Vor is a tricky little preposition in this context. It can come in two forms.

1. As part of a set phrase.
   vor der Tür / vor dem Fenster
   Always refering to the outside of an enclosed space, typically a room or house, but also a vehicle.
2. As part of the contrasting pair
   vor etwas / hinter etwas
   With vor describing something between the observer and a second object and hinter something said object.

So regarding your examples:

• 1 and 2: Use vor as the set phrase.
• 3 and 4: The table would be vor the window (between Carl and the window). If Carl described the table as hinter, he would be outside.
• 5: In theory, you could use hinter. My language instinct as native speaker would pick vor - the set phrase taking precedence.

Vor is a tricky little preposition in this context. It can come in two forms.

1. As part of a set phrase.
   vor der Tür / vor dem Fenster
   Always refering to the outside of an enclosed space, typically a room or house, but also a vehicle.
2. As part of the contrasting pair
   vor etwas / hinter etwas
   With vor describing something between the observer and a second object and hinter something behind said object.

So regarding your examples:

• 1 and 2: Use vor as the set phrase.
• 3 and 4: The table would be vor the window (between Carl and the window). If Carl described the table as hinter, he would be outside.
• 5: In theory, you could use hinter. My language instinct as native speaker would pick vor - the set phrase taking precedence.