Different Styles of Cornice Boards

Unlike valances, upholstered cornice board fabric is taut throughout, even on detailed areas.


While a cornice board is sometimes as simple as several fabric-wrapped foam boards attached to one another, bridging the window, it doesn't have to be so basic. While the top of a cornice is generally straight, the bottom can be shaped to emulate details typical of the edges of furniture such as antique dressers, or cut into curved shapes or a series of triangles -- there are numerous possibilities. The name of each style varies by manufacturer or designer, so carry an image with you for illustration if you're having someone else make the cornice for you.

Simple Curves

A simple variation on a straight cornice board involves one large curve. A large disc of cardboard, placed partway up the front cornice and traced, creates a cutaway arch pattern, turning the shape into a simple bridge when viewed from the front. As a variation, also playing on the single-curve theme, slide the disc up high enough so the bottom curve touches the bottom of the cornice, tracing either side as far up the straight cornice as you'd like. Draw a straight or curved line on either side of the disc toward the bottom outer edges of a flat cornice board shape. The end result looks like a piece of round fabric draped in the middle, with triangles or curved triangles on the sides.

Triangle Time

A row of triangles creates a sawtooth-style pattern on the bottom of the cornice. Repeat a series of identical small triangles on a scrap of cardboard, cutting out the shape so it resembles saw teeth, and then trace that onto the bottom edge of a straight front panel of a cornice. The triangle height should be less than one-quarter of the height of the cornice for maximum visual appeal. For a variation of the triangle theme, slide the row of cardboard triangles so low on the front of the cornice that only the tips -- the top inch or two -- are on the cornice. Cutting out these shapes on the cornice board creates a notched effect. More complex designs featuring both curves and points resemble sideways curly brackets similar to those found on the computer keyboard, or the bottom of some furniture pieces such as dressers.

Step Pyramid

Starting a few inches in from either side, draw a vertical line an inch or 2 high, followed by a horizontal line several inches wide, and then another vertical and horizontal -- as many levels as you'd like. The process is repeated on the other side for symmetrical styling. The middle of this style of cornice is horizontal -- the finished cornice bottom resembles a cutout version of a step pyramid, with a slightly Art Deco vibe to it. For a minor variation, angle the vertical lines slightly.

Woodwork Cornice

Some cornices are made entirely of wood, with no upholstery involved. The shape of wood cornices runs the gamut from a basic rectangle made from horizontal bamboo board, up to elaborate trimwork that looks more like crown molding, a floating wood-trim shelf or the top of a cabinet trimmed with carved molding. Some feature carved designs such as roping or leaves, evoking an antique or vintage style.

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