Bird-Themed Dining Room

Add detail to a window without sacrificing the view with a wooden window valance softened with a linen paint technique.

Materials and Tools:

pine boards (1"x4"x8' and 1"x12"x8')
primer
paint
glaze (Linen by Ralph Lauren) - Home Depot
linen brush
foam rollers
saw
drill
220-grit sandpaper
tack cloth or rags
L-brackets
wood screws
nail gun (or hammer and nails)
wood glue

Steps:

1. Measure the window and make sure valance is wider than window frame by a few inches, depending on how much of the wall you want to cover. Note: If adding curtains, make the valance wide enough so when they're pulled back, they're just covering the edge of the window.

2. Cut two identical pieces of 1x12 to the desired dimensions to create the ends of the valance. This will determine the pitch and depth of the valance.

3. Cut the 1x4 top and front bottom edge pieces to the final width. Cut the 1x12 for the sloped front piece to the same length. Sand the edges and remove dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.

4. Glue edges and nail pieces together to complete the valance shape.

5. Prime, and then apply base coat over entire valance once dry. Be sure to use a color that's lighter than the chosen glaze. This will also be the finished color for the interior.

6. Once dry, apply glaze with a foam roller. Create the look of linen by immediately drawing a dry brush very gently down, and then across the glaze. Let dry.

7. Secure L-brackets to each side of the window. Put the valance in place and secure it to the brackets from the bottom using screws.