Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

1 x 6 x 72 Pine Board
1 x 4 x 72 Pine Board
2-3/4 Colonial Casing
11/16 x 1-1/8 x 96 PVC base cap
1-1/8 x 48 round dowel
1-3/8-in closet rod supports, #16696
1-in wire brads or nailer brads
#8 x 1-1/2-in wood screws
#8 x 3-in wood screws
Wall Anchors (optional)
Valspar paint, Ultra White (#7006-24)

Note

Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.

What Is a Window Cornice?

When you want to give a room a fresh, revamped designer look, consider adding a window cornice. A cornice is a box-style ornamental window treatment that covers the top of a window, making them the stylish focal point of any room. Not only is a cornice box for windows functional but it improves the look of windows when installed with or without curtains. It also helps to block out light at the top of the window.

When it comes to cornice type, it can be elaborate with shapely silhouettes for a classic look, or sleek and streamlined for a more modern feel. The cornice’s versatile design allows for hanging curtains and drapes from a rod, rings or hooks while hiding hardware. Mounting a cornice is relatively easy with just a few tools and can be mounted inside the window frame or mounted outside of the window opening or the window trim.

A Cornice vs. a Valance

A valance over a window in a room with a white chair, wood side table and wall art.

A cornice is often confused with a valance. Both adorn the top of a window and, if needed, conceal hardware. However, there is one major difference between the two. A valence (right) is made from free-flowing fabric that softens the horizontal lines of a room. It can be used alone or paired with drapes or curtains.

A cornice is more structured and is typically made of solid materials like wood that’s stained, painted or covered with fabric to match or complement the curtains or color scheme of the room. Foam board is a lightweight material option. When used on a window that’s proportionally too small for the room, a cornice creates visual balance.

Build a Cornice Curtain Rod Holder

Follow these steps to build a cornice curtain rod holder.

Shop Window Treatments Shop Curtains and Valances

Build the Framework

To determine what width to build your cornice, measure the width of the window between the outside edges of the trim. You can either add 2 inches to that measurement for a cornice that hugs the window or increase the length to provide spaces on both sides to pull the curtains away from the window. From a 1 x 6 pine board, cut the front (A) to the desired length. (For the 36-inch-wide window shown, we cut the front 48 inches long.) Then cut the sides (B) to length from the same board (Cornice Curtain Rod Holder Project Diagram). Sand the outside faces of the front and sides with 120-grit sandpaper.