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Learn how to make a window cornice (for less than $40) easily with our simple step by step tutorial.
Hey guys! We’re back with another super EASY woodworking project. Window cornices is perhaps the technical term here, but I’ve heard them called a whole slew of names- wood valance, cornice box, wooden cornice, window treatment, window boxes etc. We recently finished up our whitewash barn doors in front of our patio slider doors and had some leftover wood planks. After looking at our (nice yet boring) builder grade windows one too many times we decided to add a wood cornice to dress them up and tie them in with our barn door. This simple cornice design we built will work with any blinds that mount on the inside. Ours worked perfect for this decorative cornice and I love how I can pull them up with an easy retractable little button. They are light filtering which lets lots of light come through but still allows privacy. You can find our blinds here.
So, let’s make them! Here’s the instructions to build this cornice diy! You’re going to love the fact that you can make a wooden window cornice in only four steps.
What you’ll need to make one DIY cornice
(1) pack of whitewash planks (you’ll only use four planks out of the 6 pack)
(1) 1x10x8
White caulk (optional)
Tools Required for Wooden Cornice
Sharpie or something to mark with
DIY window cornice Instructions
How to make a cornice with wood:
Step 1. Measure the top of the window
You’ll start by measuring your window. Our windows are standard size measuring 34.75 inch. You can base your measurements off ours in this post if you’re windows are also that size. If not, you will need to adjust the measurements as needed.
Step 2. Prepare cornice board frame
Using the 1x10x8 board, cut two pieces at 38.75 inch and cut two pieces at 4 inches. Take one of your 38.75 inch boards and mark the center at 19 3/8 inch.
With the other 38.75 inch board, drill a pilot hole near each corner (roughly .25-.375 inch from the edge of the board using a 1/8 inch drill bit).
Now grab both 4 inch pieces and drill two pocket holes on one side of the board, spacing them out closer to top and bottom.
Step 3. Build the frame with DIY cornice boards
First, mark the center of the window (if yours is the same size as our windows, it would be 17 3/8 inches).
Then mark two inches down on each side of the window.
Using the 38.75 inch board with the center mark and a handy level, attach your board to your markings on the window with 2.5 inch drywall screws. (Make sure to hit studs here).
Attach one of your 4 inch boards to each side with 1.25 Kreg screws.
Go ahead and screw the other 38.75 inch board to the front using 2.5 inch screws in your pilot holes. While doing these steps be sure to get the boards as squared up as possible.
Step 4. Cut your whitewash planks & Assemble
Cut one piece of whitewash plank to 38.75 inches and attach it to the bottom of the window box frame using 1 inch nails.
Now, cut four more pieces to 5.5 inches and cut an additional two pieces at 39.5 inches. Paint any edges that were cut or need touched up. Go ahead and attach two 5.5 inch pieces to each side.
Attach the last two pieces to the front with your 1 inch nails.
All finished! If you want to add any caulk to the seams for finishing touches this is optional.
We ended up building cornices for all three of our downstairs windows and I can’t tell you how much they transformed the complete look of the window…but I can show you!
Let’s take a look at the cornice pictures before and after!
It’s amazing how something as simple and inexpensive as this can make such a big impact on your windows and make a home feel more custom.
We just got settled in our new house so, home improvements little by little. I layered my cross rug with this rug and I’m still looking for the perfect dining table.
I’ve been on the hunt for a pot or basket for the base of the olive tree, some furniture we haven’t got around to buying yet and we have some other projects in the making, hope you stick around. Of course, none of our pictures wouldn’t be complete without showcasing the kiddos decor 😉
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