Contemporary design

A cornice is placed above this window to hide the track of the vertical blind as well as to add height to the window.
Contemporary fabric in neutral tones is stretched over the cornice for a sleek, clean look.

Cornices and valances are very similar and easy to confuse.
The major difference between the two is that cornices are much more permanent.
Some cornices are elaborate wood structures, while others are upholstered.
Either way, they are a more permanent window treatment than valances, which can be easily removed or replaced.

 Cornices were popular in older homes because the wooden boxes helped stop drafts.
However, they seem to be making quite the comeback.
Styles come and go in draperies just as in clothes,
and more and more people are choosing to revive this style and embrace cornices in their homes.