We have all had our experiences with different window treatments and their impact on our homes. Needless to say, they are essential things without which our homes will stay incomplete. Without their presence, we shall be exposed to extreme weather conditions, discomfort, and insecurity. However, even in the presence of window treatments like curtains, there are certain parts of them that may stick out like a sore thumb, that is, portions that we do not really appreciate. These places are generally the hardware of the curtains, consisting of the rods and finials and the headrail of blinds and shades that are best left outside the purview of the visitor. To hide these less impressive aspects of window treatments, we mount valances and cornices. These are window treatment solutions that are hung on the upper part of the window. Valances are made of fabric while cornices are made of real wood or ply which may be painted, have fabric or wallpaper covering. These valances and cornice boards help to add drama to the room, make the windows the focal point of your room decor and integrate the room into a harmonious whole. They offer a streamlined appearance to the windows and you can choose from a range of designs, shapes and colors to blend seamlessly with your curtains or blinds.
In this section, we shall tell you how to build a cornice box to hide your headrails.
Steps to Make a Cornice Box
While many of us may order a pre-made cornice box, which essentially costs additional money other than the already expensive window treatment, here is a fair reminder that it can be easily built at home. All you need to do is keep some tools handy, and follow a simple procedure. To know what the procedure entails, be mindful of the below-mentioned steps:
Disclaimer: Please follow these instructions at your own risk. ZebraBlinds takes no liability for any issues or damaged caused through following DIY methods. If you are uncomfortable on your own, look for the help of a professional.
1. Mark the Frame: First of all, you need to decide where exactly to install the cornice board. For that, you need to write down the dimensions of the cornice. For this purpose, measure the interior width of the window and add 3-4 inches, give or take, to the overall measurement, for overlap and to account for the thickness of the wood. For the height, you’ll want to measure the area you want to cover and add an extra 1-2” for leeway and more to account for the thickness of the board.
2. Cut the Frame: Now this is where you need to have two wooden boards ready to be marked to the measured length. Once done, draw a straight line on these marks using a square and cut the wood in these places. You can use a circular saw for the purpose.
3. Apply Glue: You must then apply glue on one edge of one of the wood pieces. Keep the other piece perpendicular to the line of glue and then screw both these pieces together.
4. Cut the End Cap after Measuring: Now you need to hold a piece of scrap of the wood at either end of the frame. Then mark it exactly at the point where it’s flush with the frame, followed by drawing a line above the mark with the help of a square and a pencil. Using the circular saw that you used in step 1, make a cut along the line.
5. Securing the End Cap: Once the interior edge of the cornice box is glued, use 1-⅝-inch wood screws to screw the end cap in place. This process needs to be repeated for the opposite end of the cornice box.
6. Wrap the Box: Use a spray adhesive to coat the wood frame, and then wrap the whole box with ½-inch batting.
7. Remove the Excess: You may employ a staple gun to secure one side of the batting while leaving around 5-6 inches of excess batting on the other side. Cut off the excess and pull it tight, making sure there are no wrinkles on the cornice. Afterward, use the staple gun to secure the interior edge of the cornice box.
8. Wrap a Fabric: In order to do so, you must spray adhesive glue and start with wrapping and stapling one side of the fabric on the interior corner. Afterward, wrap the other side, and ensure no wrinkles remain once it has been completely wrapped. Ensure there is no excess fabric; cut it off. Staple it all once done.
9. Attach the brackets: You must have already decided on the location of the board on the window. Install an L bracket and drill holes using a ¼-inch drill bit. You may then use 2-inch screws (wood, preferably) to attach these brackets to the frame.
The cornice is then placed on top of the brackets, and your window space is ready with an all-in-one treatment to weave magic in your living space. The not-so-impressive headrails will now be hidden behind the board. Ensure, however, that the fabric of the board matches your window treatment. Different color and texture and contrast are also fine, as long as it doesn’t threaten to ruin the appearance of your blinds.
