How to Cover an Unwanted Window Exterior: The Ultimate Guide

That awkward window. It might stare directly into a neighbor’s home, ruin your home’s exterior symmetry, or simply be a relic of a past renovation. Whatever the reason, an unwanted window can be a major source of frustration, impacting everything from curb appeal to interior design freedom. You need a solution, but the thought of a major construction project is daunting.

The good news is you have options, ranging from simple cosmetic enhancements to a full, permanent removal. This guide will walk you through every step, helping you reclaim your wall space and achieve the seamless exterior look you want. We’ll cover temporary fixes, semi-permanent solutions, and the definitive process for removing the window for good.

Why Cover an Exterior Window in the First Place?

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Homeowners choose to cover or remove windows for a variety of practical and aesthetic reasons. Identifying your primary motivation will help you select the best possible solution for your home and budget.

Aesthetics and Curb Appeal

A poorly placed window can disrupt the entire balance of a home’s facade. It might be an odd size, misaligned with other windows, or simply not fit the architectural style. Covering it can restore symmetry and create a more cohesive, intentional design that significantly boosts curb appeal.

Enhanced Privacy

Windows that face a busy street or a neighbor’s property can feel like an invasion of privacy. While interior blinds and curtains help, an exterior solution provides a more robust and permanent sense of seclusion. It eliminates the “fishbowl” effect entirely, making your indoor space feel more secure and private.

Interior Remodeling Needs

Sometimes, an interior renovation dictates the fate of a window. A new kitchen layout might require wall space for cabinets right where a window sits. A bathroom remodel might place a new shower against an existing window, creating a need to seal the opening from the outside to prevent water damage.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Older, single-pane windows are notorious for being inefficient. They can be drafty in the winter and allow heat gain in the summer. While there are ways to better insulate windows, such as learning how to insulate glass block windows, permanently removing and sealing an unnecessary window can offer a superior thermal barrier, potentially lowering your energy bills.

Critical Planning: What to Consider Before You Begin

Jumping into this project without proper planning can lead to costly mistakes, water damage, or even structural issues. Before you pick up a single tool, you must address these critical considerations.

Building Codes and Egress Requirements

This is the most important step. Building codes often dictate the number and size of windows required in certain rooms, especially bedrooms, for fire safety. These are known as “egress windows,” and they must be large enough for a person to escape in an emergency. Never cover or remove a designated egress window. Always check with your local building department to see if a permit is required for your project, especially if you plan on permanently removing the window and altering the wall structure.

Structural Integrity

A window opening is supported by a structural header that distributes the weight from above. While you won’t be removing this header, it’s crucial to understand that improperly framing the new wall section can compromise the wall’s integrity. For a full removal, consulting with a professional contractor is always the safest bet.

Moisture and Weatherproofing

An improperly sealed window opening is a direct invitation for water, mold, and rot. This is not a step to take lightly. A successful project hinges on creating a completely waterproof barrier using high-quality materials like house wrap, flashing tape, and exterior-grade sealants. Failure to do so will cause far bigger problems down the road.

Temporary and Reversible Exterior Solutions

If you’re looking for a less permanent or purely decorative fix, these options can effectively hide an unwanted window while adding a touch of style to your home’s exterior.

Decorative Exterior Shutters

Installing a pair of permanently closed shutters is one of the easiest ways to cover a window. This method adds architectural character and can be styled to match your home perfectly. Choose from louvered, board and batten, or paneled designs for a custom look.

Trellises and Strategic Landscaping

A well-placed trellis with climbing plants like ivy or wisteria can create a beautiful, living screen over a window. This green solution enhances curb appeal and can be combined with a window box for even more coverage. While it requires some patience for the plants to grow, the result is a charming and natural camouflage.

Exterior Privacy Screens

Modern architectural screens made from wood, composite, or metal offer a stylish way to obscure a window. These can be mounted directly to the wall, providing both privacy and a contemporary design element. They are available in various patterns and can be painted to match your exterior trim.

Permanent Solution: Removing the Window and Infilling the Wall

For those who want the window gone for good, a full removal and infill is the ultimate solution. This is an advanced project that requires carpentry skills and a deep understanding of weatherproofing. While a confident DIYer can tackle it, hiring a professional is recommended for most homeowners.

Step 1: Removing the Existing Window

First, from the inside, carefully remove the interior trim and casing around the window using a pry bar. Next, remove the window sashes. Depending on the window type, you may need to cut sealant and remove screws or nails holding the main frame in place. Once all fasteners are removed, carefully push the window frame out from the inside.

Step 2: Framing the Opening

With the window removed, you will have a rough opening. You need to fill this space with new framing that matches the existing wall structure. Measure the distance between the existing wall studs and cut new 2x4s (or 2x6s, depending on your wall depth) to fit snugly within the opening. Install these “cripple studs” vertically, typically 16 inches on center, and secure them to the header above and the sill plate below.

Step 3: Sheathing the Exterior

Cut a piece of exterior-grade plywood or OSB sheathing to perfectly match the size of the opening. From the outside, screw this sheathing into the new framing. This is a critical weatherproofing step. You must integrate a house wrap (weather-resistant barrier) over the sheathing, tucking it under the existing wrap on the top and sides and overlapping it at the bottom to ensure water sheds away properly. Use specialized flashing tape to seal all seams airtight.

Step 4: Insulating the Cavity

From the inside, fill the newly framed wall cavity with insulation. Use the same type and R-value as the rest of the wall, whether it’s fiberglass batts, rock wool, or spray foam. A proper insulation job is key to preventing cold spots and maintaining your home’s energy efficiency.

Step 5: Matching the Exterior Siding

This is where the magic happens. The goal is to make it look like a window was never there. Sourcing siding that perfectly matches your existing material in both color and weathering can be challenging. You may need to take a piece from a less conspicuous area of the house, like behind a bush, and use the new siding there. For brick or stucco, hiring a mason or plasterer is almost always necessary to achieve a seamless blend.

Step 6: Finishing the Interior Wall

Finally, cover the interior side of the new wall section with drywall. Tape, mud, and sand the seams until they are perfectly smooth. Prime and paint the new patch to match the rest of the room, and your new, solid wall will be complete.

Comparing Your Options: A Quick-Reference Table

To help you decide, here is a comparison of the different methods for covering an unwanted exterior window.

Solution	Estimated Cost	DIY Friendliness	Permanence	Curb Appeal Impact
Exterior Shutters	$100 – $500	High	Low (Reversible)	High (Adds character)
Trellis & Plants	$50 – $300	High	Low (Reversible)	High (Adds greenery)
Privacy Screen	$200 – $800+	Medium	Low (Reversible)	Medium to High (Modern look)
Paint/Film Exterior	$30 – $100	High	Medium	Low to Medium
Full Removal & Infill	$1,000 – $4,000+	Low (Pro Recommended)	High (Permanent)	Highest (Seamless finish)

Critical Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Covering an exterior window incorrectly can lead to severe consequences. Pay close attention to these common pitfalls to ensure your project is a lasting success.

Ignoring Proper Weatherproofing

This cannot be stressed enough. Simply screwing a piece of plywood over the outside of a window is a recipe for disaster. Water will inevitably get behind it, leading to rot in the wall sheathing and frame. Always use an integrated system of house wrap and flashing tape to create a watertight seal.

Creating a Moisture Trap

Some people attempt to cover a window from the inside and outside while leaving the original glass in place. This creates a sealed, unventilated air gap. Condensation can form on the inside of the exterior glass, leading to mold and decay that you won’t see until it’s too late. It is far better to either use a simple exterior cover or commit to a full removal.

Mismatched Exterior Materials

A poorly matched patch of siding or brick is a dead giveaway of a removed window and can hurt your home’s value. Take the time and spend the extra money to get the closest possible match. If a perfect match isn’t possible, consider painting the entire wall for a uniform finish.

The Final Word: Reclaiming Your Home’s Exterior

An unwanted window doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. Whether you choose a simple decorative fix like shutters or opt for a full, professional removal, you have the power to transform your home’s exterior. By planning carefully, prioritizing weatherproofing, and paying close attention to detail, you can successfully cover that unwanted window and create a seamless, beautiful facade.

If you’re dealing with other window issues, such as outdated frames, it might be worth exploring your options. Sometimes a full overhaul is the best path forward, much like the decision when replacing 1970s windows. On the other hand, if the frame is sound but the sashes are failing, you might weigh the benefits of sash kits vs replacement windows to find a more targeted solution.