From 
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1. Measure the outside width and depth of curtains, curtain rods or shades that you want to cover and their distances from the wall. Add 1 in. to determine the inside box dimensions.
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2. Cut the end boards and then the front board, cutting 45-degree bevels on one end of the end boards and both ends of the front board. If you want to match wood grain at corners on clear-finished cornices, cut the end boards from opposite ends.
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3.Smear a little woodworking glue on the miters and tack the joint together with six 1-in. brads, three from each side.
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4. Cut the top board to length to fit flush with the front and sides of the box (depending on the design). Glue and nail the top to the box frame with 1-1/2 in. brads spaced every 6 in.
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5. Using a short test piece, fit the end piece and mark and cut it to fit. Use the test piece to accurately position the trim while you glue and nail it to the box. Cut the miter on the long front piece of trim, fit it to the first piece, mark its length, then cut and fasten it. Repeat the steps for the other end.
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6. Cut the two crown molding end pieces 1 in. longer than needed with opposite 45-degree angles on one end of each piece (you’re cutting a right and a left corner).
TIP
Build up short fences to support crown moldings while cutting by screwing 1x4 boards to the saw fence through the predrilled holes in the fence (shown above).
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7. Flip the box upside down and prop the crown molding end piece against the box. Use the other end as a test piece to line up the miters. Mark and cut the piece to length. Smear a little glue along the bottom and tack it to the cornice with a couple of 1-in. brads.
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8. Test-fit, mark and cut the front piece of crown molding to length. Glue and nail the miters together, then nail the molding to the cornice box. Cut and install the last end piece of crown molding.
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9. Cut, fit, glue and nail the bottom piece of trim to the box using the same techniques you used with the crown molding.
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10. Fill nail holes and any miter gaps in joints with wood filler. Sand excess wood filler and file miters as necessary to remove any wood fibers or smooth out inconsistencies in profiles.
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11. Prime the wood and lightly sand it with 150-grit sandpaper before applying your choice of paint.
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12. Center the cornice over the opening at the height that best covers the curtain rod and curtain. Then reach underneath and mark the bottom. Take down the cornice and extend the mark with a 4-ft. level.
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13. Cut a 1x2 to fit between the curtain rod brackets. Screw it through the drywall into the framing with 2-1/2 in. screws spaced about every foot.
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14. Predrill 1/8-in. pilot holes spaced about every foot in the top of the cornice 3/4 in. from the back edge. Angle the holes slightly toward the wall. Hold the cornice tight to the wall and run 2-in. screws into the 1x2.
Copyright ©2005 Home Service Publications, Inc.
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