5 Home Winter Projects for Cold Days

The DIYer’s spirit can’t be broken on a cold day. Winter projects just sometimes need to be moved indoors. We have compiled a list of our top projects perfect for winter ranging from an easy afternoon to a full upgrade. Which one(s) will you tackle?

If your bathroom is looking a little dim, it’s time for a lighting upgrade. Changing out lighting fixtures can give your bathroom a fresh look.

Here’s how to install new bath and vanity lighting:

• Turn off the power at your service panel by flipping the breaker to your bathroom.
• Gather supplies: screwdrivers, gloves, needle nose pliers, voltage tester, and a level. And of course, your new fixture. You may need wire cutters depending on your light fixture.
• Unscrew the lightbulbs (with gloves if the bulb is hot) and remove the shades. They are typically secured with a screw.
• Unscrew the fixture cover that is attached to the wall. Use a voltage tester to make sure the power is off. Remove the wiring.
• If there is a wall bracket, remove it as well.
• Install the new wall bracket that came with the light into the electrical box, making sure the wires are accessible. Use a level to make sure it is straight.
• Connect the new wiring following the instructions from the manufacturer.
• Attach the new fixture cover, shades, and lightbulbs.
• Flip the breaker on and turn on the lights!

If you want a change but don’t want to have new fixtures, you can upgrade just the shades or a little spray paint can work wonders. Follow the above steps to remove your light fixture. Lay down a dropcloth and wipe down the light fixture with warm, soapy water. Let dry. Using your choice of spray paint (black, silver, or gold are great options), keep spray can six inches away from fixture and spray in even strokes. Let dry. Install the fixture back on wall and screw in light bulbs or even new, higher wattage bulbs.

This project is an easy one to accomplish on a cold afternoon with a movie on in the background and maybe a cup of hot chocolate. Kitchen cabinets and pantries get cluttered easily, but these tips will help to minimize the mess— especially when you’re staying inside.

• Hooks and rods. Save space and add hooks for your aprons or even heavy-duty hooks to hang pots in your pantry. Or create a coffee station and install hooks under your cabinets for easy access to your coffee mug collection. Use adjustable shower curtain rods under your sink to store cleaning supplies. Add a paper towel holder under a cabinet for another space-saving option.
• Shelf installation. If you have extra wall space in your pantry, a hanging shelf is a good option to store extra items. Junk drawer? Use drawer organizers to make things a little less cluttered.

Winter is filled with many home-cooked meals and since you’ll be in your kitchen more, upgrading your faucet will help prep and cleanup go smoother. If you have a standard faucet, adding on with a pull-out faucet or adding a sprayer will help clean those big Dutch ovens. Follow our guide to select your next kitchen faucet.

Bathroom faucet installation is similar to replacing a kitchen faucet if you are just switching to an upgraded two-handle faucet. Make sure to disconnect the lift rod and the popup assembly before you unscrew the supply lines. Then, reconnect is descending order.

Need a better shower experience? Now is a great time to switch out your shower head. Here’s a quick guide:

• Supplies needed: wrench, plumber’s tape, and new shower head.
• Use your wrench and turn the showerhead in a counterclockwise motion to remove the old shower head.
• Wrap the threads on the existing pipe with plumber’s tape to create a tight seal.
• Attach your new shower head and tighten the head on with the wrench.
• Test the new head to make sure there are no leaks.

To go along with your upgraded light fixtures and faucets, install some new cabinet hardware to match. Let’s get to changing:

• Choosing your hardware: Your options include handles/pulls that have two installation points and knobs that only require one screw hole. It’s much easier to change out hardware if you aren’t changing the number of installation points.
• Ensure you know the correct handle size. Measure the length between the two screw centers if there is more than one installation point.
• Use a drill or screwdriver to remove the screws on the inside of the cabinet or drawer.
• Then, secure the new handles or pulls with the new screws that came with the hardware. Don’t over-tighten.

Yes, you read that right. Let in as much light as you can this winter by washing your windows. Start with the inside and, if you live in an area with warmer winters, you can wash the outside on a warmer day. However, winter is a great time to wash your windows as too much heat can dry your cleaner too quickly. Here are our top six tips:

1. Make your own homemade cleaning solution with white vinegar or cleaning vinegar and dish soap. One cup of vinegar to a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle is all you need. You can water it down with one cup of water if you prefer or add an essential oil like lemon for a fresh scent.
2. Before you spray your cleaner, dust and wipe the glass, frame, and sill with a microfiber cloth to grab any dust and spiderwebs. A traditional feather duster only moves dust instead of capturing it like a microfiber cloth does. Alternatively, for really dirty windows, you can use a double-sided squeegee with a scrubber attached.
3. When cleaning the frame, use warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. You can use a dish brush to scrub away any grimy spots.
4. For the exterior of second-story windows, always use caution when on a ladder. If you can, get an extender pole for your squeegee to avoid going on a ladder altogether.
5. For sliding windows, vacuum any sliding tracks and scrub with a dish brush and warm, soapy water.
6. If you need to clean your window screens, you can quickly rinse them off or submerge them in the bathtub with warm water and dish soap.

Ready to get started? Don’t want to go out in the cold? Get all you need delivered from your new shower head to lightbulbs to a squeegee.