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Jennifer Kilpatrick shared a DIY window cornice made from foam board, fabric and duct tape, with hooks and Command Strips used for mounting. Hunker estimated the basic materials at about $25, though the final cost and suitability depend on materials, window size and installation conditions.
TikTok creator Jennifer Kilpatrick demonstrated a window cornice made from foam board and repurposed fabric, offering renters and students a way to cover curtain hardware without buying a custom treatment. Hunker estimated the basic materials at about $25, but that figure is a reported estimate, not a guaranteed price for every window or project.
The project uses three foam-board pieces: one spanning the area above the window and two shorter side pieces that give the finished treatment depth. Kilpatrick joined the pieces with duct tape, then covered the frame with fabric secured on the back. Hunker says the creator used rigid foam insulation boards and black duct tape; commenters suggested white tape for lighter fabrics, and Kilpatrick acknowledged the dark tape as a mistake.
The finished structure is closer to a cornice board, or pelmet, than a conventional valance. A cornice is a rigid, box-like treatment that sits above a window, while a typical valance is fabric draped across the top. Both can conceal a curtain rod or blind hardware, but the foam-board version creates a more structured shape without a custom-made wooden frame.
For installation, Kilpatrick’s follow-up video showed two Monkey Hooks placed in drywall on either side of the window, with the hooks turned upward. She made small openings in the fabric-covered frame to fit it over the hooks, then used Command Strips to secure the lower sides. Hunker recommends getting help with larger windows and using a level to check alignment. The source does not establish that this mounting method will suit every wall, frame or rental agreement.
A Lower-Cost Option for Rentals
Custom window treatments can cost far more than off-the-shelf curtains, and drilling or installing permanent fixtures may not be practical in a rental or dorm. This project offers a temporary-looking alternative that can hide dated hardware and add a tailored detail using inexpensive or reused materials. That may appeal to people who want a more finished room without commissioning a custom cornice.
The low reported price is not the only consideration. The project’s value depends on whether the maker already has fabric, tools and suitable wall fasteners, as well as the window’s size. Foam board is lightweight, but the article gives no tested load limits or durability results. Readers should treat the $25 estimate as a starting point, not a universal quote or proof that the finished treatment will remain secure in all conditions.
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How the Foam Cornice Is Built
Hunker’s report presents the project as a response to the cost and permanence of traditional custom window treatments, particularly in temporary homes. The frame’s width should cover the full area being treated, including the window molding at both sides. The side pieces determine how far it projects from the wall: the report suggests about 4 inches for thin blinds and at least 7 inches where thicker curtains need to fit behind it.
The source lists rigid foam insulation board and duct tape among the supplies, with the cited products priced at roughly $15 for a six-pack of boards and $10 for a tape roll at Home Depot at the time of the report. Those product prices can change, and the total does not necessarily include fabric, fasteners or tools. Hunker also suggests repurposing washed and steamed bedding, buying inexpensive curtain panels or using discounted upholstery fabric. Adding batting beneath the outer fabric can create a more upholstered appearance.
“bougie on a budget”
— A commenter on Kilpatrick’s TikTok, as quoted by Hunker
Costs and Mounting Depend on the Window
The source does not provide a full itemized receipt, a date for the quoted retail prices, or independent testing of the completed treatment. The about $25 estimate may not include all supplies, and actual costs can vary with window dimensions and fabric choice. It is also unclear how the treatment holds up over time or whether Command Strips and Monkey Hooks are appropriate for every wall surface and rental property.
Hunker describes a method demonstrated by Kilpatrick, not a universal installation standard. The report does not specify the weight limits of the finished frame, fasteners or strips, nor does it report whether a landlord’s permission is needed. Readers should check product directions, wall conditions and lease rules before installing anything.
Measure Before Buying Materials
Anyone considering the project can start by measuring the full span to cover and the distance needed to clear blinds or curtains, then choose foam-board depth and fabric accordingly. The fabric should extend beyond each edge so it can wrap around and be secured at the back. A helper can steady a larger frame during mounting, and a level can help keep both sides aligned.
Before hanging it, check that the chosen hooks and adhesive are rated for the surface and expected load, and follow their package instructions. For renters, confirm that the proposed installation is allowed. The source offers no further testing or update on durability, so the next useful information would be how the treatment performs over time and whether the roughly $25 materials estimate holds for different window sizes.
Key Questions
What is this DIY window treatment?
It is a fabric-covered foam-board cornice designed to sit above a window and conceal curtain rods or blind hardware. Unlike a soft valance, it has a rigid, box-like shape.
How much does the project cost?
Hunker estimates the basic materials at about $25. The final price can vary, and the source does not provide an itemized total covering every possible fabric, fastener or tool.
Can I use this in a rental or dorm?
The project is presented as a temporary option, using hooks and Command Strips rather than a permanent frame. Check your lease or housing rules and verify that the fasteners suit the wall before installing it.
How deep should the side pieces be?
Hunker suggests about 4 inches for thin blinds and at least 7 inches when covering thicker curtains. Measure the actual clearance needed at your window before cutting the boards.
Is the hanging method suitable for every wall?
That is not established by the source. Kilpatrick showed Monkey Hooks in drywall and Command Strips at the bottom, but wall surfaces, product ratings and frame weight can differ. Follow manufacturer directions and check the installation conditions.
Source: rss
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