How high to place cornice boards?

10 years ago

I've decided to go with cornice boards in fabric to match headboard. I also want to add some detail, but not sure what yet. How high would you hang the cornice boards? I heard you should go in thirds, so a third up from the frame or a third down from the ceiling. I want to keep as much light coming in as possible.

Featured Answer

sallymo2015

10 years ago

I don't know the measurement between your ceiling and window, but it looks like 1/3 down from the ceiling might make the cornices too deep. You'll probably need to decide the finished length (depth) and then make a decision. Another rule I've heard mentioned before is the 1/5 rule---a valance/cornice should be 1/5 of the total height. I use that as a starting point. If you go less then it can look more modern, clean lined, masculine, more depth looks more traditional (IMHO, there are exceptions to every rule!)
Example: if your ceiling is 9 ft but you hang your cornice at the 8 ft mark (96"), then 1/5 of 96 is just over 19". I usually make them @ 18"-20", typically, but depends on where if falls into the window, design of fabric, etc.

Comments (8)

Christy Bell
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is another picture of when I was playing around with roman shades or drapes, but you can get the idea of what cornice boards would look like. I originally thought of staying within the frame of the window, but really don't want to take away any light coming in.
Annie Deighnaugh
10 years ago
Are you doing fabric panels on the sides as well as the cornice board? Or are you doing roman shades? Or nothing else?

You might want to look at the window treatment ideas thread to see what others have done....

Here is a link that might be useful: Window treatment ideas
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Christy Bell
Original Author
10 years ago
I was just looking at that thread! I decided not to drapes - not enough room on the sides for it. They also really closed in the room. Just cornice boards - I'd have privacy shades underneath.
Annie Deighnaugh
10 years ago
Then I would suggest you decide on the height of the board you want, placing it low enough on the window so it will cover the shade underneath.

I have made very inexpensive "cornice boards" out of styrofoam. You can get the styrofoam sheet from home depot and cut it to the size you want across the window and the height you want. Then attach side pieces using white glue and tooth picks. (Some foams will now stand up to hot glue or the low temp hot glue...in the old days, it would melt the foam.) Then you can wrap it in quilt batting for a puffier look and then wrap with the fabric you want, pinning it to the back of the foam. Very lightweight and easy to mount.

I made them for my office, but as I pinned, I also pleated the fabric to make a nicely pleated valance box. Came out good.

In fact, I used to make seasonal ones, without the batting, wrapped in xmas paper with big bows on them. I'd insert curtain rod hooks in the back and hang them off the curtain rods that were there.

Here is a link that might be useful: DIY cornice
Danahills
10 years ago
Annie. Do you have a picture of the cornice boards you made for your office?
Danahills
10 years ago
Deleted duplicate post

This post was edited by jstell2008 on Mon, Nov 4, 13 at 0:05
Annie Deighnaugh
10 years ago
jstell, no sorry I don't. It looked something like this one, but the pleats were about 2" wide and no welting.