How to Make an Old World-Style Window Cornice

A couple of window cornices made in Old World style.

Decorating in Old World style is becoming more and more popular, with the use or dark woods and dark-colored paint on the wall as well as adding moldings and intricate designs. If you want to bring the Old World look into your home, you can create window cornices that are done in this style. This is a great way to bring the Old World style to the next level, enhancing the look of your home.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2" thick plywood or MDF (medium density fiberboard)
• Crown moldings
• Chair rails
• Outer-corner moldings
• Miter saw
• Hammer or nail gun
• Nail
• Wood glue
• Wood putty
• Paint (dark brown)
• Metallic paint in gold
• Primer for unfinished wood
• Decorative wooden pieces (wood relief)
• Safety goggles
• Work gloves
• Tack cloth or damp cheese cloth
• Wood clamp
• L-brackets
• Flathead screw
• Screw driver

Instructions

1. Start by putting the drapery rods in place. This will help determine the height and depth of the window cornice. Once the drapery hardware is in place, take the measurement. Measure the inside of the cornice. The cornice should have a clearance of 3" on top of the curtain rod. Make sure to give a clearance of at least 2" to extend at each side of the end of the rod.

   Measure the cornice board height. Make sure to measure the height taking into consideration the proportion to the size of the window and the length of window treatment. Keep in mind that the height should fully cover any drapery hardware and the top part of the drapery or curtain.

2. Next you will be cutting your pieces. A standard wooden cornice would have three parts. The front part that would cover the hardware and top of the drapery, and then two smaller pieces (3" in width) to cover the sides. In this example, a fourth piece is added which is the top part to cover the top or hold the crown moldings. Cut the front part based on the width and height of your measurement which should include clearance for the drapery and hardware. Cut the top part similar width as that of the front part except that it would be smaller height as it will lay flat on top of the front part and would only cover the depth of the clearance for drapery and hardware. Cut the two side pieces to the height of the front part by the depth of the top part.

3. Sand the sides of the cut pieces to give a smooth and finished edge. Then wipe away the dust using damped cheese cloth.

4. Glue and nail the pieces together. Use a wood clamp to hold the pieces together after gluing to make nailing easier. This will be your base cornice board.

5. Cut and add decorative moldings. Cut using your miter saw the molding strips to be used to finish the bottom part of your window cornice. Miter the corner moldings for each side of the cornice at front corners leaving extra length on the molding strips. Then miter one corner on molding for the front of the cornice also leaving extra length. Then place the mitered front and side molding strips to meet at one corner. Mark the finished length of the side piece then trim for a straight-cut end.
   Place side molding at each end. Using a pencil and a straight edge, mark outside edge of front molding where the angle will meet. Mark this angle, then cut with a miter saw. Place the moldings together then mark and straight-cut the other piece to fit. Next, cut the crown molding and chair rail to be used for the upper portion of the cornice. Use the same steps as in cutting the corner moldings.

   Glue, clamp and nail together then add to the base cornice board.

6. Add wooden relief. Use wood glue or small finishing nails to place decorative wooden relief for the front part. There are several designs to choose from, choose the design that fits well with the other design found in your home, like the carving on your wooden furniture or the pattern on your fabric. Acanthus leaves and scrolls are great choices for an Old World style.

7. Prepare to paint. Wipe away any remaining dust or dirt that had accumulated using tack cloth or damped cheese cloth. Use wood putty to cover the nail heads and any imperfection.

8. Paint using primer first to eliminate multiple coats allowing paint to seep better. Let it dry, then paint with a dark latex or flat paint. Choose the color that would blend well with your existing wall and fabric color. Let it dry, then highlight the corner or molding strips, as well as the wooden relief, with the golden metallic paint to make them more visible against the dark background. Allow the paint to dry. If you prefer to stain the wood rather than paint, you can choose the same stain or finish found on your wooden furniture.

9. Hang your cornice board using L-shape brackets on each end; make sure it is sturdy enough to carry the weight of the cornice board. Screw from the top using flathead screws.

Tips & Warnings

• If you only have beginner carpentry skills, it may be easier to use an electric miter saw which you can adjust the angle of the blade easily. You can also get the pieces cut at the home improvement store for a minimal price as long as you have the exact measurement to avoid too many repeated trips

• You can use a stencil pattern as substitute for wooden relief. Use a stencil brush to apply the metallic paint.

• Use safety precaution when using the miter saw.

• Use eye safety goggles and work gloves for protection.

Resources

• How to make a cornice board.