Below you'll learn the parts of a cornice and what lumber sizes are needed to accommodate shade and drapery brackets:
*PFJ = Primed Finger-Joint
PAINTED vs. WOOD LAMINATE CORNICES
Painted cornices win on flexibility and customization, while wood laminate cornices win on durability and maintenance. The right choice really depends on the space, budget, how often you plan to renovate, or what the brand specifies.
Painted Cornices
Pros
• Highly customizable — any color, finish, or effect (gloss, matte, faux effects)
• Easy to touch up or repaint as trends change
• Can seamlessly match or contrast wall colors for a cohesive look
• Generally less expensive to produce
• Works well with MDF or plaster bases, which take paint beautifully
Cons
• Can chip, crack, or peel over time, especially in high-humidity areas
• Requires surface prep and priming to get a quality finish
• Shows scuffs and marks more readily than a laminate surface
• Touch-ups can be tricky if the original paint color is custom/proprietary and hard to match later
Wood Laminate Cornices
Pros
• Durable and scratch-resistant surface
• Consistent, uniform appearance straight out of the box
• Low maintenance — easy to wipe clean
• Mimics the look of real wood grain without the cost of solid timber
• Resistant to moisture better than raw MDF
Cons
• Limited finish options — you get what the laminate offers
• Difficult to alter or refinish if you want a different look later
• Can look less premium up close compared to a hand-painted finish
• Edges and joins can be harder to finish neatly
• Less flexibility for custom or ornate profiles
Ready to put this into practice? Download the printable reference card below to keep these essentials close at hand, and come back soon for more tips, techniques, and inspiration from Threadwell.