Trim adds visual appeal to a room just as frosting adds visual appeal to a cake. To add a little "frosting" to your room, install cornices above your windows. Materials
Measuring tape
Miter saw
Circular or saber saw
Drill, with drill bits
Hammer
Nail set
Finish nails
1" x 8" board
1" x 6" board
Quarter-round molding
Chair-rail molding
Primer
Paintbrush
Paint
Safety glasses
- Measure the window from edge to edge. Add 2" to the measurement and transfer it to a 1" by 8" board. (Your windows may not all be the same size. Measure each one separately.)
- Cut a 1" by 8" board to the appropriate length to create the front piece, and cut a 1" by 6" board to length to create the top piece. Cut two 6" boards to create the sides.
If you plan to paint or stain your cornice, use fir or poplar for the front and sides. If you plan to cover the cornice with fabric or paper, you can use pine. Use pine for the top board--it won't show and its purpose is simply to keep dust off the draperies or blinds. - For a more finished look, install chair-rail molding around the top of the cornice and quarter-round trim on the bottom. Use the cornice boards as guides for marking the trim pieces (figure A).
- Sand any rough edges off the boards and molding.
- Dry-fit the pieces of the cornice board, then mark and drill pilot holes. Assemble the cornice board with finish nails and glue.
- Use a miter saw set for 45-degree outside cuts to cut the trim to size (figure B).
- Mark the back of the molding about 2" from the top on either end. The molding will be installed so that the top extends above the cornice. The marks will help you to align the molding properly.
- Dry-fit the longest piece of molding so that the lines on the back are flush with the top of the cornice. Drill pilot holes, and attach the molding to the cornice using glue and finish nails.
- Use a nail set to drive the nails below the surface of the wood, and fill the holes with wood putty.
- Sand any rough edges on the cornice, and apply a coat of primer recommended for use on bare wood.
- Paint the cornice to match your trim.
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