As you’ve probably already guessed, having had windows replaced in two of our bedrooms, we didn’t just install a new window sill in our guest bedroom – we installed one in our bedroom, too.
Well, we couldn’t just leave it as it was, could we?
Now, if you’d been thinking, that we went to a lot of unnecessary effort to cut out a template for the window sill in our guest bedroom, you’d probably be right. In reality we saw it as a kind of practice run for our master bedroom window. Being in the bay, it was a much more complicated sill to fit.
Essentially we used the same method as we used to fit our guest bedroom window sill. (You can check out our full guide on how to install a window sill here.)
As you can see, the template we had to prepare for our master bedroom window sill was a bit more complicated than for our straight window sill in the guest bedroom.
After preparing the templates, the rest was pretty straight forward. We transferred the templates to the window board and then cut it out using a jigsaw.
We figured that starting with the middle sill and working outwards would be a good idea. After fitting the central window board, we could then double check the fit of the two templates on each side before carrying out any more cutting.
As you can see, the cut along the edge of the board along the wall really isn’t perfect, but in our case it doesn’t matter too much, as we’re planning to have the whole wall around the window skimmed. Hopefully that’ll cover any imperfections from our bad cutting.
The joint between the two sills isn’t perfect either, but after a bit of filling and a bit of painting (obviously yet to do) the join hopefully it won’t be too visible.
Our tip: Use one large piece of card as a template not just two shorter end pieces like we did. In the end the sills didn’t quite line up. At first we couldn’t work out why it didn’t fit, but then realised that it was because the windows are actually fitted at different depths. Luckily it was still an okay fit and nothing that a bit of filler couldn’t hide.
Now that we’ve finished installing the window sills, we can finally move on to fitting the architrave around the windows.
Because we’re such perfectionists complete pains we’ve decided to have the design of the original architrave reproduced. For us it was a fairly big decision (it’s really not cheap), but we’re trying to replace as many missing period features in our home as possible and having the original architrave around the windows (where we’ve already reinstated the stained glass) will mean that they look more in keeping with the period of the property.
Do you have any period features in your home that you’re reinstating? Do you think we’re mad going to the effort of having the exact moulding replicated?
We have reinstated 1 fireplace with another restored and ready to install in our Edwardian house. We have put up ceiling roses and old light switches, I have learnt stained glass and have one panel installed so far. We have added old doors and left them pine. I collected Victorian tiles and we used them behind our cooker and sink as features. Restoration is a great way to learn about the past and share it for the future.
Thank you for an inspiring and informative website.
Thank you for taking the time to comment, Fiona!
It sounds like you’ve done a huge amount of work to your home! I love period features so it’s always lovely to hear when people go to so much effort to reinstate them! You’re totally right, restoration is a great way to learn not just about DIY but also about the past and even about yourself.
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