Foam-Core Cornice
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-212 -- More Projects »
Q: How do you make a foam board and fabric cornice? A: (Nate Berkus, Ask DIY Decorating & Design Expert) That is such an inexpensive and easy project! Here's how to proceed: Materials:
Large sheet of foam core (foam board insulation)
Exacto, utility or craft knife
Hot glue and glue gun
Batting
Fabric
Finish pins
Two L-brackets
- Cut four panels from the foam board insulation, which you can purchase at a home improvement center for about 10 dollars. Measure out the pieces you want, starting with a face board that is six inches longer than your window (three inches on each side) so it will clear any curtain rods or molding -- and about 10 inches wide. To form the foam box, you'll also need two side pieces the same width (10 inches) as the face and five inches long. Also cut a top piece that is just a little shorter than the face, to allow room to attach the side pieces, and five inches from top to bottom. Draw your measurements with a straight edge first, score the foam with a utility or other sharp knife and then break the pieces along the scored lines.
- Run a bead of hot glue along one of the long sides of the top piece. Hold it in place for two minutes so it forms a right angle with the face piece (figure A).
- Glue on the two side pieces to form a rectangular box with two of the long faces open (figure B).
- Cut a remnant of fabric big enough to cover the entire outside surface of the box with 5-8 inches of extra fabric on each edge. Place it on a work surface, right side down, and place a piece of batting just a bit smaller on top of it. Cut slits in the corners of the batting so it will fold up more easily, without as much bulk. Place the box, face side down, on top of the batting.
- Starting with the corners, wrap the batting and fabric over the edges of the foam board box (figure C) as you would wrap a present. Pin the edges onto the inside of the foam box with finish pins (figure D), which look a lot like hairpins from days gone by. Since you're pinning, not sewing, you can change the material any time you like.
- Install two L-brackets on the wall (figure E), one on either side of the curtain rod (or the space where the curtain rod would go). Slip the top of the foam cornice over the brackets.
More Questions for Nate:
Q: Is it possible to hang wallpaper on a textured wall?
A: No. Any bump would show through the wallpaper.
Q: I have an open floor plan where the living room, dining room and kitchen connect. How can I paint the walls to make them look separate without losing the roomy feeling?
A: Don't paint them different colors! Instead, pick a single color and paint each room a different tone of that color. And keep the color light -- that will make your space feel really large.
Q: I have cranberry colored carpet in my very small master bedroom. I was wondering what colors other than dark green and powder blue would be appropriate there.
A: Those three colors are great, but have some fun with this. How about lime green or light pink? You can always mix in an odd color with the traditional scheme. Web site resources for Foam Core Cornice: Window Cornice From HGTV.com Faux Tasseled Drapery From HGTV.com Books: Complete Book of Window Treatments and Curtains
by Carol Parks
ISBN: 0806906138
Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. (1995)
387 Park Ave. S.
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-832-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
Customer Service Phone: 800-367-9692
Customer Service Fax: 800-542-7567
E-mail: webmaster@sterlingpub.com Great Window Treatments
by Claire Martens
ISBN: 0806986476
Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. (1998)
387 Park Ave. S.
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-832-7160
Fax: 212-213-2495
Customer Service Phone: 800-367-9692
Customer Service Fax: 800-542-7567
E-mail: webmaster@sterlingpub.com
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