Do-it-yourself Window Cornice

Window cornices are a simple, inexpensive way to dramatically enhance any room. They'll hide ugly drapery rods and add a touch of custom-made detailing that makes an ordinary window or patio door look like something special. The top of the cornice can even serve as a display shelf for art or collectibles.

 

 

Cornices are surprisingly easy to build, even the elegant ones you see in home magazines. Using off-the-shelf trim from the home centre and a compound mitre saw, anyone with simple carpentry skills can create a beautiful window or door cornice in just a few hours.

Using a Mitre Saw
The best tool for cutting mitres on wide boards is with a mitre saw. Be sure to use a sharp finish-cutting blade.

Build the basic box, then add the trim
Every cornice begins the same way, with cutting and assembling the three-sided, lidded box . Then you add the trim of your choice and finish the cornice. The cornice is then ready for mounting on the wall.

Begin by measuring the curtain and curtain rod for length, depth and width. Measure with the curtains open so you take into account their thickness when bunched. Add about 5 to 10cm or so to the depth and the width of the curtain rod to make sure the cornice will cover everything.

Mitre the ends and front box pieces first. It s easiest to square up the board, then tilt the mitre saw to cut a 45-degree bevel for the first end piece and then square it up to cut the second end. The mitred corners are glued and nailed together with steel brads. Measure the assembly to determine the exact length for the top.

When mitring the trim for the box, always start by first cutting and mounting an end trim piece, then the long front trim and finally the other end. That way, you you'll be able to check fits and get crisp mitres at each corner. Fit each mitre, then scribe the length of each piece rather than measuring. It s faster and much more accurate. It s best to cut pieces just a tad long so you can shave them down until they fit perfectly. If you re new to woodworking, it s nice to have a helper by your side to hold the mitres together while you re scribing lengths or fastening parts.

Design Tip: Cutting Crown Moulding
The trick to cutting perfect crown moulding mitres is to rest the molding upside down and against the bed and fence while cutting the 45-degree angles.

Finishing

Fill nail holes and prime before painting. If your cornices have elaborate details, you you'll get better results with several light coats of spray paint instead of brushing. Finish highly detailed natural and stained wood with spray lacquer or polyurethane. Pre-paint the cornice ledge to match the wall before you put it up if you think it it'll show after the window covering is in place.

Designing your cornice
Design elements within your home should dictate the wood type, moulding style and finish that you select. Depending on the design, the top either overlaps the sides, sometimes with a routed edge, or is nailed to the top or inside of the box and doesn't t show from below.

the family handyman