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TikTok creator Jennifer Kilpatrick demonstrated a lightweight, temporary window cornice made from foam board, repurposed bedding and duct tape. Hunker estimated the basic materials at about $25, but the price depends on materials already on hand, window size and fabric choice.
TikTok creator Jennifer Kilpatrick has demonstrated a temporary, foam-board window cornice made with repurposed fabric and basic hardware, an approach Hunker says can cost about $25 in basic materials. The project is designed to cover curtain rods or blind hardware without the expense or permanent installation of a custom window treatment, making it potentially useful in rentals and dorm rooms.
The structure is closer to a cornice board—a rigid, box-like covering—than a traditional fabric valance, which typically hangs across the top of a window. Kilpatrick’s version uses three foam-board pieces: one spanning the area above the window and two shorter side pieces that give the covering depth. The side depth depends on what it needs to conceal: Hunker suggests about 4 inches for thin blinds and at least 7 inches when covering thicker curtains.
According to Hunker, Kilpatrick used rigid foam insulation, duct tape and fabric from repurposed bedding. The report priced a six-pack of the insulation at around $15 and a roll of duct tape at about $10. Those prices make up the reported approximate $25 materials cost; the total may differ if a project requires additional supplies or the listed products have changed in price. Reusing fabric can keep costs down, while curtain panels or discounted upholstery remnants are alternatives.
To assemble it, the boards are cut to size and taped together into a shallow frame. Fabric is cut with extra material around the edges, wrapped tightly around the frame and secured at the back with tape and sewing pins. Hunker reports that Kilpatrick hung the covered frame using two Monkey Hooks placed in drywall, with openings in the short sides of the frame fitted over the hooks. Command Strips were used to secure the lower sides. A level can help keep the finished piece straight.
A Lower-Cost Cover for Window Hardware
Custom cornices can be costly, and permanent fixtures may not suit renters, students or anyone decorating a temporary home. This project offers a way to change the appearance of a window while leaving existing blinds or curtains in place. It may also hide outdated rods and hardware, though it is a decorative cover rather than a replacement for functional window coverings.
The reported $25 figure is an approximate materials estimate, not a guaranteed finished price. It relies in part on choosing inexpensive foam board and, potentially, having fabric and tools already available. The project’s appeal is its adaptability: dimensions, fabric and padding can be changed to suit the window and room.
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How the Foam-Board Cornice Works
Hunker’s report describes the idea as a structured alternative to a conventional valance. A valance is generally a strip of fabric hanging across the upper window; a cornice has a more rigid shape and projects outward from the wall. In Kilpatrick’s project, the foam frame creates that shape without the weight and cost of a professionally made upholstered board.
Kilpatrick shared the project in videos, including a follow-up showing how she mounted it. Hunker reported that the initial design was for her daughter’s apartment and was intended to be temporarily installed. The source also notes that commenters suggested white duct tape to reduce the chance of dark tape showing through pale fabric; Kilpatrick acknowledged the concern as a “rookie mistake.”
““rookie mistake””
— Jennifer Kilpatrick
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Costs and Mounting Depend on the Window
The reported estimate does not establish a fixed price for every version of the project. Costs may vary with local product prices, the dimensions of the window, fabric selection and whether the maker already owns supplies. Hunker does not provide a tested weight limit for the foam frame or mounting hardware, nor does it report how the installation performs over an extended period.
Mounting methods can also depend on the wall and the finished piece’s weight. The source describes Monkey Hooks and Command Strips in Kilpatrick’s installation, but does not establish that those products are suitable for every surface or window size. The project is presented as a decorative cover; it should not obstruct the operation of blinds, curtains or other window hardware.
removable window treatment hardware
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Measure, Build and Check the Fit
Anyone adapting the idea can start by measuring the full span to be covered, including the window trim, then choosing side-board depth based on the curtains or blinds behind the frame. Hunker recommends asking another person to help with installation, particularly for a larger window, and using a level to check alignment.
Before mounting, makers can check that the fabric is secured, the frame fits around existing treatments and the chosen hooks and adhesive are appropriate for the wall and project weight. The source provides no further reported updates on Kilpatrick’s installation or its long-term durability.
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Key Questions
What is this DIY window treatment?
It is a lightweight foam-board cornice covered in fabric. Its rigid shape distinguishes it from a traditional valance, which usually hangs as fabric across the top of a window.
How much does the project cost?
Hunker estimates around $25 for basic materials, based on the foam insulation and duct tape used in the reported project. The final cost can vary, especially if fabric or other supplies must be purchased.
Can it be used in a rental or dorm?
The project was presented as a temporary installation for an apartment. Whether a particular mounting method works depends on the wall, the frame’s weight and the terms of the rental or dorm.
How deep should the side pieces be?
Hunker suggests roughly 4 inches for thin blinds and at least 7 inches for thicker curtains. Measure the window and existing treatments before cutting the foam board.
What remains unknown about the installation?
The source does not report a tested weight limit or long-term durability results. The suitability of hooks and adhesive may vary by wall surface and the size and weight of the finished cornice.
Source: rss
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