 to 24 inches apart between framing studs. Use two brackets for a smaller window box and three or more for a box 4 feet or longer.

Flip the completed window box upside down and attach the mounting brackets to the bottom using #8 × 1 1/4-inch brass or stainless steel screws; the vertical bracket legs should lie flush with the back of the box. Prop the box in place and fasten the vertical bracket legs to the house wall studs using #8 × 2-inch brass or stainless steel flathead screws. If you're attaching the box to a brick or concrete-block wall, use 2-inch lag screws with lead masonry anchors. Wear safety goggles, drill holes for the anchors with a power drill and a carbide-tipped masonry bit, insert the anchors, and then drive the screws in flush with the wall surface.

Now, it's time to add your plants and enjoy the beauty they bring.

For additional ideas on window-related projects, take a look at the following: