How to Install a Trick Window in a House

Clean the glass in an old window frame with glass cleaner and a paper towel. You can also purchase a new window frame if a discarded one isn't available, with or without glass. Coordinate your faux window frame with other windows in the house to achieve a more realistic appearance. For example, if your home has window frames with muntin bars -- wooden or metal bars that divide the window panes -- choose that style for your faux window.

Sand the window frame with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any imperfections and roughen the surface to prepare it for primer. Wipe down the sanded areas with a damp, clean cloth to remove any dust particles.

Apply primer to the window frame with a paintbrush. Wait for the primer to dry for at least two hours before continuing.

Brush interior latex paint onto the window frame in smooth, even brushstrokes. Choose a paint color that matches other window frames in your home. Allow the paint to dry for at least two hours then apply a second coat.

Measure the height and width of the window frame and jot down these dimensions.

Trim a scenic poster or enlarged photograph to the dimensions of the window frame. Select a scene typical in your geographic area to make the faux window more realistic.

Attach the poster or photograph to the back of the window frame face-down. Use a staple gun to secure the print to the frame.

Fasten a sawtooth picture hanger onto the back, top center of the picture frame with a hammer. For window frames that weigh less than 20 lbs., position the window frame on the wall and hang it with a large nail and hammer. For heavier window frames, use the hammer to tap an E-Z drywall anchor into the wall then insert the corresponding screw into the anchor to hang the window frame.

Mount curtain rod brackets onto the wall a couple of inches above the faux window frame. Slide curtains, floor-length drapes or a valance over the rod and set it into the wall brackets. Use sheer curtains for a translucent view of your faux window.

Position a small, portable uplight or can light under floor-length drapes or hide it behind the curtains on the windowsill to illuminate your faux window and create the illusion of natural light.