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Five Ways To Spice Up Your Window Treatments With Cornices

Window Treatments
Sunshine Drapery sliding glass doors window treatment

Cornices and pelmets first grew popular in the 15th century during the Renaissance period. Lambrequins, which are cornices with sides which extend further down the edges of the window, were also common during this time. These original cornices were used to decorate the bed and consisted of deep, rich fabric colors as well as fringe and tassels. Today, cornices are created with a wooden base that is covered in a soft batting and then wrapped in your choice of 1000’s of types of fabrics. This box-like window treatment is mounted to the wall above your window to create a layered effect that accentuates your window and complements the whole room. The treatment carried out is akin to the one that's carried out for upvc windows melbourne, but with more diligence. Cornices are often paired with soft treatments - including drapery panels, shades, or blinds - or used alone for a formal look. They add stylish detail to rooms which lack window trim, crown molding, or other architectural interest, creating a finished, elegant appearance. Window cornices are often box-shaped, but can offer a design that includes curves and scallops for a customized and unique look. They can be made with an array of fabrics and be decorated with nail heads, tassels, and additional touches to offer a one-of-a-kind look that displays your own personality in a window treatment for your home.

Texture

Cornices are covered in fabric, which makes them a unique window treatment option that can be matched to your draperies, furniture, and other home accents. When choosing the fabric for your cornice, you have the ability of adding textural interest to your room. A thick, rich wool, for instance, is romantic and reminiscent of the Victorian era. A bright cotton is cheerful and family-friendly. A light, sheer fabric is delicate and feminine. When considering the texture of the material for your cornice, envision the window treatment in its location within your home. Formal dining area? You may want to use a flowing silk that drapes elegantly to outline your window. Country kitchen? You might choose a colorful cotton with a plaid print or even burlap to mimic antique potato sacks. If your space is upscale industrial, a shimmery silver, copper, or steel fabric with broad nailheads provide the ideal look.

Color

When choosing the color for your window treatments, remember that you do not have to match the predominant color of the room exactly. Instead, try complementing it or even choosing the shade that is opposite your main color. The cornice may only blend into the wall if you match it to the primary hue in the room. If the curtains are a solid white, you may choose to offset them with a cornice that is black, red, or royal blue. Your daughter’s room is princess pink, but that doesn’t mean that the cornice can’t pop in olive green or brilliant violet. PIck your inspiration from your new bedspread, the accent pillows on the couch, or the set of three throw rugs on the floor. This repetitive use of color will create a cohesive feeling within your home.

Accents

Cornices can be decorated beyond the fabric that covers them. Back in the Renaissance era, they were accented with tassels and fringe. This works especially well with thick fabrics, floral prints, and deep colors like maroon or navy. But there are other ways to highlight your cornice window treatment. Strands of flowers and vines can be the perfect touch particularly to rooms that tout various shades of green, from deep forest shades to light olives or pale sage. Strings of beads or pearls can create an elegant appearance to a formal dining area. You can select decorative nailheads that are rustic for your country-style kitchen or offer a unique design for your stylish living area.

Practical

Cornices offer a practical solution to windows. In normal situations, the cornice window treatment is placed directly above the window, extending slightly above the trim and beyond the window or drapery rod. However, if your home has small windows, you can make them appear longer and even wider with the placement of your window treatments. Installing the cornice higher on the wall and extending it and the complementing draperies or blinds beyond the edges of the window trim can establish the appearance of a larger window. It’s also possible to create the illusion of a taller ceiling by placing a shorter cornice barely above the curtain rod. Cornices are also an ideal solution if you want to hide your curtain rods or the tracks of blinds. Instead of these necessary, but unsightly, components, your guests will only see a beautiful and unique cornice window treatment.

Functional

Window cornices offer a unique and stylish cover for your treatments that add a personal and textural touch to any room. However, their function can extend beyond their beauty. Your cornice window treatments can act as built-in shelves that allow you to showcase your favorite knick-knacks. Cornices are sturdy wooden window treatments that offer a flat surface which can hold your family heirlooms, hardcover books, or antique vases. Rather than hiding these collectibles away in a cupboard or in a box in the basement, dust them off and display them proudly as a part of your decor.

Unique Window Cornices

The best thing about choosing window cornices as part of your decorating plans is that they can be made uniquely yours. From the color or texture of the fabric to the accents or knick-knacks shelved on top and even the placement of the cornice on your wall - it’s all up to you. Represent your personal style and spice up your window treatments with cornices.
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