How to Build a Window Cornice

A window cornice adds a strong dose of architectural character to any room and at the same time conceals mounting hardware for drapes or blinds. If your home already has interesting moldings, you can design the cornice to match; if it doesn't, let your imagination be your guide. Or follow our lead to build the one pictured here. It hangs on a French cleat mounted above the window and stands out from the wall enough to allow the curtains to open and close easily. Your cornice should be an inch or two longer than the curtain rod, including the finials, to make it easy to install. It should also be deep enough to clear the finials and the rings by 1 inch.

If you choose to buy a window cornice, there are plenty of wood types and finishes, not to mention architectural styles, to choose from. In either case, you'll never look at your window the same way again.

Download and print a cut list for building a window cornice.