10 Ideas for Basement Window Coverings
Have you ever come across a design dilemma you just don't know how to solve?
That's how it is with our basement window coverings. I was recently down in
the basement packing up Chloe's American girl dollhouse and accessories that
she no longer plays with (*insert tears*), and I got to thinking about those
basement windows which have always been a bit of an eye sore.
Update July 2020: we finally remodelled the basement in the spring of 2020! I've updated this post to include basement window covering idea #11: creating decorative black frame window inserts. Head over to this post for the full tutorial.
Update July 2020: we finally remodelled the basement in the spring of 2020! I've updated this post to include basement window covering idea #11: creating decorative black frame window inserts. Head over to this post for the full tutorial.
With more floor space freed up, it's given me a chance to rethink this entire
basement floor plan. We did a small
basement refresh
last year but we could better utilize the space and update the decor. It's
time I decide what to do with the basement windows once and for all.
Basement Window Treatments
I realize having plain basement windows is a minor problem but I dislike the
current view and seeing the ivy that inevitably grows down into the window
wells. I hopped
on Instagram
and asked for suggestions on basement window coverings and treatments and
there were some great ideas. I thought I'd share them here on the blog in case
you're also wondering what to do with basement windows.
How do you dress up basement windows?
You have lots of options - basement window curtains, window blinds, window film and more. The basement window solution you choose will depend on a few things:
- Do you want to make the window seem larger?
- Do you want to draw attention to the window?
- Do you want to fill the space around window?
- Are you looking for a budget or more expensive window treatment idea?
Here's 10 ideas for basement window treatments:
1. Add Window Trim
One simple solution is to give your basement window a finished look by adding
trim. Also known as
window moulding
or window casing, you can find moulding at your local hardware store or lumber
yard.
My friend Shauna trimmed
her window in simple Shaker style trim. The inside window ledge and deep surround also look like they were clad in
hardboard as well. Everything was painted in white paint for a crisp appearance and
it helps to reflect the light. Basement windows tend to feel like an
afterthought so adding trim makes them look more expensive, intentional and
finished.
To get this look:
- opt for a window casing that is 2" to 3" wide
- use hardboard to line a deep window ledge
- use white satin paint to give your window a finished look
2. Create a DIY Window Covering Using Tension Rods
If you want to preserve light but add privacy and softness, a fabric window
covering is another option. Tanya created this
DIY window covering
for the awkward window in her guest bedroom but I think it's a great solution
for awkward basement windows as well. She used two
tension rods and fabric
sewn with pockets at the top and bottom. Ruching the fabric adds some privacy
and interest. She also tried the window treatment without the bottom rod so
head to her blog post
to see that option and the DIY tutorial.
To get this look:
- use white adjustable curtain tension rods sized to fit your window
- use sheer fabric to diffuse the light
- eliminate the bottom rod and use fabric suitable for drapery to create a short basement window curtain
3. Make Small Basement Windows Look Taller with Faux Shutters
This solution by the folks at Frugal Family Times
was really clever. Instead of designing around a small and high basement
window, they've made the window look bigger and taller by playing a trick of
the eye. Using window trim and recycled shutters, they've given the illusion
that the window extends down the wall. If you want to make your basement feel
less like a basement and more like the upper floors of your home, this is one
way to do that.
4. Create a Larger Basement Window Using Mirrors
Similarly, and if you have room above your basement window, you can use a
treatment that makes it appear the window extends up the wall. Here,
a faux transom window was created
using a mirror and trim. I like how they've used trim to create the illusion
of muntins separating the window panes. They've also made use of the window
ledge, using it to display accessories. I think this would be a great spot to
add plants as well, and take advantage of that sunlight streaming in.
To get this look:
- Use three frameless mirror tiles that fit the width of your window
- Trim with flat casing to make the mirrors look like window panes
5. Dress the Basement Window with Drapery Panels
I find this basement window treatment particularly beautiful. If you take idea
#3, extending the window using faux shutters, and add full length drapery
panels, you can create a lovely window vignette. This is a great option for
basement bedrooms when you want your window to feel a bit more lush and
decorated.
6. Distract From The Window Using Other Decorative Elements
Alternatively, you can leave the basement window sizes as they are and use
other elements to detract and distract. In
this basement
above, Sarah Richardson has used a combination of drapery panels, artwork,
paint, and wainscotting to draw your attention away from the windows. This
room feels layered, well thought out, and elegant. You would hardly believe
it's a basement!
To get this look:
- Apply beadboard paneling or shiplap boards to the bottom half of your wall
- Top the paneling with chair rail moulding
- Paint your paneling in a contrasting colour to draw your eye away from the windows
7. Angle Basement Windows to Let In More Light
Now here's one idea to consider if you are in the construction phase of
building your basement. By angling the drywall at the bottom of your small
basement window, you'll allow more light into the room itself. Click over to
this blog post
to see how the framing of this idea was done. Not really a covering, this idea
makes your windows more of a feature.
8. Dress A Basement Window With A Custom Blind or Shutters
You can never go wrong with
custom window coverings. Getting something custom made to fit your basement windows perfectly
can bring a polished look to your space.
This is how we treated
the basement windows in our last home. Because the windows had cabinetry beneath them, and the walls were finished
in panelling, I wanted a tailored window covering fit to the exact size of the
window. This relaxed blind looks pretty and lent a casual feel to our comfy,
family-friendly basement.
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You can also opt for custom plantation shutters. I love the classic look of
this treatment. It allows you to let in light or block it out when needed.
9. Make Basement Windows Look Wider with Blinds and Trim
Those folks at Frugal Family Times are full of good ideas. In addition to idea
#3,
they came up with this solution
for another basement window. Here, they've used trim and
bamboo blinds
to make it appear that there are three windows above the bed instead of just
one. Doing this gives the window area presence and makes the wall more of a
feature. The
blinds
also add texture and colour and the room feels cozier. Who doesn't want that
in a basement!
To get this look:
- Create the look of a longer window using window moulding or flat casing
- Attach three roll up bamboo shades to the window frame and wall. Do not use the bamboo shades with a valence as you don't have the required window depth to attach them on the "fake windows"
10. Use Window Film on Basement Windows
Lastly, we come to the easiest, quickest and probably cheapest solution to
dress your basement windows: using
window film.
Not just for basements,
window film can be used
on any window where you want privacy or to block the view, but you also want
to continue to have light shine through. Here's how we used frosted window
film and a cafe curtain in our recent
small bathroom makeover:
And here's how we used
window film in our
previous master bathroom:
We cut the film into pieces and mimicked the design of the tile on the walls.
It was a simple detail that made the window attractive yet still provided
privacy.
It turns out there are lots of different ways to cover your basement windows.
Basement window treatments can make your windows appear larger, fancier, and
more finished. You can make your windows stand out, or treat them simply and
almost have them disappear. I still haven't decided what we'll do yet but at
least now I have some good ideas!
***
BONUS: 11. Create A Decorative Black Window Frame Insert
When it finally came time to remodel our basement, we came up with one more
creative solution for basement window coverings!
Made to look like black steel windows, we created these decorative inserts.
The frame is constructed of wood and is backed with acrylic with frosted film
applied on top. These inserts sit in front of the original windows and are not
affixed in any way; they are a tight fit and just sit in place and can be
easily removed if needed.
Click over to
this post
for the full tutorial.
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