This is a very light weight cornice that is strong and easy to mount. The total cost of this project was $28.97, and we almost have enough fabric and batting to make a second cornices.

Step 1: What You Need and the Cost

Tools:

Glue Gun, Drill, Screw Bit, Drill Bits, Box Cutter, Staple Gun, Circular Saw, Tape Measure, Pencil, scissors, and Speed Square.

Materials:

$12.99 - Table Cloth (Fabric)

$2.79 - Curtain Rod

$4.97 - Quilt Batting

$3.82 - Screws (100 count pack of #6 x 1/2 inch flat head wood screws)

$1.92 - Wood (1x2 inch x 8 foot pine boards)

$2.47 - Corner Brace

Free - Cardboard

Total: $28.97

Step 2: First Cuts

Use the curtain rod to measure the length of the first cut. The length of the wood should be just a little bit SHORTER than the curtain rod, so that when it is assembled the curtain rod will extend about an 1/8 of an inch past the wood. Cut four pieces to this length.

Step 3: The Second Set of Cuts

Extend the curtain rod to the correct length for you window. Mark the curtain rod or use tape to ensure the length of the curtain rod will remain the same length through the rest of this assembly.

Then use the pieces cut in the last step to determine the length required for the next cut. Please see figure to illustrate this cut.

Cut two pieces to this length.

Step 4: Attach the Corner Braces

Use the speed square to attach the corner braces to the wood frame. Only place the corner braces on one side of the joint. Check the fit of the curtain rod to ensure the fit is not too tight.

Step 5: Cut the Cardboard

Use the box cutter to cut the cardboard to the length of the wood frame. The length needs to be long enough to fold over the end of the frame. Cut to the desired height of the cornice. We did 12 inches high for a four foot wide window.

Step 6: Attach the Frame

Use a high temperature glue gun to attach the cardboard to the wood frame.

Step 7: Final Cut

Cut two pieces of wood to connect the top to the bottom at then end of the cornice. Attach these two pieces with hot glue.

Step 8: Batting

Cut the batting to size and attach to the wood frame with a staple gun.

Step 9: Add the Fabric

Cut the fabric to size and attach with a staple gun.

Step 10: Attach the Curtain Rod

I made a mistake on this step. I did not attach the curtain rod at the top of the frame, and it made it a little hard to mount on the wall. So place the curtain rod at the TOP of the wood frame and use a drill bit to drill a series of holes into the curtain rod. Then use the wood screws to attach the curtain rod to the wood frame. I used 6 screws to attach the rod.

Step 11: Mount on the Wall

Follow the instructions on the curtain rod to install the curtain rod mounting hardware on the wall. Do not use the middle support unless the window is really large. Mount the cornice on the wall. The cornice is very light and the curtain hardware will easily hold the weight.

That is all, enjoy!