Curtains and Window Treatments

A cornice is an excellent way to accentuate the window. While hanging designed curtain rods or valances provides good aesthetic and practical purposes, adding a window cornice provides a bolder statement. The boxy construction of a cornice is good way to accentuate the architecture of the window. The primary purpose of a cornice is to hide all the hardware which supports either curtains or draperies for your windows, although, it can, by itself a decorative accent to the window. Cornice boards are inexpensive and easy-to-make treatment for your windows. You can buy pre-made cornices, or if you are so inclined, they are easy to construct for your DIY projects. Here are some cornice window treatment ideas for your home.

Wood cornices are staple ideas for designers because of its simplicity. If you use wood which have naturally beautiful grains, you can simply stain them then apply varnish later on. You may also use plain wood and then treat them with a coat of paint, this is usually done if natural wood finish does not go with the overall theme of your room. Another idea for a wood cornices is to add molding to the cornice. Hobby shops and hardware stores sells very decorative wood pieces which you can use as molding to add accent to your cornices. You can achieve very elaborate effects by using molding, you can go for colonial or Victorian designs to added sophistication.

Using wallpapered cornice is another idea for a window treatment. The basic idea behind this treatment is very similar to using wood cornices, but instead of painting over the wood or varnishing the wood, you will use wallpaper. Using wallpaper for the cornice gives you an effect of continuity within the room because it is not attracting too much attention on the cornice area. The use of wallpaper adds just a little bit of texture and geometry to the window while serving its primary purpose of hiding the drapery hardware. You can use a different wallpaper for the cornice, if the design objective is draw attention to the cornice–just use your sense of style when choosing a different wallpaper.

Fabric covered cornice boards are attractive. It adds texture to the window and the drapes because the use of fabric on cornices makes the drapes appear longer than they actually are–it also makes window appear taller than it actually is. Using fabric for cornice can be achieved by simple upholstering techniques. If you will use heavy fabric for upholstery, then use wood as a basic frame in order to support the extra weight. You can use plain staples to affix the foam and the fabric to the cornice. A better idea is to use velcro when attaching the fabric so that it’s easy to put on and tear away in case you need to clean the fabric.

Cornice window treatment ideas for your home adds a lot of sophistication and elegance to the room and to the window, they can be very decorative as well.