Do it yourself
Window Treatments
Window Treatments
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Do it yourself window treatments
Cornice Board
Sometimes it seems daunting to try to imagine what type of window treatment you would like in a room. Do it yourself window treatments are easier then you think. Matching the décor of the room is your first step, matching style, colors and effectiveness to block light if needed. Depending on which room you are decorating your first step would be to measure the length and width of your window.
Decide if you need to close the window off so that no light can come in or keeping it open to let the light filter in. One of my favorite ways to dress up a window is to make a cornice board for the top of the window. This can be easily made from any type of wood you may have on hand or buy particle board or masonite even plywood will work. I have even seen do it yourself window cornice boards made from foam board. The DIY network gives directions for this (www.diynetwork.com).
Usually when you opt for a do it yourself window treatment a cornice board would be hung above something to block the sunlight. A cornice is just a decorative touch to hide the hardware at the top of your window treatment. Hanging draperies, curtains or blinds will work fine, again choosing what would compliment the décor of the room. When choosing the fabric for your cornice board match a color in the room, either a color you want to bring out in the room or one that is prominent in the room. Matching a color in one of your throw pillows is always a way to make the cornice board pop.
When measuring for a cornice board remember to measure out from the existing window treatment and then add two inches for each side of the cornice. Measure the width of the window and then add and inch or two depending where you want the cornice to sit. A cornice can be anywhere from three to eight inches in height, again depending on the effect you want in the room you are decorating.
Once you have built your cornice decide if you want to cover it with fabric or use a decorative wood trim and paint it. Both designs are easy enough to accomplish. When purchasing fabric if you want a seamless effect making sure you buy enough fabric by the yard. Most fabrics will be wide enough so take the measurements of your cornice to the fabric store, they will help you determine the number of yards you will need to create a seamless effect. You will also need batting for underneath the fabric to soften the look of the cornice. Batting is also bought by the yard and the same measurements of the fabric can be applied to the batting. Adding buttons or trim is to your own taste so be creative.
The last step you will have to do is to hang your cornice properly. Using L brackets works the best and then the cornice can be easily taken down to dust or vacuum. Attach the L brackets directly to the wall evenly over the window and then you can just set the cornice on top of them. Below are a few examples of cornices that you can add to your windows.
Link (http://4sweetpeasinapod.blogspot.com/)
Cornice Board
Sometimes it seems daunting to try to imagine what type of window treatment you would like in a room. Do it yourself window treatments are easier then you think. Matching the décor of the room is your first step, matching style, colors and effectiveness to block light if needed. Depending on which room you are decorating your first step would be to measure the length and width of your window.
Decide if you need to close the window off so that no light can come in or keeping it open to let the light filter in. One of my favorite ways to dress up a window is to make a cornice board for the top of the window. This can be easily made from any type of wood you may have on hand or buy particle board or masonite even plywood will work. I have even seen do it yourself window cornice boards made from foam board. The DIY network gives directions for this (www.diynetwork.com).
Usually when you opt for a do it yourself window treatment a cornice board would be hung above something to block the sunlight. A cornice is just a decorative touch to hide the hardware at the top of your window treatment. Hanging draperies, curtains or blinds will work fine, again choosing what would compliment the décor of the room. When choosing the fabric for your cornice board match a color in the room, either a color you want to bring out in the room or one that is prominent in the room. Matching a color in one of your throw pillows is always a way to make the cornice board pop.
When measuring for a cornice board remember to measure out from the existing window treatment and then add two inches for each side of the cornice. Measure the width of the window and then add and inch or two depending where you want the cornice to sit. A cornice can be anywhere from three to eight inches in height, again depending on the effect you want in the room you are decorating.
Once you have built your cornice decide if you want to cover it with fabric or use a decorative wood trim and paint it. Both designs are easy enough to accomplish. When purchasing fabric if you want a seamless effect making sure you buy enough fabric by the yard. Most fabrics will be wide enough so take the measurements of your cornice to the fabric store, they will help you determine the number of yards you will need to create a seamless effect. You will also need batting for underneath the fabric to soften the look of the cornice. Batting is also bought by the yard and the same measurements of the fabric can be applied to the batting. Adding buttons or trim is to your own taste so be creative.
The last step you will have to do is to hang your cornice properly. Using L brackets works the best and then the cornice can be easily taken down to dust or vacuum. Attach the L brackets directly to the wall evenly over the window and then you can just set the cornice on top of them. Below are a few examples of cornices that you can add to your windows.
Link (http://4sweetpeasinapod.blogspot.com/)