Create your own wooden gate window screens
I love window treatments, but my preference is the type that doesn’t attract pet hair. Can anyone else relate?
So as I was dreaming up what to do around my large picture window in the living room, an idea came to mind.
I’ve had these privacy screens as my window treatments for my large picture window forever. They worked really well, as when closed, they allowed lots of light in while offering privacy! But they didn’t have the quaint farmhouse look I was after.
I was thinking along the lines of barn doors or a gate style…
That’s when I came across this white picket fence gate which gave me some new inspiration. I loved the curved top so I thought… why don’t I attempt to cover what I have and create my own take of wooden gate window screens instead?
It was worth a shot!
And my goodness… I can’t believe how amazing this idea turned out! And it couldn’t be easier thanks to starting with a cheap room divider privacy screen!
Here’s what I ended up making…
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Create your own wooden gate window screens
Supplies I used:
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- A room divider
- Knotty pine interior plank panelling
- Air nailer
- White paint
- Jig saw
- Palm sander
- thin, bendable tape of some kind
- gate hardware
This knotty pine interior plank panelling wood was perfect! The slats are 3.25″ wide and the boards are very thin and lightweight, which was important so the framework remained as lightweight as possible.
How-to:
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1. Align the wood planks into position over top of a room divider panel. Align the wood along the bottom but allow the top to overhang. Do not trim yet.
View many room divider options HERE or watch for a cheap one in a thrift store.
2. Attach the wood to the room divider using an air nailer, completing one room divider panel at a time.
Find lots of air nailer options HERE
A special thanks again to Manual Replacement Guy Dan for teaching me how to use the nail gun in a red hot jiffy. 🙂
3. Create a desired shape along each top of the room divide, including all 3 panels. Trace the shape with pencil, then remove tape.
Using thin bendable masking tape as a guide, (I used .25″ vinyl pin-striping tape!), I create a desired curve along the top of a completed wood covered room divider.
I then created a paper pattern of the shape and transferred it to the other room divider.
4. Use a jigsaw to cut out the shape, then gently sand along the edges with a palm sander.
Find lots of jigsaws HERE
5. Add detailed barn door or gate styled trim if desired. (see above)
- Run two horizontal planks, one across the top and bottom of the entire room divider first.
- Run one plank diagonally.
- Pencil in desired cut marks, then cut with a miter saw.
- Attach with air nails.
- Copy onto the other room divider, except run the angled board in the opposite direction.
I personally didn’t fill in the nail holes as I liked how they helped to age the look, but you certainly could with wood filler.
Gorgeous, right?! I jumped for joy when I got to this point!
Just make sure the height works with your room. I needed to do a 2nd cut to make mine fit! Oops.
6. Use authentic gate hinges and pulls for the details.
I personally love THESE HINGES HERE and this GATE PULL HERE
My own gate hinges and pulls were found at half price in white, so they were spray painted black.
7. Prime the wood screens.
A shellac-based primer is recommended so you don’t get wood bleed through the knots in the wood. If your wood won’t likely bleed, most any wood primer will do. I used a bonding primer on mine.
Find the best SHELLAC PRIMER HERE
8. Paint the screens in a semi gloss trim paint.
Or just use a good quality furniture paint.
9. Glaze the wood screens to age them if desired.
Because I wished to add more dimension to the screens, I mixed up my own glaze with water and a deeper tone of latex paint I had on hand.
I added the glaze, then wiped most of it off with a cloth to leave some behind in the nooks and crannies.
And here’s the end result…
The finished wooden gate window screens!
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Can you even believe how gorgeous these wooden gate window screens turned out?!
Light and bright while adding so much farmhouse charm!
And here’s the other side.
Here’s more updated shots of the gates in this living room tour HERE.
And of course, then it was time to decorate. I added this rusty old lantern to one of the handles.
The two window screen window gates resemble one large entry gate, appearing as if it was simply carried into the house and propped in place.
I love how the wood planks add visual interest and how the white paint doesn’t darken the room.
And the curvy tops add some architectural interest to an otherwise very square window frame.
Closed up
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The wood gate window screens can also close if desired, as long as you leave enough bend in the privacy screens for them to be self-supporting.
I rarely close them so I wasn’t concerned they don’t cover 100% of the window.
As you can see, what an improvement these wooden gate window screens made! I’m smitten with the end result and am ecstatic to finally have my ‘dream’ gates become a reality… with no pet hair in sight.
Think you’ll give this idea a go for your windows?
View other livingroom tours HERE with the window gate screens
Other quirky window treatment ideas you may like:
How to create farmhouse windows with standard windows and lumber
How to create pipe and sheet curtains
View many other window treatment posts HERE
holy moly, i LOVE these – it looks to me like they fit the style of your house better. I love old gates/doors all that stuff – it looks so good – i am so very jealous that i cant totally copy you (we have plantation shutters on all windows)but maybe i can use the idea some where else 🙂
Sausha @ {show & tell}
I am in love!! You did an amazing job!!!
You just made that room! How talented you are Donna! Terrific job! Donna…the 3rd sister
You are AAAAMMMMMAAAAZING! Love, love, love them…want them for my own!
This is one impressive project! I love it!
The new screens/window coverings are beautiful!!! What a difference.
You are soooo talented and your execution of these gates is amazing!!!!
these are amazing.
but i’m not surprised coming from you. in love with the “gate” look. so unusual, but works & LOOKS so well.
i feel a gate window treatment trend coming on!
in almost every post of yours, i shake my head in amazement or my mouth automatically drops open in awe. – just so you know!
kellie
WOW! These are freakin gorgeous! Man, I SO wish I were your neighbor! I’d be begging you to come over and “help” me with projects all the time
This is INCREDIBLE. I love it. At first I wondered but sure enough, you knew what you were doing.
Wow, these are wonderful!!! What a creative idea…and cute too. I am always in awe of how you come up with these great projects.
What a great project, I love it!
Each week I find myself sitting here starring at your project thinking to myself, she did it AGAIN! Wonderful Donna! what a great job!!!! Going to vote now!
That is simply outstanding…speechless.
You did a great job! Love the antique feel of this “gate” window treatment. You would never guess under $100 bucks!
I love it! Those are gorgeous!
I love it! We don’t have curtains because of all our animals. Great idea!
Those look amazing! And they look so much more like your style. I also love the old rusty lantern…I have a weird thing for those =)
Yes, you are worth it! 🙂 I have been wanting shutters for my windows, but they would have to be custom because of the size, and that is not in my budget. I could totally see your technique working for me. Do you want to help me with that when you come over to do the stairs? 😉 And my shed is finally done so you would have a place to work. And I will bring in a palm tree if it would help. 😉 You are over the top once again in design and inspiration. Love it!
SHut up! Amazing. I love the look. You have inspired!
I follow a lot of blogs and I must say, that is one of the coolest things I’ve seen thus far. I want one!
I LOVE them! What a lovely addition to the space.
I Think these are awesome.. love them.. a looooot!
Good luck this week.
🙂
My mouth is hanging open! You’ve out done yourself again! These fit so much better with your style. Great job, Donna!
I am in awe. Seriously these are amazing. You just keep getting better and better.
Fantastic idea, you have such incredible ideas.
Wow… you are A-mazing! That rocks!
PS… your glazing technique is just fine! =)
Donna- you have the best projects. LOVE it! Great job!
I’ll echo what other comments have said…WOW! AMAZING! Seriously, I love them! I pictured having these in my living room then I pictured my son knocking them down. haha
It’s wonderful! I love the curve of the screen and the details you added to make it look like a gate. You are so talented.
You never disappoint ! Fabulous job on those gates. They really are perfect for your room! Another amazing accomplishment!
Lisa
I love them. What a wonderful idea. They look fabulous. What a wonderful way to frame the window. Hugs, Marty
WOW! WOW! WOW! That is incredible Donna! Wow!
Girlfriend! Where are you coming up with all this awesomeness?! I hope SYTYCD never ends so we can keep getting all up on THIS.
Seriously, you should be on tv. I am in awe of these ideas you come up with. Just awesome! Feel free to come try some projects at my house!
You have reached the pinnacle-PERFECTION!!!
WOW…you are amazing..I can’t even begin to think I could accomplish something that nice on my own..its gorgeous..I don’t comment much, but I take all your ideas and have actually done some on my own..lots of inspiration in yoru blog! L just love it!! marlene
you are ridiculously talented, and have such a great vision for things. the gates look fantastic, and good luck on SYTYCD!
donna, donna, donna…these are so awesome!!!
i’m curious…what does the other side look like? did you paint the black frame too, i’m assuming you did?
love your home
judi 😉
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com
What a great idea! I have two old doors in my house for decoration and am about to take a third and make a sideboard. There is just something about old doors and gates that just are so welcoming!
That is incredible! Those are so more you than the ones before. I love how they look. A big improvement. I wish I had half your talent and creativity.
Goodness you sure know how to make a DIY chick feel good! 🙂 Thanks so much!
#40 Judy, yes, I did paint out the black screen on the back and the onion paper on them was already white. But at some point I’d like to remove that cloth stuff and spray the backs in white.
If I were to sell them, I’d do that before I let them go. But for just me? I’d probably never do it. 🙂
Donna
I’m addicted to old doors and windows, and I really love this idea. Great job!
once again I am blown away and totally in love with your project!!
Holy Stinkin’ Cow! You are so creative…it blows my mind! Thankyou for sharing!
Get Out! that is wild. You never cease to amaze!… I am just shaking my head in disbelief.
You are SOOOOO creative.
Love it!
Who would have thunk to do such a thing? Only you Donna, you have an amazing mind and a knack at making the wildest ideas come to a perfect reality.
You totally ROCKED this one!
Rose
Absolute fabulousity! Seriously.
I have to catch my breath. Those are amazing and beautiful and I so want some now. You are such an inspiration. I’m still trying to catch my breath.
Incredibly awesome!!!!! I can’t stop oooohing over them!
Oh my goodness perfection! Love Love Love it!
Wowsers!!!!
What magazine do you design and create for, again?
Oh yeah, “they” should be calling you any time now!
Very cool.
A simple, “THOSE ARE FABULOUS” is so trite, but oh my gosh they are!!!!
I am in love with these! Too lovely! 😀
One word will do…Spectacular!!
SO DARLING, MUCH MUCH BETTER… TOTALLY LOVE IT! the entire room too! JGG
Beautiful!! I love it.. Your ideas are just the best… :O) I love your decor!!
Come on over to my place and use some of your creations! This is just amazing. Great job as always. Blessing, Vicky
Okay, so..do you know how cool you are? What a wonderful and beautiful idea, Donna!!!
: )
Julie M.
These are so awesome!! I love them. They are perfect in your room. And your tutorial is so easy to follow. Thanks and a hearty “well done”!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Totally breathtaking! They look beautiful in your room!
OMG these are so awesome!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them and they look fantastic in your room!
At first I wasn’t sure but WOW. They are amazing looking and a totally different look for the room. Great job!!
These are amazing!! You always give such great inspriation. Thanks!
wow!!!!! awesome!!!!! love, love, love them!!!!!!!
I’ve just come upon your blog and wow! I was grinning the whole way through this post! What an amazing idea. Definitely given me some inspiration to dig out my old screens and try doing something new them! Kim
That is one of the best blog creations I have ever seen (someone did some crate stairs that were tied with this!!). Donna, you should be writing a book, or be submitting your things to magazines. This is seriously fabulous and original stuff you do!
They look amazing! What a great job you did!
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens
LOVE IT!! oh my goodness……..that is THE coolest thing I have seen in awhile!
I’m in LOVE!
~Rhonda in Minnesota
Oh my gosh, that is positively perfect. You’re so creative and the end result is gorgeous.
Talk about BEAUTIFUL… I would love to do this… think my hubby would mind if I took down our 1200. shutters?? hahahhaha
too stinking cute for words
Donna,
I just came by to say hi, and let you know I am praying for you.
But look what a nice surprise i found.
These are wonderful!!! What a difference!
Just fits your house so well.
Off for along walk, before it reains i hope.
blessings
barbara jean
Hey Donna,, i love your old gate window screen,, and it looks more like your style than the previous screen,, it suits you!
This is awesome! How do you come up with all of these ideas? They are fantastic. You are very creative!
Thanks again all!
#78, I’ll do a post on that very topic soon. I get asked that alot so I’ll take you through my process.
FJ Donna
Fantastic Donna, absolutely fantastic! This weekend I was looking at my curtains and sheers which are only three months old but look older thanks to certain feline members of my household and was wondering what I could put in front of my picture window. I love how they look but it seems no matter what I put on that window, the critters end up destroying. Blinds? Forget it! I have spent a fortune on replacing blinds over the years and when I began remodeling my home, I swore I was not going to put up more blinds. That window faces the street so I do have to have something to close for privacy in the evenings. I like your idea and, if possible, will copy it or do something similar. I wish I could let you loose in my house and give you free reign to create to your heart’s desire! I love your sense of style and that you are not afraid to try anything. I am still in awe over the painted crate stairs. I absolutely love them!
~ Tracy
You’re absolutely ridiculous. I cannot believe how talented you are! I wish I had a tenth of your talent and eye. You are my dream decorator!
Is there anything you CAN’T do? What a great idea and fabulous outcome! I think I’ll spend my next vacation at your house because it is so wonderful.
Once again may I say WOOOOOOW! I am headed to vote for you right now! And then maybe go work on a project of my own!! Your so inspiring!
~Bridgette
Is there no end to your creativity?! The gates look fantastic and what a bonus that they can actually be closed. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
that is pure genius!
You are just ” TOO SCARY GOOD!!”!!
Wow! You totally just got my vote this turned out so amazing!!
Check out my new
GIVEAWAY!!!
~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
HOLY MOLY!!! What a remarkable difference! I cannot believe how great they look — truly authentic and way way better than the screens. I love it. And now want to find something similar for my house. If only…
Those are the absolute best! What a great job and good artistic eye you have!! Still thinking about you and praying you are doing well every time I see a post.
Another completely amazing and inspiring idea, Donna. I just love how they turned out! The room looks completely different now.
Donna, these are just the best! You did a marvelous job and I just may be borrowing this idea!! Aren’t nail guns so slick?
Sorry to hear about your Mom…your strength is amazing and inspiring…just like your mad carpentry/blogging/design/decorating skills!!
I wanna be just like you when I grow up.
I just brought my hubby over to see….had to leave another comment! hehe I am SO in love with your style! If I had a place to use these I would make me some!
~Bridgette
They are absolutely GORGEOUS! Totally wish I could just whip up something like that! =]
WOW! I absolutely love this!
Love, love, love this idea of yours. You see, I have got to do something about window coverings in my house. Thank you for sharing.
Your creative brilliance makes me have to pick my jaw up off the keyboard every time! I love this 🙂
~Diane
NO WAY!!! Amazing and beautiful. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your old gate panels. Sooo Clever, as always:)
Wow! First the stairs, now this! Keep ’em coming!
I have to say… You are one of the most CREATIVE gals I ever saw!
Wow!!! It’s so beautiful! Great Job!
UH-mazing! You are uh-mazing too, and I wish you lived next door –
Marsha
Absolutely beautiful and very inspiring. They look amazing in your home. I love your work!
Holy Cow! They jsut totally MADE that room complete! I cant figure out why you’re not being featured in any magazines. Seriously! Maybe after this trasnformation someone will get smart and publish you!
Sarah
HandbagsnPigtails.blogspot.com
Donna, your home is an absolute inspiration as are YOU!!! I LOVE your ideas and MUST visit your blog every day!! Would you be willing to post a layout of your home? I have a split entry home and I think you do as well. It is hard to envision the whole house and how it fits together! Thanks for considering this!! Keep up the great work!!
Oh Donna, you are simply amazing. Those gates look incredible. It’s one thing to see it in a photo, but I bet it’s even more COOL in person! Great job.
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Brilliance once again! I love this. Love the hardware and the lantern hanging there is perfect.
This is brilliance! ONe of my most favorite projects of yours!!! Great job! This will “win” for sure!
Such a wonderful project! I absolutely love it. I featured it today on my blog!
XOOX
Jen
{tatertots & jello}
Crazy amazing! Creativity at its best. I am looking at my Arcadia door and thinking how great these would look there:) You are an inspiration. Keep it up.
donna… that turned out incredible!!!! i would just sit in that room all day long admiring its beauty!
These are totally amazing ! I am beyond impressed. Must tweet right now !
xo
Kate
This is off the hook FANtastic! Seriously, one of your best projects EVER. Love this!
g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s
Always on the hunt for a deal, I too love the challenge of making it myself, but this goes way beyond the causul DIY’er. Fab job!
You should get a patent on those, girl. That’s fabulous! Very creative!!!
LOve Everything you do !!!! Stairs and gate windows are just the bomb!!!!! Thanks for all your tips on blogging. I figured out how to put someone’s button on my site.now to try to add you. Been following you for about a month! What a great gal you are! new friend friday. sillyfriend — terra http://www.leftandcentered.blogspot.com
Need to figure out how to make a button. ha ha
Love these… you sis a fabulous job!
~Lindsay
~www.adesignstory.com
Donna, you are amazing, girl!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this! I want one.
Nicole
They look amazing! I wish I had a place to put some! I just love everything you do!
Beautiful!
I love this idea! Such a clever solution and they turned out absolutely beautiful, adding so much character to the room!
great job – I L.O.V.E these – they look like you paid a fortune for them 🙂 Now I just need to figure out where I need a pair! LOL keep up the great work!
100 times Better!
So cool, you are amazing.
Wow I just found your blog. I’m speechless. I have been a blog stalker for a long time and I thought I had seen it all until now! You are incredible!
Stunning!!! Just stumbled upon your blog – always looking for great ideas – will be back!
Awesome!!
ummm yah, these are FAB. Gosh, great job! love them!!
Alyssa
http://lifeoflyssie.com
Gorgeous! They compliment your other furniture so well too.
This project is one of my all time favorites EVER. Big loves!
Thanks so much for linking up to The CSI Project’s hardware Store Challenge! We hope you will come back next week for the Martha Stewart-inspired challenge — The MS Craft Department are our guest judges!!!
XOXO
Jen
You and your power tools amaze me every time!! Thanks for leaving the sweet note 🙂
XO,
Rene
If I haven’t already commented on these then I have to say…I love them! They gave me an idea for closet doors that I want to make. I blogged about it and posted your screen on my blog with a link back to you.
The wooden gate screens look amazing! I adore this idea. So creative. I will be linking to your amazing screens. Thanks for sharing.
These are beautiful! What a great change. 🙂
I’m in love. These are spectacular! Must put on the to-do list!
Just found your site and will follow you often. Would like to know where you got the planks to make these screens. I have looked on line and could not found them. Love your project and would like to make one for our home.
#136 Anon, the planks were picked up at either Rona (in Canada) or Home Depot, I don’t remember! 🙂 It’s just tongue and groove pine planking that comes in packages. Often used for ceilings, creating paneling or walls. Very lightweight and easy to work with.
Donna
These are just so awesome. I just keep staring at them and calling to my husband to look at this stunning invention. We don’t even have a window like that, and I am trying to figure out how I can utilize this great idea in our home. Thanks so much for sharing! I am truly amazed.
I just love these old gates. I think they look better with your interior. I love the cozyness of this room but it’s still so open and bright looking.
Hi there…I’ve been on your site before, but never so thoroughly as today. I have that same screen you made into window shutters…very ingenious! You’ve got me thinking about my own idea for shutters in our bedroom…Thanks!
donna, you are DA BOMB !!
Love the shutters at the window, and the fireplace. If it was me I would of put the tv in a cabinet to hide it.
Gorgeous job!! Just the incentive I needed to tackle the shutters in our living room!!
We love screens and this is a great new take!
YOU are my kind of designer!! Thinking outside of the box, fearless, and creating amazing, unique, fantastic products. I love everything you do!!!Congratulations on all your success.
So very impressed! Your creativity is inspiring!
donna, these wooden gate window screens are fantastic! They do fit your home style so much better than the privacy screens. I’m going to add this to my FunkyJunk list of things to do! You have some really great creativity!
I just happend across your blog due to pinterest. Great stuff here!
I’m so loving this idea, hoping to talk the hubby into doing this in bedroom to keep the dogs out. I love the doggies, but we need our space.
Thank so much for sharing. Great stuff! Tina
Oh my, Donna! You are right!! These are the mama to my ‘lil kitchen shutters! I LOVE these sooooo much!!!
Where did you get the privacy screens to start and how much were they… This is awesome!
Hey Brenda! I got them for $20 at a thrift store. 🙂
They look wonderful!
OMG I’ve been driving myself CRAZY thinking of a way to get more wall space in my Kitchen/Dining area!!! We bought a house 6 yrs ago that was built in 1964 & two of the largest walls in the kitchen/dining area are nothing but windows that are only about 20 inches from the floor. Our kitchen is tiny, has a lack of counter space etc, I was thinking of closing up the largest picture window 102″ across, so I could put cabinets on that wall however it created a BIG issue. The outside of the house is brick we wouldn’t find any to match, we were looking at a large expense in painting the brick etc. with your idea I can create the gate put a long dresser in front of it & not worry about it looking tacky on the outside!! YAY you’re my hero..BTW I HATE this house (long story) I’m determined I can learn to love it if I keep looking at other people’s inexpensive ideas to fix it up!! Thank you!!!!
I LOVELOVELOVE the brightening effect it has on the room. Sweet job!
I LOVE this idea! I have 2 sets of sliding glass doors that drive me nuts and lose tons of heat in the winter and bake you in the summer. This would be an incredible way to combat those problems!
Hello Donna,
I love your blog and inspiring ideas. You know very few people do what they love, something like 3%. Scary sad, isn’t it?
What part of the world do you live in? My husband and I live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your grit and gumption.
In community,
Angi Simon – Monroe, Washington (about 200 miles south of Vancouver, B.C.)
Hi Donna,
Just found your site, and love it……
One question, did you attach the wood to the black screens? So the screen is visible from the street? I am confused……
thanks for replying…..!
Donna
Hi Donna, yes, that’s exactly what I did! But because I never close the screens, the backs never show to the outside.
If you wished to close them and have the backs show, you could always cover the backs with wood or just paint it out the same colour I’d think?
Wow! I’ve been looking to get bypass plantation shutters for our patio door, but this is preferable in cost and appearance. Thanks for the inspiration – what talent you have!
I have been looking for old Barn doors for a while now, now I can make my own. Unbelievable!! Thank you so much for taking the time to show how you created them!!
This is ingenious….I admire your vision and abilities with all kinds of tools…you have so many wonderful ideas….it really isn’t funky junk…it’s truly AMAZING.
These are great and ditto to all the other comments. I do have a question though…what does it look like from the outside of the house. You stated that you nailed the panels to the screens which were black. I just wondered what it looked like. The inside is over the top. Great job.
Hi Julie!
Thank you! The backside is covered in the original white rice paper, but it doesn’t show anyway, because the screens are against the wall, not the window. I never close them. 🙂
Oh my!!!! Thank his alternative to curtains is fantabulous!!!
What is the exact thickness of the tongue and groove boards that you used on the bathroom ceiling.
Hi Violet! I don’t remember off hand, however it was pretty thin stuff. Perhaps .25″ thick? The thinnest sold.
I love this! I want non-lazy me to make an appearance and make these for my French doors. Unfortunately, lazy me almost always has control.
WOW!!!! I love it! You are so gifted and inspiring! I’ve always wanted to do some wood projects! As soon as my garage reconstruction project is completed, then I’m going to this. I just ordered custom indoor shutters for front windows, but I can try this for the side and rear windows! Thanks!