How to Make a Window Cornice

A window cornice is a beautiful addition to a window in a home, office or even a luxury hotel. Most window cornices are upholstery covered, but can actually be painted or stained. Once you know the basic guidelines for constructing a window cornice, the ideas will be endless. Adding a window cornice can make a window appear taller and more grand than it is without a window treatment or with regular draperies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what window you wish to have a window cornice made for. If you decide to make matching window cornice boards, it would be best to do them all at the same time. Measure each window that will have a window cornice. You will be measuring the actual width of the window and be determining how much of the top of the window you want to cover or how high you want the window cornice to reach up. In planning your window cornice size, add about two inches to the width of each side. This will allow enough room to have the sides of the cornice attached to the walls on each side of the window.

2. Make a paper pattern of the size you determine is correct for your window. Hold it up to the window and visualize if this is going to fit accurately. If not, make adjustments before you cut the actual boards. Measure the cornice board several times before you make the cuts in the wood.

3. Cut the wood using a skill saw or electric saw. Be sure to follow the guidelines you would normally use handling a saw, using protective gloves and eye goggles. Sand the edges smooth so as not to be injured on any little pieces sticking out. Cut two more pieces the same height as your window cornice, but only about three to four inches wide. These will be your sidepieces.

4. Cover the window cornice board with your chosen fabric. It gives a nice appearance to glue a thin layer of foam on the board and then cover with the fabric. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface with the good side down. Center the cornice board over the fabric with the front side down. Fold the bottom fabric up, smooth out and secure with a staple gun. Fold the top fabric down, smooth out and secure with a staple gun. Fold the sides in making sure not to let the fabric pucker at the top and bottom and secure the fabric with the staple gun. Repeat this process on the sidepieces. Scrap material and scrap wood make excellent sidepieces. Trim the excess fabric from the back side so that it is not hanging down. For a more professional type cornice board, cut an additional piece of fabric the exact size of the back and use fabric glue to adhere this right over all the raw edges of the back. Allow appropriate time for this to dry before moving on.

5. Attach the sidepieces to the main piece of the cornice board by using "L" brackets. Use one bracket on top and bottom of each side. Be sure to use small screws that are appropriate for the thickness of your board so they don't come through, to be visible. You should have your window cornice or box assembled.

6. Use mounting wall brackets and screws to attach your window cornice board to the wall to cover your window in the appropriate place. Try to hit wall studs for extra support. Use a level to make sure that your window cornice is level before fastening all the brackets down tightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Thick or sturdy styrofoam can be used to make a cornice board as well.
• Use caution when cutting with a skill saw and using the staple gun. Wear protective gloves and goggles for your own safety.