Cornice boards are among the interior design window treatment concepts that are most overlooked – stylish, versatile, and quite simple to make yourself. A window cornice is an ideal solution for transforming the look of any room, from a living room, bedroom or bay window.
What Is a Cornice Board?
A cornice board is a hard box that attaches to the top of a window to cover curtain rods, blinds hardware and other window treatment mechanisms. Cornice boards are made from solid wood materials, MDF or foam board, and then finished with fabric, paint or decorative trim, as opposed to soft fabric valances.
Cornice is derived from classical architecture and originally meant a horizontal moulding which stood over the top of a wall or building. The concept was used in interior design, as a window topper that brings a taste of elegance to any interior space.
A window pelmet or window topper is also known as a cornice board, and it’s similar to a valance, except for this key difference – structure. A valance is a light, draped fabric but a cornice board is hard, flat and stays that way, making windows look clean, neat and high-end.
Cornice Board vs Valance vs Pelmet – What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners get confused as to the difference between valances and pelmets from cornice boards. Quick highlights:
Cornice Board – A structure made of rigid wood or MDF, then covered in fabric or paint. Architectural, structured look.
Valance – A soft, draping fabric cover. Romantic and informal, less architectural.
Pelmet – UK term for cornice board. Stiff header, in which the tracks and hardware are hidden.
Swag/Jabot – Decorative fabric that hangs in a swooped fashion. Decorative and more conventional.
The key takeaway: For a more modern, or more traditional, look that’s more architecturally styled, a cornice board is almost always the better option than a soft valance.
Types of Cornice Boards
Cornice boards come in a wide range of styles to match virtually any interior design aesthetic.
- Upholstered Cornice Board
Upholstered cornice board is the most common style, featuring fabric, often the same as the curtains or a matching design. This makes it a seamless customized window treatment appearance. Cornices can add a nice touch to bedrooms, living rooms and formal dining rooms when upholstered.
- Painted Wood Cornice Board
If you’re looking for a clean, minimal or Scandinavian look, painted wood cornice board is the perfect choice. They are available in different colors which can best complement the wall color or window trim patterns, and are quite versatile in application for modern window treatments.
- Shaped or Scalloped Cornice Board
They come in various models that have decorative cut-out bottoms, such as scalloped or arched, or even geometric, which enhance the looks without extra hardware. Traditional and cottage style interiors often feature scalloped cornice boards.
- Foam Board Cornice (DIY Cornice Board)
Foam board cornices are also lightweight and cost effective making them suitable for renters or do it yourselfers. They can be easily cut, wrapped in fabric and put up with little tools.
- Mirrored or Metallic Cornice Board
Cornice-style, these have a mirrored panel or a metalized finish for a trendy contemporary window treatment. Perfect for the bathroom, entryways and contemporary living rooms.
How Cornice Boards Elevate Your Window Treatment
Let’s look at why cornice boards are an instant eye-catcher and contribute to every room:
Benefits:
- Covers up unsightly curtain rods and hardware
- Makes ceilings look higher.Makes ceilings look higher
- Incorporates architectural detail into simple windows
- Fully customizable to any style
- Handles blinds, drapes, or sheers
- Low-cost, do-it-yourself choice is available
Considerations:
- Needs appropriate size for fit
- Installing custom cornice boards can be expensive
- Will not work on windows that are extremely small
- May need professional install for heavy builds
To make your cornice board stand out as one of the best interior design tips, install a cornice board about an inch or two above the window frame. This will trick your eye into looking up, making the window and ceiling appear larger than they really are, which is a favorite to-do of interior designers when designing small rooms and apartments.
Pro tip: In a living room or bedroom, attach your cornice board 4-6 inches up from the window frame and 3-4 inches out on either side. This easy technique will help to determine the windows to have a significantly larger look, and likewise the room will look more spacious.
How to Make a DIY Cornice Board (Step-by-Step Overview)
Items to have on hand: 1×6 pine board (or foam board if lightweight), fabric of your choice, batting/foam padding, staple gun, l-brackets and a drill.
Step 1 – Measure your window: Measure the width of the window frame and any curtain rod hardware. Add 3 – 4 inches to the sides. The depth of the cornices is traditionally 4-6 inches.
Step 2 – Cut and assemble the box: Cut out your top board, front face and two side return boards. Use wood glue and screws to assemble into a 3-sided box (open at the back).
Step 3 – Add padding: Wrap the front and sides with batting and foam to add softness and upholstery. Staple with a staple gun.
Step 4 – Apply your fabric: Stretch your desired fabric over the padded portions and staple to the inner edges. To get a clean cut at the corners for a professional finish.
Step 5 – Mount: Use L-brackets to mount the cornice board above your window. Make sure it’s level and centered.
The total expense of a do-it-yourself fabric cornice board is generally $30-$80 based on materials, while a fabric cornice professionally constructed can cost $150-$400+.
Cornice Board Styles for Every Interior Design Aesthetic
Traditional & Classic: Decorate the cornice with nailheads or fringe, finish with an upholstered damask, velvet or jacquard. Faux or all colors with floor length drapes.
Modern & Minimalist: Choose a thin white, black or neutral painted wood cornice. Clean lines of the architecture that frames the window, without emphasising the window over the furnishings, no fabric, no frills.
Farmhouse & Cottage: Use a burlap or linen upholstered cornice; or a white cornice painted, with a scalloped bottom edge. For simple white sheers or Roman shades.
Glam & Hollywood Regency: A mirrored or metallic cornice and jewel tone velvet drapes instantly create a focal point. Consider adding finial details in crystal or brass for extra emphasis.
Coastal & Bohemian: Add a fabric cornice in a strong pattern – ikat, batik or tropical – to bring personality. Busy patterns may look intentional and polished with these crowned by the structure of the cornice.
Cornice Boards for Specific Window Types
Bay windows: Make a continuous cornice that encircles all three (or more) panels for a luxurious built-in appearance.
Sliding glass doors: In living rooms with big glass doors, a large shallow cornice covers the track hardware and connects the different spaces together.
Small windows: Place cornice further from window than window size for larger window effect. This is particularly helpful in bathrooms and kitchens.
Arched windows: A custom cornice can be bent to fit around the curve of an arch, or a straight cornice can be bent over the top of the arch, which is still a great option.
Final Thoughts
Cornice Boards are an unbeatable combination of elegance, practicality and versatility, whether you are an interior designer or a first time homeowner wanting to update your interior window treatments. Whether you want a budget-friendly foam board cornice or an elegant custom upholstered cornice board, there’s a cornice board for every room, every budget, and every style.
Next time you are looking for window treatments, don’t go for the standard rod and panel treatment and think of how you can use a well made cornice board instead. The difference, however, is that the first one is obvious – you can literally see it when you enter the room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cornice Boards
What is a cornice board used for?
A cornice board is installed at the top to cover a window with curtain rods, window blind tracks and other window accessories. It also adds a decorative and architectural element, complementing the overall style and design of the window and its surroundings.
What is the difference between a cornice board and a valance?
A cornice board is installed at the top to cover a window with curtain rods, window blind tracks and other window accessories. It also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the window and space, adding a touch of beauty and character.
How high should a cornice board be mounted?
To attain this the cornice board should be 4-6 inches below the top of the window frame. This makes it appear as though windows are larger and ceilings are higher. If the room is extremely high, higher can be hung to make the room look even more dramatic.
How wide should a cornice board be?
Your cornice board should hang over the window frame on both sides by 3-4 inches. This will ensure that the curtain rod brackets and hardware are covered and the window looks wider.
Can you make a cornice board without woodworking skills?
Yes. Foam board cornice boards are another popular do-it-yourself choice as they don’t need a single cutting tool other than a craft knife. They’re easy to hang with adhesive strips, light and simple to cover with fabric – ideal for renters or beginners.
Are cornice boards out of style?
Not at all. Cornice boards that are heavily ornate with fringe work from the 1990s are definitely out of trend – clean lines, modern cornice boards, particularly upholstered and painted, are definitely in trend and are in wide use in today’s interior design.
What is the standard depth of a cornice board?
Cornice board should be 4-6 inches deep. It’s deep enough to accommodate the majority of curtain rod hardware and aesthetically proportionate on the wall. If you use a larger rod set, or stacked blinds and curtains, increase the depth to 6-8 inches.
What's the difference between a cornice board and a pelmet?
A cornice board and a pelmet are the same and are used together to conceal track and rod hardware. The American English name for these window treatments is cornice board and in British English they are called pelmet.