The Molding-Trimmed Cornice

• A cornice with the face and side returns edged with narrow, painted or stained molding, often with crown molding surrounding the top, becomes part of the architectural statement of the room. The fabric covering the panels framed by the molding can be glued flat against the cornice or applied in padded, upholstered panels with the fabric stretched taut, shirred, pleated or tufted according to the mood of the decor.
  
  

The Shaped Cornice

• The face of a fabric covered cornice can be designed in a variety of decorative shapes with concealed straight returns or flexible upholstered returns that follow the profile of the face. These cornices can take any form that the imagination can conceive, from ornate tassel-fringed bell shapes to convex lantern shapes. One of the most striking is shaped to resemble a pagoda. These cornices are usually employed in elaborate, heavily draped design schemes.
  
  

The Lambrequin

• A lambrequin is a cornice with sides that extend down to frame a portion of the sides of the window. Covered in fabric, a lambrequin can have matching or contrasting draperies or be used alone as a one-piece treatment to set off blinds, curtains or a roman shade.
  
  

The catonniere

• A catonniere is an elaboration on a lambrequin. Like a lambrequin, it can be covered in fabric. The side panels or legs of the cornice extend all the way to the floor, completely framing the window. The catonniere is often used with floor length windows or French doors.