Dining Room update on budget: add window trim


Project Gallery, Room Updates / Monday, September 16th, 2019

As a family we spend a significant amount of time in our dining room. It is right off the kitchen and is the only eating space in our home. It is also where we do homework, color, craft, play-dough, entertain, play board games and even where I do projects in the winter time. Our dining room is the first space you see when you come in our front door. Because of all those reasons AND my never ending itch to start a project I have begun the dining room update!!!

Dining room update before picture
Before Dining room update

Dining Room Update list:

  1. Add trim to both windows
  2. White board and batten along several of the walls
  3. New or updated dining table and chairs
  4. Update light fixture (as budget allows)
  5. Possibly add a rug?

First on the list, add trim to windows. I have wanted to do this since we moved into our home! All of our windows have drywall returns and a small white wood stool. I think trim work and architectural details can make such a big difference in a space, adding character and interest.

Before dining room update
BEFORE: drywall returns with a simple stool

Knowing I wanted to have a board and batten design, the window trim needed to come first so that there would be side casing for the board and batten to run into.

Adding trim to your windows is actually really simple. This project may seem intimidating, but I promise it’s not that difficult. I will give you some of my basic steps, but I would encourage you to read the tutorial I link below because it will be very helpful!

How to Replace Sheetrock Window Returns with Traditional Trim

I added trim to our Master Bedroom windows awhile ago and I feel like it made a huge difference. On those windows I chose to leave the drywall and just add all the trim around the window, instead of removing existing drywall and replacing with casing. But this time I wanted to remove the drywall and replace it with mdf pieces for a smoother look.

1. Remove existing stool

remove existing stool
  1. Use a knife and score along edges and caulk lines of existing stool.
  2. Take a hammer and gently tap under the stool until it begins to release. You can use a pry bar to help release any nails you need.

2. Remove drywall returns

This is the messiest part of the project. Set up plenty of drop cloths and have a shop vacuum ready. Use a hammer, pry bar and utility knife to work your way around the window. Use the utility knife to score the drywall next to the metal corner edging this will help to not tear out more than you need to.

3. Build new stool

After the drywall and existing stool are removed, the hardest part is over. Time to cut and install new stool.

  1. Measure window opening (mine was 36″ wide and 3″ deep)
  2. Rip 1×6 poplar to 4.5″ on table saw (or whatever depth you want your stool to be)
  3. Cut to 44″ long
  4. Find center and mark 18″ to each side of center mark, so that you have 36″
  5. Mark 3″ depth
  6. Use a jigsaw to cut
  7. Test fit new stool
  8. Router 3/8″ rounded profile along stool edges for a smoother look.
Marking new window stool
Marking 36″ in the middle of 44″ long board
marked window stool
Marked out section to be cut off with jigsaw
New window stool
New stool made from poplar.

I followed the tutorial I linked above pretty closely (it’s really detailed and helpful) minus assembling the jamb with pocket holes and installing as a completed box. I chose to install my stool first then add my jamb pieces individually.

new window stool

After the stool and jamb pieces were installed it was time to add the casing. The below video is a great resource for how to install trim easily, how to measure your cuts and get great miter corners.

4. Add Casing

window trim miter corner
Mmmmm perfect miter corner!

5. Fill holes, caulk and paint

After all the pieces are installed it will be time to fill nail holes and caulk. This is the step that really starts to bring everything together and the time when you can hide any mistakes or imperfections you may have.

dining room gets new window trim
Dining room update window trim
No apron yet. Waiting on what is decided for board and batten.

I am really pleased with how the trim turned out and as time allows will plan to do this to the rest of our windows (only 13 on the main level!)

Cut exiting blinds to fit

The last step was to cut down my existing bamboo blinds to be an inside mount. Before I had my blinds install above the window but now I didn’t want my pretty new trim to be hidden. I followed this great tutorial and they turned out great!

What’s next for the dining room update?

I can’t wait to share more pictures of how this update is going. It is so rewarding when a vision for a space starts to take shape. Stay tuned for board and batten next for my budget dining room update!

Emily

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