How do I update my Window Cornice's?

I would paint them a nice color that matches your decor and find a stencil that you like.

The possibilities are endless! Fabric, paint, wall paper,contact paper, etc.. I especially like the fabric idea because you can match it exactly to whatever other fabrics you're using in the room. Apply foam or batting first to add dimension. After you staple on the fabric you can embellish it with drapery & fabric trim. Then, best of all, when you change your decor, you can just rip off the fabric and recover it with a new pattern/design. Have fun :)

I grew up with exactly the same cornices (50+ years ago). Ours were painted white, but you can match to the wall or other color if you’d like. I now have cornices with batting/material that were done by a professional. I haven’t changed them, but if you’re handy, the materials options are endless. Pinterest has lots of ideas.

Remove them! They are very dated.

Lighter paint or Stain and Stencil Quotes on them...? I too would Remove them..

I land on the side of keeping them. The update ideas already mentioned are really good. Pinterest is your friend...;-)

I LOVE cornices - especially the kind you have with the scalloped edges. I covered the ones in my kids' bedrooms with cute fabric that coordinated with their curtains. Depending on what room they are in, I might choose paint instead (kitchen or bathroom). I hope you can post some pictures of whatever you decide to do.

Depending upon the rpom's decor, I would paint them and perhaps find a stencil that would accent the scallops on the bottom edges. Or, perhaps remove and store them for a season or two and then update after taking a sabbatical from them.

I like the idea of rubbing them down, then stenciling in a different wood stain to the back colour.

You could take a jig-saw and remove the scalloped-edge which dates it to the 50s. You could then pad and upholster them with some fabric.