Monday, May 31, 2010

C is for Cornices

The ABC’s of window treatments

Cornices are typically made of wood, padded and upholstered with fabric.  One great thing about cornices is all the shapes they can be made and embellishments that can be added.  The cornice below is arched like the window and has tassels and tufting for extra detail.

32125_Rowley
Osprey FL

By Holly Bucciarelli Designed by Monica Rissler

This sketch shows a cornice with a straight bottom and a formal shape at the top. 

FT-CR396

Source Jackie Von Tobel

A pagoda cornice is flared out at the sides and brings an Oriental influence to the room.

cornicepagodamerlyn

                                                  Cornice by Merlyn Corcoran

Always consider the print on the fabric when planning the shape of your cornice.  The contrast cording on the edge really pops !

cornicetara

                                                 By Taralyn Ferrell

This is one of my favorite designs because it could be used in a contemporary or traditional room depending on the fabric. 

cornicequeen2

                                           Source Classic Elegance

This one is clean and simple but what makes it special is the quilted fabric and the tapestry bell pulls on the ends.

cornicequeen

                                                Source Classic Elegance

I made this animal print cornice for my Dad’s sitting room 15 years ago and I bet he will have it another 15 years. 

Remember this saying, “When you buy quality you only cry once !”

DSC_0021

I consider cornices a timeless choice for covering your windows so I’ll be linking to Paula Grace’s Timeless Tuesday Party.

timeless_tuesday_image

13 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Great shapes and fabrics, Tammy! I did two cornices in my son's room several years ago and they are still up. I just did the straight top and bottom {like the green and white one you show}. It was the easiest for me to do and get hubby to make for me. : )

Design Esquire said...

I love that line about buying quality and you only cry once. It's so true!!

Sally@DivineDistractions said...

Cornices really are timeless. I can't tell you how many of them I have REcovered !
I may have to steal that line, by the way. Do you know who said it first?

Paula Grace Designs said...

I love cornices too! I have used them many times. I like the structure of them and almost anything look can be achieved. I have used them in both comtemporary and traditional designs. They are neat as a pin. I'm so glad you joined my party! Can't wait to read more of your posts!
Paula Grace ~

Tammy@InStitches said...

I heard it from Deb Barrett !

Unknown said...

Love the treatment you designed for your fathers office with the banded lead edge; very nice Tammy!

Joy said...

The cornice you made for you dad is my favorite. That is so pretty. I can't believe you made that 15 years ago. WOW.
♥ Joy

Karen said...

Cornices are great for rooms where you need to hide blinds during the day too.

Lori said...

I'm going to remember that saying!

Tammy@InStitches said...

I was just surfing around at Elle Decor and saw that quote and they said it was Miles Redd ! I had no idea......

High-Heeled Foot in the door said...

Great tips! I was just toying with the idea of making some for my dining room. You gave my lots of inspiration!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

I wish I had just a little bit of your talent... gf, you are good.

Andrea said...

I think a cornice looks classy and elegant. Great examples!

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