How to Hang Curtains When There Is an Old Wood Cornice Already Installed

A wooden cornice is a decorating asset. It can be constructed from crown molding or sheets of plywood. Shaped like half a bottomless box, it is hung over the top of the window to hide the hardware at the top of the window treatment. A tension rod can be installed inside with just a screwdriver. Place it at the best height for your window treatment, just above the bottom of the cornice if you want the pleats on the curtain to show. Hang the rod high inside the cornice and the curtains will look like they are flowing out from the room's molding.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Tension rod
• Screwdriver

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Measure the inside dimension of the cornice box, from one side of the window to the other.

   • 2

     Loosen the screw in a tension curtain rod that is made to fit within the dimension you measured.

   • 3

     Pull the ends of the rod apart until the rod is 1/4 inch longer than the inside width of the cornice. Tighten the screw to secure the rod at this length.

   • 4

     Squeeze the ends of the rod together and insert it in the cornice at the desired height. Release the rod to ensure it stays securely in place. Make the rod slightly longer if necessary.

   • 5

     Take down the rod. Thread the curtains onto it and re-hang it in the same way.