How to Make a Fabric Covered Window Cornice

A fabric covered cornice over a window can really dress up a room.

Similar to a fabric-covered cornice, there is also the option of a fabric valance. You may want to explore our article titled Guides on Making Fabric Valances for more information.

Since this window was almost 10’ long, the cornice was made from two pieces of 1/2” thick by 24” wide plywood. Here’s how to go about it.

Build the Cornice Frame

• Rip the plywood for the cornice frame to the desired width with a circular saw or table saw (24″ in our case).
• Cut the plywood to length using a circular saw or table saw (1″ to 2″ longer than the outside of the window facings).
• If the window cornice is over 8′ long, join two pieces of plywood together with metal mending plates to form the frame.
• Use a jigsaw to cut an arched shape in the middle of the cornice.
• Cut ends and a top header for the frame to length and width from plywood, molding, or solid wood to hold the cornice off the wall and give it depth.
• Attach the sides and top header to the plywood frame using glue and nails.

Cover the Cornice Frame with Fabric

• Wrap the front and edges of the frame in upholstery batting, stapling it to the back.
• Cut the fabric oversized to width and length.
• Staple the fabric to the back edge of the top header.
• Fold the fabric over the front of the frame and staple it to the bottom in the back.
• Use multiple cuts with scissors to fit the fabric around the curves in the arch.
• Cover the back of the frame with white fabric to hide the unfinished plywood and fabric edges.
• Use a hot glue gun to attach a decorative fringe to the bottom edge of the cornice.

Hang the Window Cornice

• Screw “L” brackets to the wall studs above the window on each end.
• Rest the cornice header on top of the “L” brackets.
• Attach the “L” brackets to the cornice header with screws.