Curtain Cornices vs Window Cornices: Which is Right for You?

Standing in front of your bare windows, you know something’s missing. That polished, magazine-worthy finish you see in designer homes? A cornice makes all the difference. At Blindsgalore, we’ve spent over 25 years helping customers transform their windows from basic to beautiful. The question isn’t whether you need a cornice. It’s which type works best for your home.

Curtain cornices and window cornice boards might sound similar, but each brings unique benefits to your windows. One offers structured elegance. The other provides design flexibility. We’ll help you understand the cornice vs curtain difference so you can make the perfect choice for every room.

What Is the Difference Between a Cornice and a Valance?

A cornice is a rigid, box-like structure mounted above your window. Picture a wooden or MDF frame, custom-built to your window’s exact width, then covered in fabric or painted to match your decor. Solid, architectural, permanent.

A valance? Completely different animal. Valances are soft fabric toppers that hang loosely from a rod or board. No rigid structure. Just gathered fabric, pleats, or scarves creating a gentle drape across your window top. Beautiful in their own right, but definitely not cornices.

Here at Blindsgalore, we’ve seen customers confuse these terms countless times. The key distinction? Structure. Cornices bring architectural weight to windows. Valances add softness. Your choice depends entirely on the look you’re after.

Want to completely hide curtain rods and mounting hardware? Cornices win every time. Need something washable for a child’s room? Valances offer that flexibility. Both have their place in good design.

What Is a Curtain Cornice Used For?

Curtain cornices serve multiple purposes beyond pure decoration. First up: hardware concealment. Nobody wants to see brackets, screws, and mounting systems when admiring beautiful windows. A well-designed cornice hides all that mechanical stuff, creating a clean, finished appearance.

Light control ranks high too. Ever notice that annoying gap between your curtains and ceiling? Light sneaks through, ruining your sleep or movie experience. Cornices block that gap completely. Perfect darkness when you need it.

Energy efficiency surprised us when customers started reporting lower heating bills. Fabric cornice treatments create an extra insulation layer at the window top. Combined with quality curtains or blinds, cornices help maintain room temperature year-round.

The visual magic happens when you mount cornices strategically. Install them close to the ceiling, and suddenly your windows look taller. Your 8-foot ceilings feel like 10 feet. We’ve watched this simple trick transform countless rooms.

What Is a Window Cornice Board in Interior Design?

A window cornice board represents the more architectural approach to window treatments. Interior designers reach for these when creating sophisticated, tailored spaces. The structure starts with a wooden or MDF frame, precisely cut to fit your window width plus desired overlap.

Our Blindsgalore Cornice Boards: Tailored collection shows exactly what professional designers love. Clean lines, perfect proportions, custom sizing to the quarter inch. No gaps, no “almost right” compromises.

Window cornice boards excel at tying room elements together. Mixed metals throughout your space? A fabric-covered cornice board neutralizes the visual chaos. Different window treatments in adjoining rooms? Matching cornice boards create continuity.

The customization possibilities excite our design team daily. Choose your exact dimensions, select from hundreds of fabrics, decide on straight or shaped bottom edges. Every detail tailored to your vision. That’s why designers specify cornice boards for high-end projects.

Is a Pelmet the Same as a Cornice?

Maybe in England, you’d ask for a pelmet. In America, we use the term cornice. Same product, different vocabulary. Both terms describe that rigid, decorative box topping your window treatments.

The word “pelmet” traveled from France through Britain. “Cornice” has classical architectural roots. Some designers claim subtle differences exist. Maybe pelmets run narrower, cornices more substantial. Honestly? In today’s market, use whichever term you prefer.

We stick with “cornice” because that’s what most customers search for online. But when British decorators call asking about pelmets, we know exactly what they need. Language evolves, but good window design stays constant.

Our Modern cornice boards work perfectly whether you call them cornices, pelmets, or window toppers. Function remains identical regardless of terminology.

How Does Cornice vs Curtain Difference Show in Terms of Formality?

Room formality often determines your choice. Dining rooms, studies, formal living spaces? Window cornice boards bring the gravitas these rooms deserve. That structured, architectural element signals “this space matters.”

Curtains alone lean casual. Perfect for bedrooms where you want relaxation. Great for breakfast nooks needing approachable charm. Ideal for family rooms where formality feels stuffy.

Here’s where fabric cornice ideas get interesting. Velvet or silk dupioni fabric? Instant formality, even in casual spaces. Cotton or linen textures? That same cornice suddenly feels relaxed and welcoming. Material choice transforms the entire vibe.

We helped one property manager upgrade rental units with simple cornices. “Made my apartments feel custom without custom prices,” she told us. Smart thinking. Durable window treatments paired with cornices create upscale appeal tenants appreciate.

How Do You Choose the Right Cornice for Your Window Treatments?

Start with what’s already on your windows. Blinds need different cornice proportions than flowing drapes. Measure your current treatment’s projection from the wall. Add at least 2 inches. That’s your minimum cornice depth.

Style matching comes next. Modern homes call for sleek, minimal cornices with straight lines. Traditional spaces? Consider our Arched cornice boards for classic appeal.

Room function matters too. Kitchen cornices face humidity and cooking splashes. Choose wipeable fabrics or painted finishes. Bedroom cornices should prioritize light-blocking abilities. Living room cornices? Focus on style that impresses guests.

Don’t forget proportions. Our golden rule: cornice height equals roughly 1/5 your window height. Got 60-inch tall windows? Aim for 12-inch cornices. This ratio pleases the eye naturally. Adjust slightly for dramatic ceilings or unique architecture.

When Should You Use a Curtain Cornice vs a Valance?

Curtain cornices excel when you need:

• Complete hardware hiding
• Extra window insulation
• Formal, architectural appeal
• Long-lasting durability
• Total light gap elimination

Valances work better for:

• Rental properties (no permanent mounting)
• Seasonal decoration changes
• Soft, romantic aesthetics
• Tight budgets
• Easy washing needs

Consider lifestyle factors too. Active kids and curious pets? Cornices survive better than delicate valances. Love redecorating seasonally? Valances swap out easier. Neither choice is wrong. Just different.

Many customers combine both elements. Structured cornice on top, soft valance layered underneath. Best of both worlds. Our design team loves helping customers create these sophisticated combinations.

Which Works Better: Curtain Cornice vs Window Cornice Board for Formal Dining Rooms?

Formal dining rooms demand presence. After helping thousands of customers, we recommend window cornice boards for these special spaces. The architectural weight complements quality furniture. Clean lines echo your best china’s elegance.

That said, curtain cornices with luxurious fabrics create stunning dining rooms too. Picture deep burgundy velvet cornices crowning silk drapes. Or metallic fabric catching candlelight during dinner parties. Quality materials and expert craftsmanship matter most.

Mount dining room cornices higher than usual. Creates drama. Makes ceilings appear lofty. Guests naturally look up and think “wow.” Simple positioning, major impact.

Consider acoustics too. Dining rooms with hardwood floors and minimal soft furnishings echo terribly. Fabric-covered cornices absorb sound, making conversation easier. Small detail, big difference for entertaining.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Curtain Cornices for Small Windows?

Small windows present unique challenges. Let’s talk honestly about curtain cornices in tight spaces.

Pros for small windows:

• Create illusion of larger windows when mounted wide
• Hide awkward window proportions effectively
• Add visual weight balancing room scale
• Allow bold patterns without overwhelming

Cons to consider:

• Can overwhelm truly tiny windows
• Might block precious natural light
• Require precise measurement
• Standard sizes rarely fit right

Our solution? Custom sizing eliminates most disadvantages. We craft cornices to your exact specifications. Proper proportions make small windows look intentional, not problematic.

One basement bedroom customer told us cornices transformed her space. “My tiny windows suddenly looked like architectural features.” That’s what proper window treatment can achieve.

What Are the Benefits of a Window Cornice Board for Concealing Hardware?

Hardware concealment ranks as the top reason customers choose window cornice boards. All those brackets, screws, cords, and mechanisms? Hidden completely. Your windows showcase style, not hardware store supplies.

Motorized treatments especially benefit from cornice coverage. Motors, controls, and power sources disappear behind beautiful fabric or painted wood. Technology serves you invisibly.

Light gaps vanish too. That irritating sliver above your blinds? Cornice boards block it entirely. Bedrooms achieve true darkness. Media rooms become private theaters. Night shift workers finally get quality rest.

Dust protection surprised us as an unexpected benefit. Covered hardware stays cleaner longer. Less maintenance, extended hardware life. We’ve seen protected mechanisms last decades versus exposed hardware’s shorter lifespan.

Should You Use a Cornice or Valance for Light Control?

For serious light control, cornices dominate completely. The rigid structure blocks every bit of light along the window top. No fabric flutter creating gaps. No morning sun sneaking through. Combined with room-darkening window treatments, cornices create cave-like darkness.

Valances? Pretty but not light-blocking champions. Soft fabric moves with air currents. Gaps appear and disappear randomly. Fine for decoration, frustrating for light-sensitive sleepers.

Layering offers interesting possibilities. Cornice for structure and light blocking, functional blinds for adjustability, sheer valance for daytime softness. Multiple layers provide maximum flexibility.

Room purpose guides your decision. Home theaters and bedrooms demand cornice-level light blocking. Living rooms and kitchens? Decorative valances usually suffice.

Which Is More Versatile: Fabric Cornice vs Wooden Cornice Board?

Fabric cornices offer incredible versatility. Change your entire room’s personality by switching fabric. Spring florals for Easter. Rich plaids for autumn. Holiday themes for December. One cornice structure, endless possibilities.

Fabric versatility shines for:

• Matching existing decor easily
• Creating custom color schemes
• Adding texture and warmth
• Coordinating with soft furnishings
• Seasonal decoration updates

Wooden cornice boards bring different strengths:

• Timeless appeal crossing decades
• Paint updates for color changes
• Superior durability in high-traffic areas
• Architectural detail in minimal spaces
• Simple cleaning and maintenance

We typically suggest fabric for bedrooms and living areas, wood or painted finishes for kitchens and bathrooms. But rules exist for breaking. A sleek painted cornice in a modern bedroom? Stunning. Moisture-resistant fabric in a powder room? Absolutely doable.

What Are Creative Ideas for Fabric Cornice Designs and Styles?

Fabric cornice ideas limited only by imagination. Start with pattern play. That large-scale floral that overwhelms full curtains? Perfect cornice material. Bold geometrics you love but fear? Cornice-sized doses add personality without overwhelming.

Texture tells its own story. Nubby linen for coastal calm. Smooth velvet screams luxury. Rough burlap brings farmhouse charm. Mix textures between cornice and window treatments for designer sophistication.

Unexpected materials we’ve seen work beautifully:

• Vintage scarves creating one-of-a-kind designs
• Outdoor fabrics for fade-resistant color
• Metallic materials adding glamour
• Heavy canvas for industrial chic
• Faux leather for contemporary edge

Shape innovations keep us excited. Beyond basic rectangles:

• Scalloped bottoms for romance
• Angular cuts for modern spaces
• Arched designs echoing architecture
• Layered dimensions for depth

Personal touches make cornices memorable. We’ve helped customers incorporate wedding dress lace, grandfather’s ties, even kids’ artwork printed on fabric. Your cornice tells your story.

How Do You Decorate with Curtain Cornices and Drapes?

Successful combinations follow some basic guidelines. First, proportion matters immensely. Heavy drapes need substantial cornices for balance. Sheer panels? Keep cornices visually lighter too.

Color coordination doesn’t mean matching exactly. Try:

• Cornices two shades darker for depth
• Complementary colors from one family
• Patterned cornice with solid drapes
• Reversed for subtle elegance

We love contrast done right. Crisp white drapes beneath charcoal cornices. Traditional patterns topping modern panels. The cornice frames your drapes like artwork.

Hanging height transforms everything. Mount cornices at ceiling level whenever possible. Drapes should kiss the floor gently. This floor-to-ceiling line creates luxury hotel ambiance instantly.

Don’t overlook lighting possibilities. Hide LED strips behind cornices for ambient glow. Soft uplighting creates evening atmosphere. Small addition, major mood enhancement.

How Do You Integrate a Cornice with Existing Window Treatments?

Already have blinds or shades? Cornices complete the look beautifully. Proper measurement ensures success. Your cornice must project far enough to clear existing treatments when fully extended or raised.

For blinds, add at least 2 inches beyond the blind’s projection. This clearance ensures smooth daily operation. Roman shades need similar space when gathered up.

Style coordination keeps everything cohesive:

• Match cornice fabric to blind tape color
• Pull accent shades from existing patterns
• Coordinate materials (wood with wood)
• Create intentional contrast for modern appeal

Sometimes existing treatments need slight adjustments. We’ve helped customers lower blinds an inch or two for better cornice proportion. Minor change, major visual improvement.

Mind the reveal space. That’s the gap between cornice bottom and treatment top. Too much looks disconnected. Too little appears cramped. Aim for 1-2 inches breathing room.

How Can You Make a Room Appear Taller with a Window Cornice?

Ceiling height illusions fascinate our design team. Window cornices mounted strategically add visual height to any room. The secret? Mount them kissing the ceiling, not at window frame top.

Amplify the effect with:

• Cornices painted to match ceiling color
• Vertical stripes on fabric choices
• Light colors blending upward
• Metallic accents drawing eyes skyward

Wide cornices mounted high make windows themselves appear taller. Standard 36-inch window? Mount a 15-inch cornice at ceiling height. Suddenly reads as 48+ inches tall.

Pair with floor-length drapery for maximum impact. That continuous vertical line from ceiling to floor creates elegance. Even standard 8-foot ceilings feel grand with this approach.

Keep proportions balanced though. Too-tall cornices in already soaring rooms feel off. Generally aim for cornices measuring 1/5 your floor-to-ceiling height.

What’s the DIY Window Cornice Installation Guide?

Most customers successfully install cornices themselves. We’ve refined the process over 25 years.

Tools needed:

• Drill with appropriate bits
• Level (absolutely essential)
• Screwdriver set
• Measuring tape
• Pencil for marking
• Stud finder for secure mounting

Basic installation steps:

1. Locate wall studs above window
2. Hold cornice in desired position
3. Mark bracket locations precisely
4. Pre-drill pilot holes
5. Attach mounting brackets securely
6. Slide cornice onto brackets
7. Step back and admire

Inside mount requires checking frame depth first. The outside mount needs adequate flat wall space. Detailed instructions ship with every cornice. Plus we have installation videos online.

A common mistake? Mounting too low. Cornices look best with space above windows. When uncertain, go higher. You’ll thank yourself later.

How Much Do Custom Cornices Cost Compared to Other Window Toppers?

We craft solutions for every budget at Blindsgalore. Custom cornices represent an investment in your home’s beauty and function. While prices vary based on size and materials, consider the long-term value.

Custom cornices deliver:

• Perfect fit for any window size
• Professional appearance lasting decades
• Energy savings through better insulation
• Protection for window treatments below
• Free 3-year warranty (upgradeable to 5 years)

Remember, our warranty doesn’t cover fading, but it protects against defects in craftsmanship. We stand behind our family’s work completely.

Custom cornices ship in just 5-7 business days with free shipping across the continental U.S. Compare that to weeks of waiting elsewhere. You’re not just buying a cornice. You’re investing in quality, convenience, and expert craftsmanship.

Can You Install a Cornice Over Blinds?

Absolutely! Cornices over blinds create that custom, finished appearance designers love. We see this combination constantly, especially in bedrooms and home offices.

Key measurements for success:

• Check blind projection when fully extended
• Add 2-3 inches minimum for cornice depth
• Account for headrail height
• Ensure easy access to controls

Wide windows especially benefit. Cornices unify multiple blinds into one cohesive look. No more gap between side-by-side blinds breaking your style.

Cordless and motorized blinds? Cornices hide all that modern hardware beautifully. Rooms look seamlessly sophisticated. Guests admire the style, not the mechanics.

Pro tip from our installers: Test blind operation after mounting but before final cornice attachment. Small adjustments now prevent frustration later.

What Types of Fabric Are Suitable for Upholstering Cornices?

Fabric selection can make or break your cornice project. After years of experience, we’ve learned what works.

Best fabric choices:

• Medium-weight cottons holding shape well
• Upholstery-grade materials for durability
• Outdoor fabrics resisting moisture and fading
• Luxurious velvets creating elegance
• Sturdy canvas for contemporary looks

Avoid these options:

• Sheer materials lacking body
• Stretchy knits distorting over time
• Easily fraying fabrics
• Delicate silks without backing

Room demands guide fabric choice. Kitchen cornices need wipeable or washable options. Bedroom cornices embrace delicate textures. Sunroom installations require serious fade resistance.

Pattern placement matters with large-scale designs. Center that beautiful medallion properly. Avoid awkward cuts through focal motifs. Our workshop team obsesses over pattern matching because details matter.

Consider fabric protection too. Pre-treating with stain resistance adds years of life. Especially important for high-traffic areas or homes with children.

Your Perfect Window Topper Awaits

You now understand the cornice vs curtain difference clearly. Whether you choose structured window cornice boards or explore creative fabric cornice ideas, the key lies in matching your lifestyle and design vision.

At Blindsgalore, our family has spent over 25 years perfecting window treatments. We love helping customers create homes that reflect their personality. From initial design through installation, we’re here guiding you.

Ready to crown your windows properly? Order up to 15 free samples to touch and feel materials. Call our design experts at (877) 702-5463 for personalized advice. With free shipping and products ready in 5-7 business days, beautiful windows are closer than you think.

Frequently Asked Questions