How to Build Window Canopies

Create a window canopy by making a cornice for the window.

A window canopy provides shade and helps block out harmful ultraviolet rays while still allowing sunlight into the room. Window treatments of all types are rather expensive. By building your own window canopy -- which is sometimes called a window awning or cornice -- not only will you save money, you also will have control over the design, look and fabric used for your one-of-a-kind window canopy.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Plywood
• Table or miter saw
• Wood glue
• Nails
• Nail gun
• Paint
• Fabric batting
• Batting
• Staple gun
• Staples
• Curtain rod
• Power drill
• Screws
• 2 L-brackets

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the window with a tape measure, and add 6 inches to the measurement. Cut a piece of plywood according to the measurement. Cut the plywood so it has mitered edges.

2. Cut two additional pieces of plywood board according to the desired depth of the window canopy. For example, if you want the canopy to extend 4 inches from the wall, cut the two pieces of plywood to a length of 4 inches. Cut both boards so one end of each board has a mitered edge.

3. Place a few beads of wood glue on each end of the long board, which measures the length of the window. Press the mitered edge of the short piece of plywood, which measures the desired depth, against the glue-covered end of the long board. Repeat the process on the opposite end of the long board.

4. Insert a nail every 1 to 2 inches on the glued ends of the board using a nail gun. The nails help secure the glued pieces.

5. Measure the entire length and width of the long board with the ends attached. Cut a piece of plywood according to the length and width of the long board. This piece provides the top of the cornice.

6. Apply several beads of wood glue along the top edge of the long board and sides. Position the top piece so it is flush against the long board. Insert nails with a nail gun every 6 inches to help secure the top board to the long board.

7. Paint the cornice the desired color. Alternatively, cover the cornice with batting and fabric, and secure to the back of the cornice with a staple gun.

8. Install a curtain rod about 3 inches above the window. Use a curtain rod that is about 1 inch shorter than the length of the cornice you built. Use the hardware included with the curtain rod -- which is typically a metal bracket you secure to the wall with screws -- to attach it to the wall.

9. Remove the curtain rod from the brackets. Screw a 1-by-2-inch piece of wood to the wall between the curtain rod brackets. This is the ledger that will act as a foundation for the cornice.

10. Secure an L-bracket at each end of the wall where the canopy will sit against the wall. Use screws included with the L-bracket to screw it into the wall. The top of the cornice will sit on top of the L-bracket.

11. Add the curtains to the curtain rod. Replace the curtain rod on the brackets. Set the canopy cornice on top of the L-brackets. For added support, drill screws through the cornice and into the wall.