How to Cover Shaped Boards With Cornice

Be creative with cornice board fabrics.

Covered cornices are not only attractive window treatments, but they are also energy efficient. Cornice boards with tops help stop heat loss near windows. Covering your own cornice boards lets you flex your creative muscles while you add flair to your rooms. Fabrics should harmonize with your style. Heavy brocades are suitable for formal rooms, while burlap-type textures work in informal decors. Keep motif sizes in mind when purchasing printed fabrics, they need to fit on your cornice board. Shapes, sizes and coverings are all up to your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Cornice board
• Polyester batting
• Spray glue
• Scissors
• Fabric
• Staple gun
• Upholstery trims (gimp)
• Cording
• Trim-glue or hot glue gun

Instructions

Covering the Cornice Board

1. 

   Staple batting and fabric to the board.

   Spray the board with glue according to the directions. Use a stable work space and place the cornice face-down on the batting. Cut the batting leaving it 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches larger than the board on all sides. Staple the extended edges on the back of the board.

2. Place the fabric face down on your work surface and lay the cornice board face down on the fabric. If you have a motif on the fabric that must be centered or aligned, measure and mark the back of the fabric first so you can line up the cornice board. Trim around the board leaving a 2 inch to 2 1/2 inch margin all around.

3. Turn the fabric under the batting to create a clean finished edge and staple in place. If your cornice board is shaped or curved, shape the fabric to fit smoothly around it by pleating around curves before stapling. Trim off the excess fabric. Take the bulk out of corners, by gently holding the corner together and cutting off the excess. This forms nearly a 90-degree notch cut-out that will fit together for stapling.

4. 

   Add trims for visual interest.

   Use embellishments to add more style to your covered cornices. Sew button-style elements on fabric before attaching it to the board. Add other elements after the fabric is attached. Use trim-glue or a hot glue gun to attach trims. A slower setting trim-glue gives you more time to play trim positions. Several layers of trim detail add visual interest, but keep it consistent with the overall style.

Tips & Warnings

• When using thicker batting or boards, leave wider margins to fold over.

• Coordinate cornices by using the same fabric on accent pillows or other elements in the room.

• Test hot glue on a fabric scrap before using on main piece. Some fabrics melt on contact with hot glue.

• Use caution when working with a hot glue gun. Hot glue can burn fingers.

References

• Professional Upholstery and Soft Furnishings Group: One Way To Cover A Cornice
• Michigan State University: Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient Window Treatments