Cornice boards, while giving a beautiful finish to the window, are often expensive and difficult to install because the covered boards are heavy, require special hardware and usually require two people to install. With these problems in mind, Beverly Roberts, a native of North Carolina, developed a product called Window Crowns which really simplifies the process, requires no sewing and can be installed by one person using a hammer and four nails. From start to finish, I made, covered, and installed three large cornice boards on my windows in less than four hours for about $150, including fabric. The results were spectacular.
Because the cornice board itself is made in lightweight foam board rather than lumber, it can be cut to size with a utility knife. The kit includes everything you need: face board, dust board, end boards, wall brackets (installed with a hammer and four nails), bottle of adhesive, package of pins for attaching the fabric and nails. If your window is larger than 41", you will need two window kits. Any size window can be accommodated since extensions can be glued in place. After the foam boards are glued together, they are covered in fabric or sheets. Sheets are wide, require no fabric piecing and are far less expensive than fabric if you can find a sheet that works with your decor.
To give a more luxurious, softer looking window treatment, the cornice board is then covered with medium weight polyester batting, secured by end pins. Fabric is cut 20" wider and 9" longer than the cornice. If your window is very wide and you don't have a sewing machine, fabric pieces can be overlaid and merely pinned in place on ends. To finish the ends of the board, fabric is folded at right angles, as though you were wrapping a package, and pinned in place.
Now that the cornice board is completely covered, swags, cascades or bows can be attached with pins. Braid, ribbon and trim can be attached with glue.
What usually is the most difficult part of a project like this, attaching the cornice board to the wall is actually quite easy. Plexiglas "L" brackets with holes, included in the kit, are merely nailed into the wall above the window. Because the completed cornice boards are so lightweight, little support is needed to hold them in place above the window.
Windows will appear taller and slimmer if the cornice board is installed as high as possible, but still covering the top of the window frame. Cornice boards also give a custom finish to a window where blinds have been used, providing some softness without the extra fuss of curtains.
Resources tacky glue - Aleene's Original
Available at local art and craft stores.
Duncan Enterprises
Website:
www.duncancrafts.com
Stitch Witchery fusible webbing (Model #: 222)
Prym Consumer USA Inc.
Website:
www.dritz.com
Waverly fabrics
Available on sewing and fabric outlets.
Waverly
Website:
www.waverly.com
Window Crowns by Beverly--Cornice Board Kit
Plaid Enterprises Inc.
Website:
www.plaidonline.com
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