Use a power miter saw to make the cuts in your pieces.
Decorative window treatments, such as valance cornices, serve two main purposes. The first is as an accent to the interior d cor of your space. The second is to conceal window treatment hardware, such as mechanical openers, or the tops of blinds. Creating your own custom wooden cornice valance is one way to ensure the look and feel that you want. Build your valance large enough to clear all moving parts for smooth operation.
Instructions
1. Measure the window you intend to install your valance on. Take the measurement from outside to outside of the window trim. Also measure the window treatment from the wall to the outside edge of the treatment.
2. Cut the face of the valance from 1-by-8-inch pine. Cut the piece 4½ inches wider than the window trim from the last step. Cut a 45-degree miter on each end, one right and one left. Use a miter saw to make the cuts.
3. Measure and cut two side returns. These are the pieces that space the face of the cornice away from the wall. Make each return 2½ inches longer than the measurement of the window treatment out from the wall. Cut a 45-degree miter on one end of each piece.
4. Spread wood glue along the mitered ends of the face piece. Align the two returns to form a U shape, with the miters aligned on either side. Clamp the returns in position with bar clamps. Nail them in place with finish nails, three nails in each return.
5. Cut pieces of 2-inch crown molding to fit the top edge of the face and the two returns. Cut 45-degree miters on both sides of the front piece, one right and one left. Cut a 45-degree miter on one end of each return piece, one right and one left.
6. Glue and nail the crown molding to the face of the valance, flush with the top edge. Use one finish nail every 6 to 8 inches, with at least two nails in each return.
7. Fill the nail holes in the valance with solvent-based wood filler and sand the face with 150-grit sandpaper. Apply a coat of primer, if you intend to paint the valance, or a coat of stain, if you want a wood grain finish.
8. Follow the coat of primer with two coats of semigloss interior latex paint. Use a fine bristle brush for both primer and paint, cleaning it between coats with mineral spirits. Use long, straight strokes and work to keep the primer and paint as even as possible to prevent runs and drips in the finish.
9. Apply clear finish over dried stain. Use at least two coats in your choice of sheen. Use a fine bristle brush and apply using good paint techniques as outlined above.
10. Attach four, 1½-inch L brackets, one to each top and bottom corner of the returns, for mounting. Position them so that the L extends perpendicular to the wooden return, and will rest flush against the wall. Use three-quarter-inch wood screws to attach them.
Tips Warnings
Mount the valance by driving one 3-inch treated deck screw through each hole in the brackets, through the drywall or plaster, into the framing of the wall beside the window.
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