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Hunker reports that TikToker Jennifer Kilpatrick made a structured window treatment from foam board, repurposed bedding and duct tape, then hung it with hooks and Command Strips. The basic materials cost about $25, according to the report, though the price and suitability will vary with materials, window size and installation conditions.
TikToker Jennifer Kilpatrick demonstrated a temporary, structured window treatment made with foam board, repurposed bedding and duct tape, offering renters and students a lower-cost alternative to custom cornices. Hunker estimates the basic materials cost about $25, while noting the project is a DIY idea rather than a professionally tested installation.
The design is closer to a cornice board, or pelmet, than a traditional fabric valance. Its foam-board frame creates a rigid box that sits above the window and can conceal an existing curtain rod or blind hardware. A conventional valance typically consists of fabric that hangs across the top of the window.
Hunker’s instructions call for three foam-board pieces: one spanning the area to be covered, including the window trim, and two matching side pieces that set the treatment’s depth. The report suggests sides around 4 inches deep for covering thin blinds and at least 7 inches when the treatment needs to clear thicker curtains. Those measurements are guidance, not a one-size-fits-all specification; the opening and existing hardware need to be measured first.
Kilpatrick connected the pieces with duct tape and covered the frame with fabric, using old bedding as a way to limit costs. Hunker says fabric should be cut with extra material at the edges, wrapped tightly and secured at the back with tape and sewing pins. It also reports that Kilpatrick hung the finished piece using Ook Monkey Hooks in drywall and Command Strips at the lower sides. Hunker advises getting help with larger windows and using a level to check alignment.
A Tailored Look Without Custom Costs
The idea addresses a common decorating constraint: window treatments can be expensive, while a rental or dorm room may not allow permanent changes. A lightweight, removable-looking structure could let residents hide unattractive hardware and give a window a more tailored appearance without buying a custom-made cornice.
Hunker puts the basic materials at about $25, compared with hundreds of dollars for some custom treatments. That is the report’s cost estimate, not a guaranteed price for every project. The total depends on what materials are already on hand, local prices, the window’s dimensions and whether the maker adds batting or buys new fabric. Reusing bedding or discounted upholstery remnants may reduce spending; choosing a heavier fabric or larger frame may add cost and weight.
The temporary approach may appeal to renters, but “temporary” does not mean suitable for every wall or window. The proposed hooks are intended for drywall, and the source does not establish how they will perform on other wall surfaces or under different loads. Anyone adapting the method should check product instructions and the condition of the wall before hanging the frame.
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How the Foam-Board Design Works
The project adapts a traditional architectural look into a simpler form. A cornice is a firm, box-like structure fitted above a window; this DIY uses foam board to create that shape without building a wooden frame. The fabric covering hides the foam and tape, while the open back keeps the structure relatively light.
In the Hunker report, Kilpatrick made the treatment for her daughter’s apartment. The source says she used Insulfoam rigid foam insulation sold in a six-pack for around $15 and duct tape costing around $10 per roll, forming the basis of the roughly $25 estimate. Those listed prices may change and do not necessarily include fabric, tools or other supplies.
The report also notes a small materials lesson from the project: commenters suggested white duct tape under light-colored fabric because dark tape could show through. Kilpatrick acknowledged the issue as a “rookie mistake.” The covering material, its color and its thickness can affect how visible the frame and seams are once the treatment is installed.
“rookie mistake”
— Jennifer Kilpatrick, responding to comments on TikTok, as quoted by Hunker
Costs and Wall Fit Can Vary
The source does not provide a date for the TikTok videos or Hunker report, nor does it independently test the frame’s durability or the hanging method. The about $25 cost is an estimate for basic materials and may not reflect current retail prices, extra supplies or the needs of a larger window.
It is also unclear how well the suggested hooks and adhesive strips perform across different drywall conditions, paint finishes, room temperatures and frame weights. Hunker’s directions describe a method Kilpatrick used, but they do not state a tested weight limit for the completed treatment. The project is not described as a window covering that blocks light or insulates a room; its stated purpose is decorative and to conceal hardware.
Measure Before Building and Hanging
Anyone trying the project should first measure the full area to be covered and account for the depth of blinds or curtains. The next steps are to cut and tape the three foam pieces, check the frame’s fit, then wrap and secure the chosen fabric. A test with the fabric in place can help reveal whether dark tape or uneven edges show through.
Before installation, makers should check the wall and read the instructions for the hooks and Command Strips they plan to use. Hunker recommends asking another person to help with a larger treatment and using a level to keep both sides aligned. The source does not report a later update on the project’s condition, so longer-term performance remains unknown.
Key Questions
Is this a valance or a cornice?
Hunker describes it as closer to a cornice board, also called a pelmet, because foam board forms a rigid structure. A traditional valance is generally fabric hanging across the top of a window.
How much does the DIY cost?
Hunker estimates about $25 for basic materials, based on prices it gives for foam board and duct tape. The figure may vary by location, date, window size and whether fabric or other supplies need to be purchased.
Can renters use this project?
The method is presented as a temporary option and uses hooks and Command Strips rather than describing a permanent built-in frame. Renters should still check their lease, wall type and the product instructions before installing anything.
What fabric should be used?
Kilpatrick used repurposed bedding, and Hunker also suggests inexpensive curtain panels or upholstery remnants. The report advises considering the fabric’s weight; heavier material may affect the load on the foam frame and hanging hardware.
Source: rss
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