The Once-Dated Window Treatment Option That's Making A Modern Comeback

Like most other things in the design world, window treatments go in and out of style. Some people love extravagant curtains and valances, while others prefer that their windows have no treatments at all to allow natural light to shine through. No matter what is currently in style, it is important to choose what you love rather than what others may like. However, trends can still be a fun way to get new inspiration when trying to redecorate your home. One particular window treatment that is coming back into style is the cornice.

To be honest, cornices never really left the design scene, although their popularity has faded into the background. What has become less popular are valances. While cornices and valances may seem similar, there are differences that may make one better for your home. Both valances and cornices are used to hide the hardware, however, cornices are a fixed decorative structure, while valances are usually a piece of decorative fabric. Valances and cornices also help block light at the top of the window, making it a good choice if you are using other blackout window treatments. Valances are mostly out of style, however, it is cornices that are making a modern comeback.

When you initially think of a cornice, you probably imagine a traditional cornice. Traditional cornices are rectangular boxes made of wood, and they often match the trim style used in the rest of the home. Although there are many gorgeous curtain rods and tips and tricks to help you choose the perfect one, not everyone wants to see this hardware in their home. This is where the traditional cornice comes in.

While traditional cornices can be great in many homes, they are not as popular as the now-trending modern cornice. Modern cornices come in a variety of shapes and styles, making them versatile for a number of different home decors. For instance, for a sleek dining room, the cornice could be a plain box covered in fabric that matches the home's walls. On the other hand, in a kid's room, this could be a great place to replace the simplistic fabric with a pop of color or a unique pattern. Modern cornices can also be created to have rectangular borders, such as with metal pins, that can add more texture to the space. Or, the cornices can have a wavy shape that gives a space a more formal feel without returning to the traditional cornice style.

If you are thinking about adding cornices to your home, there are some easy ways to decide if the trend is right for you. Start by doing some research into the different types of cornices. This will help you decide what style might look best in your home. You can also try cutting out a piece of cardboard to the style you like to give you a sense of what cornices may look like. However, if you are really unsure, you can also consult a professional designer for additional help.

Once you've decided on the type of cornice, consider if it is something you can DIY. While creating a cornice on your own is unlikely to save you any time, it could potentially save you some money. If you choose a design on the simpler side, you can use a sheet of wood and the fabric of you choice to create a beautiful cornice that will match your current room's style. Or, if you are renting, you could try creating a cornice out of a sturdy cardboard box and some fabric. This way, it will be easy to remove if you decide you want a change or if you move. And, if after learning more about modern cornices you decide they just are not your style, that's okay too! There are many budget-friendly window treatment options that look high-end that may be a better choice for you.