How to Make a Cornice Headboard

Determine how wide and tall you want the cornice board to be. To make an impact, the board should be as wide as or wider than the length of the top of the bed. A cornice board that is 1 to 3 feet tall will have an attractive look.

Draw a rectangle that is equal to the size of the dimensions taken in Step 1 on a piece of 2-inch foam board. Use a straightedge and a marker to create the rectangle.

Cut around the rectangle with a serrated knife.

Cut a piece of fabric that is 4 inches wider than the width of the rectangle and 4 inches taller than the height of the rectangle.

Cover the front and tops of the edges of the foam rectangle with craft glue. Center the piece of fabric over the foam rectangle. Set the fabric onto the rectangle. Press along the front of the rectangle to smooth out the fabric. Press the extra 2 inches of fabric onto the top of each of the edges of the rectangle.

Determine where you want the cornice board to sit on the wall behind the bed. For example, you can have the board sit just below the ceiling or in the middle of the wall. Measure from the point where you want the board to sit to the ground.

Cut a piece of fabric that is equal to the width of the cornice board and the dimension taken in Step 6.

Position the top of the fabric on the wall where you want the cornice board to sit. Smooth out the fabric along the wall. Use a staple gun to attach the top of the fabric to the wall.

Place the foam cornice board over the top of the fabric. Hammer finishing nails through the top and bottom of each of the sides of the cornice board, securing it in place on top of the fabric and to the wall.