Alternative Uses for Cornices

Cornices are used to give elegance to a room, but for some people, they wish their cornices were gone. If you’re considering taking down your cornices, or if you just happen to have one or two lying around, there’s a few cool things you can do to recycle the cornices rather than throw them out with the garbage.

Cornices make fabulous plant holders. As a matter of fact, you can actually make a window box for the inside or outside of your home, with cornices. If the cornice is covered in fabric, remove it and any padding, before placing it outdoors. Simply screw the cornice into the wall or exterior part of the house, under a window. It’s best to place potted plants in the cornice rather than putting the soil directly into the cornice.

Depending upon how your bathroom is laid out you can use the cornice as a hold-all. If you have a claw foot tub, consider screwing some legs onto the cornice, and standing it at one end of the tub to hold shampoos and other bath products. You can purchase all sorts of legs, or pieces of wood to become makeshift legs, at a home improvement store. Either set the cornice to where the items will sit on it, like a shelf, or turn the cornice upside down to make a trough-type arrangement for holding all sorts of bath supplies.

Cornices can have the same function in a large kitchen. The cornice can be mounted on a long wall and the top of it used to hold spices and such. Screw in hooks to the front of the cornice and use for hanging measuring spoons and other small kitchen utensils.

Cornices can also be used as a fireplace mantle. Screw the cornice in above the fireplace. Cover the cornice front with copper sheet for a unique and beautiful look, or simply paint it your favorite color.

Position a cornice on the wall over your bed and hang a curtain rod with curtains under the cornice. Pull the curtains over to each side of the bed for an elegant look to your bedroom ensemble.

Cornices have many uses around the home. Set one on your deck to hold barbecue supplies, place one in a spot in the house, then fill with chew toys, so your pet can pick and choose his favorites easily. Turn a cornice to where the open side is upwards, attach legs to the bottom, then set beside your desk to hold pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, paperwork and much more.�¯�¿�½

Cornices give a striking look to windows in many homes, but if you’re tired of your old cornices, and want to do something different with your windows, be sure and save the used cornices to use elsewhere.