Give Your Windows Faux Frames With The Electrical Tape Hack

The internet is ablaze with tips to make your home look upgraded for less, and one particular TikTok hack promises to give your windows a quick facelift. Large open windows are often top of the list of desirable features when people are looking for a new home. But, sometimes, a large expanse of glass can look a little plain. Grid patterns, or window grilles as they're sometimes called, add some extra style to the windows. The various styles can also communicate different architectural styles from contemporary traditional to antique Victorian.

However, replacing your windows isn't always an option, plus, windows with grilles tend to be more expensive than standard windows, ranging from $25 to $50 more per window. But this TikTok tip can give you the look of gridded windows with a simple roll of electrical tape. The hack is much less costly than replacing your windows and is renter-friendly for anyone who can't make permanent changes to their space. 

This ingenious hack was posted on TikTok by kristinmariehome, who often posts affordable and budget-friendly DIY projects as she renovates her own house. Wanting the look of modern gridded windows without the higher price tag, she grabs a roll of electrical tape to create grilles on the existing windows in her living room. Standard window grilles range from 5/8 inches to 2 1/4 inches in width, so you should look for electrical tape that is wide enough to achieve the look you want.

Start by cleaning your windows with a glass cleaner to ensure the best surface for adhesion. Once you've decided on the grid pattern you want, you should measure out the sections and then stick strips of electrical tape at those measurements — you can use a ruler or a level to ensure your lines are straight. In just a few minutes, your windows will look brand new at a fraction of the cost.

Contemporary home trends have seen a rise in black window frames. Instead of the traditional white, black frames have become the choice for homeowners who like bold details and contrast between white-painted walls. However, similar to gridded windows, black window frames are more expensive than standard ones. They're also often considered custom products, depending on the company you purchase them from, which can raise the price. So if you love the look, but don't want to spend the extra money, kristenmariehome has a hack for that too.

On the same windows that she added the electrical grid tape to, she also painted the frames black to create a contemporary look. Originally, the windows in the living room had a medium wood-stained frame, which she primed so the black paint would stick better. The other windows in her home were made of vinyl, so she also painted them black with simple black interior paint. Another quick, easy, and inexpensive DIY project that has a big impact on your home.