Do you have an old garage door that is in need of a makeover? Whether you are looking for ways to spruce up the exterior appearance of your home or want to breathe new life into an otherwise overlooked area, covering your garage door windows can be a great way to do it.
Not only is decorating with window coverings a creative and affordable solution but there are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your look.
Covering them with fabric, paint, or even paper can be an easy way to enhance the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re looking for something practical like insulation against cold weather or want to decorate in a fun fashion, there are several ways to cover a garage door window. Read on to learn more about how to cover garage door windows!
Summary: Garage door windows can be an unsightly and potentially hazardous nuisance, but there are a few ways to hide them from view. One popular solution is to use cable raceways available in many different shapes and sizes. Raceways offer a great way to organize, conceal and protect the windows for both indoor and outdoor applications.
What Will You Need?
- Fabric
- Paint
- Paper
- Tape measure
- Ruler or straightedge
- Pencil or marker
- Staple gun or other adhesives
- Roller brush (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
- Drop cloth (optional)
Now that you have gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to begin the process of covering garage door windows.
10 Easy Steps on How to Cover Garage Door Windows
Step 1. Measure the Area of Each Window
Using a tape measure, measure the exact length and width of each window you will be covering. Make sure to write these measurements down, as they will be necessary when selecting fabric or other materials.
Step 2. Choose Your Fabric
Selecting the right fabric is key to covering garage door windows successfully. Consider how much light you would like to enter the space, how often you plan on opening/closing your garage door, and how easily it can be cleaned. Depending on your preference, choose either thicker fabrics that provide more insulation or lighter-weight options that allow for better airflow.
Step 3. Cut & Sew
Now that you have chosen your fabric and taken accurate measurements, use a ruler, straightedge, pencil, or marker to draw a pattern based on the measurements you have taken. Use scissors, a rotary cutter, and a mat to cut out the fabric according to your pattern. If desired, sew along the edges for added durability.
Step 4. Attach Fabric
Lay the fabric flat with the wrong side facing up, then place it over the window with any extra fabric hanging over the sides. Securely attach it at each corner using either staples or other adhesives like glue or double-sided tape. Be careful not to tug or pull the fabric too tight as it may cause wrinkles.
Step 5. Trim Excess Fabric
Once all four corners of your fabric are secured, trim off any excess material that is still hanging onto the edge of your garage door window frame. This will help create a neat and tidy appearance. Additionally, if you used a roller brush to apply the adhesive, run it across the frame once more to make sure it is completely sealed.
Step 6. Paint or Hang Paper
If you are looking for a more decorative option, consider painting the window frame with a glossy finish or hanging paper on it instead of fabric. Both of these options can add texture and interest to the overall look of your garage door windows. Be sure to use a roller brush if applying paint, and measure carefully when hanging paper so that it is evenly placed.
Step 7. Hang Curtains (Optional)
For a softer touch, you may also want to consider hanging curtains as an extra layer over the windows. This will help create privacy while still allowing some light through the fabric for added ambiance. You can use a standard curtain rod or opt for something more decorative.
Step 8. Add Finishing Touches
Consider adding a few finishing touches to how you cover garage door windows. You can hang art or mirrors on the wall, use wall decals, or place potted plants near the windows for added color and texture. Moreover, if you’d like to keep the windows open, you can use tension rods or magnets to help hold them in place.
Step 9. Enjoy!
Now that your garage door window is covered, you can sit back and enjoy your new look! The addition of fabric, paint, paper, or curtains will add personality to the space while also providing insulation against cold weather. It will also help keep out unwanted pests and debris.
Step 10. Clean & Maintenance
Remember to regularly clean your newly covered windows in order to keep them looking their best. If necessary, spot clean with a mild detergent and warm water, then air dry before replacing any paper or fabric decorations as needed.
Additionally, make sure to check that all adhesives are still secure and replace any worn out or damaged materials. With proper care and maintenance, you’ll have how to cover garage door windows in no time.
By following these steps, you can easily add style and personality while also helping protect your home from the elements. Just remember to measure accurately, choose the right fabric, and regularly clean to ensure long-lasting results. Good luck!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Consider the lighting effects you will get. Depending on how much sunlight your windows receive, covering them may drastically reduce how much light enters through the windows during the day. Reducing natural light can make a garage dimly lit and even darker at night.
- Consider how often you open and close your garage door – how long will the coverings last? If you use your garage regularly, you want to select materials that won’t be damaged by frequent opening and closing of the door.
- Look for non-permanent solutions to adjust or remove them if desired. Options such as removable window films or snap-on frames offer flexibility if you decide to change up the look of your garage later on down the road.
- Think about how easy the materials are to clean and how often you’ll need to clean them. If your garage windows collect dust and dirt, you don’t want a material that’s hard to keep clean or will require a lot of maintenance.
- Make sure the coverings meet any local regulations or building codes in your area. You may not be able to use certain materials depending on how your home is zoned or if there are specific codes related to window coverings for garages in your region.
With these tips in mind, you can now find the perfect way to cover up your garage door windows. Whether you go with a permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary solution, make sure to do your research and find the right fit for your home’s unique needs.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Using plastic or cardboard. Not only will these materials be easily ripped up and destroyed, but they will also not offer any insulation.
- Using duct tape to secure the covering. Duct tape may not have enough adhesive power to keep it in place for long periods of time, and even if it does, its adhesive properties can damage the paint of your garage door.
- Installing a window tint film. Window tint films are designed for car windows, so they won’t adequately protect against extreme weather conditions like wind or snowfall. Plus, you would need special tools to install them correctly.
- Covering with natural items (e.g., leaves or tree branches). Natural items are not very effective in covering your windows, as they can be easily blown away by the wind and won’t provide any insulation.
- Using sheer curtains or fabric. While these may look nice, they offer virtually no protection against the elements and are a waste of money.
Taking the time to consider these tips and tricks and things to avoid will help you find the right solution for covering garage door windows in your home. With the right product, you can easily make your garage look more stylish while ensuring that it is well-protected against the elements!
Conclusion
In conclusion, covering your garage door windows can be a great way to make sure your home is secure. Not only does this help safeguard against unwanted intruders, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that no one can see what’s inside.
Whether you choose to go with a simple roller blind or something more decorative like frosting vinyl sheets, take the time to research and consider which option best fits your needs. The extra protection and security of this task is worth the effort and will give you added peace of mind when it comes to protecting your home.
Remember, there are various ways to cover garage door windows, so don’t be afraid to get creative; with the right combination of type, size, and material, you can create something unique and stylish yet still secure!
Hopefully, the article on how to cover garage door windows was helpful. Thanks for reading, and happy covering!
