How to Make Cornice Boards

An easy guide to making cornice boards!

Given the materials they are made of, cornice boards are seen as a structured window treatment. But when paired with an endless array of shapes, fabrics, and styles, you can be sure to find a cornice board that adds a touch of personality to your space.

Picture a leather-covered cornice with bold nailheads, adding the masculine touch to your man cave. Looking for that touch of elegance? Layer a cornice with curtains that flow over or under it. Maintain a timeless yet trendy look by applying banding and flat braids.  Mix a combination of textures and patterns to create a youthful and fun cornice for a child’s room.

Purpose of a Cornice Board

A cornice board is one of the most versatile window treatments. Its purpose can simply be to dress up a plain window by adding color and style to the room. It can hide an unsightly shade or curtain hardware. They can be easily paired with other treatments, such as curtains, Roman shades, and even blinds, to create a warmer feel in the room.

How to Make a Cornice Board

Cornice boards are one of my favorite window treatments to make, mainly because they are sew easy! Actually, they require very little sewing! Grab your saw and stapler; you’ll begin by building the frame, then covering it.

Basic Materials and Supplies:

• For the frame use, Oriented strand board (OSB), Plywood, or FirmaFlex™
• Fabric
• Lining
• Dacron batting
• Welt cord
• Handheld, electric, or pneumatic stapler
• Sewing machine

Looking for a more custom look? Using a coordinating fabric, simply add a banding or cording along the bottom and/or top edge.

Remember, you are not limited to just fabric when it comes to covering a cornice! You’ll find more examples in my YouTube video, where I demonstrate how to embellish a cornice with braid, belts, covered cord, and even grommets.

If you’re ready to begin making cornice boards, I offer a course that takes you step-by-step through the process of building a frame and covering your own cornice board.

Click HERE for my cornice board tutorial!

You will learn how to plan, build, and cover your very own cornice boards.

Posted: September 14, 2019