Window cornices are an uncomplicated, low-cost way to dramatically improve any room. They'll hide unattractive drapery rods and add a feel of custom detailing that makes a commonplace window or French door look like something extraordinary. The top of the cornice can even double as a shelf for art or plates. Cornices are unexpectedly simple to build, even the stylish ones you see in home magazines. Using readily available trim from a home center or lumber yard and a compound miter saw, most anyone with basic woodworking skills can make a beautiful window or door cornice in just a short time.

If this sounds interesting, read on and we'll show you how to select the materials.

You can make it and save some money. Search the Internet for cornices and you will see that you can save some money by making your own custom cornices. One website sells custom window cornices for $7.50 per inch. That is $540 for a cornice for a 6-ft. patio door, plus shipping. Make your own and you can expect to spend about 25 percent of that. The materials for the style you chose to build will have a big impact on the cost simple pine painted cornices will be cheaper than say Oak with crown molding.

Selecting the proper wood for your cornice?

If you plan to paint your cornices, poplar and pine are the best choices for the box materials. They're stable and inexpensive, and the grain won't show through paint. Pine and basswood moldings are usually the least expensive choices for paint able trim.

If you want to stain or have a natural wood cornice, look for oak, cherry, maple and at home centers or millworks. The biggest problem is finding moldings other than oak. You can special-order custom moldings from a millworks supplier that makes their own moldings.

You will need a miter saw or even a compound miter saw depending on the style you decide on a miter saw is the best tool for cutting the miters on you need for your cornices. A standard miter saw will only cut on angle at a time where as a compound miter saw will allow you to cut to angles at the same time. Other options in miter saws are a sliding miter saw this allows the saw to slide allowing you to cut a wider board. No matter which type of miter saw you use good quality carbide tipped saw blade will leave a nice clean cut.

Use a god quality wood glue when assembling your cornice be sure to pre drill any nail holes especially in hardwoods like Oak a good alternative would be to use an air nailer to assemble your new cornice be sure to fill any nail holes prior to painting or staining.