102 - Cornice Board or Valance?

Dear Michael: So what is the difference between a cornice board and valance? I know they both go at the top of the window, but aren't they both the same thing? Jinny

Dear Jinny: While a cornice board and valance are both window treatments, they are not the same. Usually a valance is made of fabric and is considered a soft window treatment. A cornice board has a frame and can have either fabric, wood trims – even wallpaper – applied to the surface for a unique look. This is a more structured window treatment since it typically has a wood frame as the base to apply either the fabrics or other options.

Using a wood frame, we cut many different shapes for the cornice boards we make in the shop. The wood for the frame is cut from OSB, which is oriented strand board. OSB doesn't warp like plywood and is relatively inexpensive in today's economy. We use 7/16" OSB for the frames and have cut a variety of shapes into both the bottom and the top of the cornice.

The frame is comprised of four parts - a board for the face, each side and the top. The face can be cut to any height, but on a typical window that is 60"-80" the cornice is at least 10"-12" high. If the cornice is being applied over a set of doors (like French doors to a deck), the cornice needs to be mounted allowing enough clearance to swing the door. We mount the cornice to the wall, which means we measure from the outside edge to the outside edge of the window or door trim. Add an extra 1" to allow for the width of the side panels and some play. If you plan to add drapes that will pull to each side, and you want the window to appear larger, you can make the cornice wider.

Each side panel needs to be cut deep enough that the face of the cornice does not interfere with drapes or shades that are mounted inside. Usually the sides are at least 4" from the wall to the face of the cornice. With any types of blinds on the window, this may need to be increased by an inch or more to accommodate their width. The top board is recessed about 1" from the top of the front and side panels. Since it is recessed, the top (or the bottom) of the cornice may be cut in any type of design or shape. Ensure that the recessed top is attached below the lowest point of any shape cut into the top of the front panel.

Using small brad nails and some woodglue, assemble the frame and let it dry. The frame is now ready for fabric, wallpaper, wood trims – almost anything. When applying fabric, we apply ½" foam and a layer of bonded polyester before adding the fabric to soften the edges. You can use a wallpaper border (we still apply some bonded poly first) with wood trims and make a beautiful cornice board. On one of the cornice boards, we even used raw wood with an outdoor wallpaper for that Up North look. Ideas for options include:

·       adding a sheer fabric on top of a colored fabric

·       using a sheer stapled to the back of the cornice board that reaches the floor to appear like drapes

·       adding beads or bangles to the cornice

·       using quilted or embroidered fabric that matches other designs in the room

·       for a bedroom you can use a drape, sheet or table round that matches the comforter

Remember to finish the inside of the cornice with fabric also since you may see that from outside the window. Using a set of 'L' brackets on the wall, slide the cornice onto the brackets and then place one screw thru the 'L' and into the cornice! These are very easy, inexpensive and a great way to add a new look to any room.

Mike Rocheford can be contacted via the Web site,

http://www.upholsterystudio.com – click on Ask the Upholsterer