Upholstered Cornice DIY January 10, 2014 | I’ve clearly been super awful about posting the sources used and DIYs completed for my One Room Challenge space. #sosorryimsolame. Between then and now, I’ve gotten lots of emails inquiring about specific details of the room, so I figured others might be interested in these things too. The first being the DIY cornice that I swore I’d share with you guys. I love the dang cornice, and it’s actually one of my favorite things in the room….I call it the crowning jewel. Taking it up to he highest point of the room made such a HUGE impact and sort of made sense of the wonky pitch in this room. It was also a great place to tie everything together. Looking back, it was such an easy peasy project, but there were a few bumps in the road that (after reading this), you should be able to avoid. So, here goes…. Use the above as your shopping list and I think that the only things not listed (that you probably already have) are a drill and a heavy duty staple gun. And as far as quantities go you will need (8) L brackets, (16) short screws, and. (6-8) longer screws to use when attaching to wall. Step 1: Measure around your window and where you want your cornice to fit. I wanted it to fit AROUND my curtain rod that was already in place, so that the curtains were all nestled within the box. Also, remember to measure for enough room on either side of the curtain rod to allow for L-Brackets (about 1.5′) Step 2: Measure how far OUT you want the box to protrude. I went with 5 inches and if I were to do it again I would go 5.5′-6′ at least. You’ll understand why later on. Step 3: Go to Lowes/Home Depot and have them cut the wood of your choice (we chose MDF because its easy and cheap) to the specs you identified above Step 4: Cut batting and fabric to fit around your 3 pieces individually, leaving enough room for them to wrap around and be stapled on the opposite side. Step 5: Attach batting. I sprayed it with web fusion first then placed it on the MDF, this held it in place nicely. Step 6: Spray top of newly attached batting lightly with web fusion, then place fabric in desired position on top of the batting (making sure that if you are using a pattern it is lined up correctly). Step 7: Pull both layers of batting and fabric taught around to the opposing side and staple down (I get a little staple happy, but I would say to maintain the taught-ness you should staple at least every inch). Step 8: Repeat steps 6 & 7 on your two other pieces. Step 9: Attach L brackets to form 90 degree angle. We used TWO bracekets per piece (so four total for the box, see photo below). And we also found that they held so well, we only had to use 2-3 screws in each bracket. After box is built, the attach 2 additional brackets on each piece that will attach to wall. Make sure that these fit around your curtain rod and or and window molding already in place 🙂 ::The next step is where we got stuck. Holding the cornice up against the wall and literally it doesn’t protrude enough to allow for the drill to fit INSIDE to make holes. Dear heavens! See below so you don’t get stuck here too.:: Step 10: Ready to hang! Hold finished piece up to the desired place on wall, make sure it’s level (this is a two person job), and use a pencil to mark within your L bracket holes where you want to drill into the wall. Step 11: Take the cornice down and drill pilot holes (based on your pencil marks). We did not have to use sinkers, because more than likely your window will be framed all the way up, which was the case for us too. Step 12: Put the cornice back up and (using your mini screw driver that can fit within the space) screw in and attach to wall. TA-DAHHHH you’re done. It really is easy. See photos below for a clearer picture. Woah can you believe #1 that the before room was so insanely disgusting and # 2 look what a difference that cornice makes!! Totally opens up the room, right? Hopefully this inspries you to crown one (or ten!) of the windows in your home! Such an each and INEXPENSIVE option with it comes to window dressing. P.S.- The curtains are from IKEA and I attached the pom trim with fabric glue, so the TOTAL cost of the entire window came in well under $100! Bam. Happy Friday loves!
House Envy says January 10, 2014 at 2:56 PM this looks so cute! I love the fabric and the whole room is so totally transformed! Great DIY! I will need to try this for sure!!
Krissy says January 18, 2014 at 8:37 PM The room looks great! Can you share where you purchased the storage shelf with bins that is under the window? I love how that looks. Thanks!
charmingincharlotte@gmail.com says January 19, 2014 at 3:39 AM Hi! Thanks we are enjoying her little space! The storage piece is from ikea. I actually found it on craigslist, but I do know that ikea still makes it and just choose to add the casters 🙂
{Hi Sugarplum!} says July 7, 2014 at 3:33 PM The board turned out perfectly! Yay for finally getting it on the wall! 😉