Trimmed out dozens of windows with wood casing before trying drywall returns. First one took forever. Now I actually prefer them for certain houses. Clean modern look without the trim.
What They Are
Instead of wood trim around the window, the drywall wraps right into the opening and meets the window frame. No casing, no apron, no stool. Just painted wall that turns the corner.
Popular in contemporary builds where the goal is minimal visual clutter. Makes windows feel larger and more integrated with the wall.
Why Choose Them
Clean aesthetics – Nothing extra around the window. Just wall meeting glass. Looks right in modern spaces.
Cost savings – No trim to buy. No skilled trim carpenter needed. Materials are cheaper and labor is simpler.
Easy maintenance – Repaint with the rest of the wall. No trim to recaulk or touch up separately.
Materials You Need
- Drywall strips cut to width
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound
- Corner bead – vinyl or paper-faced metal
- Tape measure and utility knife
- Taping knives
How to Do It
Measure the opening depth and cut drywall strips to match. Top piece goes in first. Then sides. Bottom last.
Secure with screws into the framing. Space them like you would on any drywall – every 8 inches or so.
Install corner bead on all exposed edges. This protects corners that will take bumps over time. Metal bead is more durable. Vinyl goes on easier.
Tape and mud all joints. Three coats minimum for a good finish. Sand between coats. Prime and paint with the wall.
Where It Gets Tricky
Out-of-square openings cause problems. If the window rough opening isn’t plumb and level, the returns will look weird. Fix the framing first or accept visible compromises.
Gaps between drywall and window frame need backer rod and caulk. Use paintable caulk so it blends with the finish.
The transition at the sill can be awkward. Some people extend drywall all the way. Others use a small sill piece. Depends on the window style.
When to Use Wood Trim Instead
Traditional homes look better with trim. Drywall returns on a colonial or craftsman house feel wrong.
Deep window openings favor wood too. Long drywall returns are prone to damage and look disproportionate.
If the windows are inconsistent – different sizes, out of square, various styles – trim can hide sins that returns would expose.
Pro Tips
Use fiberglass tape at corners. Less likely to crack than paper tape as the house moves.
Apply corner bead with adhesive first, then screw or staple. Adhesive helps it sit flat.
Spray texture if the walls are textured. Rolling texture on returns is tedious and rarely matches perfectly.
Worth Considering
Not every project needs drywall returns, but they’re a good option to know about. Modern houses, cost-conscious projects, or anywhere you want that minimal look – give them a try.
