DIY - Project Window Cornices

So, we had these huge, beautiful windows.  We went hunting for blinds, shutters and all kinds of options and found out that huge windows are crazy expensive to cover.  So, instead we decided on buying some white linen drapes and make some white linen cornices for the top.  Or rather, I decided that my husband Aaron would make cornices! 

Here were some of the basic materials.

This made me laugh. We rented a table saw and it didn't have a guide.  So my hubbie decided to create one himself.

Our garage became the guide!

 So, again, we have some huge windows.  And two of them has these side windows.  So, we decided to make one solid piece to cover both.  My structural engineer of a husband decided the safest way to make these massive pieces was to attach a long wood strip to the wall and put another long strip on the back of the cornice that fits in like a puzzle piece.  One very cool part of this is that we are able to just lift it on and off as needed. 

See...massive right?!

After getting the wood base, the next step was to staple on batting and then fabric.  I didn't want that super puffy '80's look so we chose a 1 inch batting

I ironed the fabric before putting on to not stress about wrinkles afterwards

The corners were tricky!  On the 2nd one we  figured out that it was easier to staple fabric on the first long side before attaching the second wood piece.

So, finally we had the construction phase complete.  Here's the results!

Dining Room - Before

After

Before - Master Bedroom

I really liked the look of the plain white linen cornices but decided that I wanted some design for them as well.  Click here to see the final FINAL project with silver nailhead trim.

DIY Entry Window Film

You can see why the entry needed some privacy!

Entry Window Film

So, after some serious searching and saving, we bought a home in the Bay Area.  Despite being in all its 1980's glory, the house somehow came with zero window coverings.  So, upon moving in that was project # 1.  I really liked the look of etched glass but it was way too expensive and our HOA wouldn't have allowed it anyways.

So, I decided on window film. We bought two at Home Depot for about $60.  It still let the light in but provided the privacy I wanted.  It came in one long piece which was actually short for our window.  So, we decided to cut into three pieces and give an inch of space around each one.  First step was to measure and cut three equal parts.

Preparing to cut into three pieces

We lined the edges of the window with painter's tape to give us a clean line.  Then we just needed a spray bottle filled with water and a credit card.  You separate the paper from the window film like you're peeling off a sticker.  Except the one side isn't sticky until it's wet.  Then spray the window liberally and line up the film with the blue painter's tape. The credit card then comes in handy for pushing out all the air bubbles to the sides.

Our tools: painter's tape, a spray bottle and credit card.  And measuring tape of course!

Making sure it was straight.  We trimmed off a little bit.

Side one is complete!

On the other side, we decided to repeat the same steps except add our house numbers at the top. I borrowed my sister's Cricut for the numbers and found a platter that worked to trace an oval for the numbers.  It was actually pretty simple.  I just programmed in the house numbers and ran an extra (trimmed off) piece of the window film (with the paper backing still on) through the Cricut.  It cut in deep enough for the numbers and I was able to peel them away one by one.  Then it was just a matter of putting them on straight using painter's tape again as a guide.

Dinner platter made the ideal shape.

I printed them backwards so that they would look right from the outside of the house.

Here's a view from the outside of the house.

And then the project was complete!

You can kind of see someone at night if they're right next to the door.

A fun surprise occurred that night when we turned on the outdoor entry light.  The house numbers shone right through onto our wall with a cool effect!