Materials Required:

1. 1×4 pine lumber
2. wood glue
3. nails
4. hammer
5. scrap paper
6. MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
7. jigsaw
8. palm sander or 220-grit paper
9. terra-cotta pots
10. compass
11. drill
12. drywall screws
13. latex primer
14. paint
15. 6′ piano hinge
16. 3 L-brackets

Steps

- The first step is to measure the window and decide on the placement of the cornice. It must be positioned so that it will cover all blind hardware, and still allow for movement. Add an extra two inches, plus the thickness of the 1″ x 4″ (which is 3/4 inch) for a total of 2-3/4 inches on each side of the measurement of the sheer rod or blinds.

- You will begin by building a U-shaped frame. Cut one board to your predetermined length. Cut two side pieces eight inches long. Attach the sidepieces to the top panel with wood glue and nails.

To create the front face of the cornice, measure the outside dimension of the frame and cut out a piece of MDF (it cuts much easier than grained wood). Draw and cut a template to size for the front piece in the desired pattern. Trace it onto MDF and cut it out using a jigsaw. Soften the cut edges using a palm sander or by hand.

- Mount the front face to the cornice frame using wood glue.
To create the planter shelf, cut a 1 x 4 board to length. Determine the placement of the potted plants on the shelf. Cut holes big enough to accept pots in a 1×4 board by marking the center of each hole and using a compass to draw the diameter needed. Drill a hole on the inside of the circle near the pencil line, and then cut each out with a jigsaw.

- Mount the planter board to the front face of the cornice by adding wood glue along the edge, and securing it in the back using drywall screws. Since our window was quite wide, we decided to add three supports to the planter board, as well.

- Prime the frame and the cornice front, and then paint as desired. Once it has dried completely, mount the two pieces together using the piano hinge. The piano hinge makes it easier to install the cornice, and also allows the cornice front to flip up, allowing for easy blind removal and cleaning.