
Learn how to craft a gorgeous window valance - no sewing machine required. Measure width of the window frame, adding two inches to each side. Buy a 2x4 for this length. Attach hook and loop tape (smooth side) to the front and ends of the 2x4. Secure with a staple gun. Install angle brackets on each side of the window frame, flush with the top.
Full Answer
How to make unusual window valances?
Unique Valance Curtains: 7 Ideas to Get a Showhome Window
- Make It a Board-Mount Valance. A black and white toile valance with black bullion trim. ...
- Don’t Forget to Dress the Small Windows in the Small Rooms. ...
- Work From a Fabric Collection. ...
- Pick a Fabric Design That Must Be Centered. ...
- Consider Hanging Your Valance Using Medallions. ...
- Use a Generous Amount of Fabric. ...
- Finish It All Off With Trimmings. ...
How to make a window valance with foam insulation?
- Place Command Strips right along the (outside of the) window moulding. ...
- Install your own valance hardware (you can find similar here ). ...
- You could hang simple L-brackets from the hardware store (and affix Command Strips to the long flat surface).
How to make a no sew window valance?
How to make a no sew window valance. 1. Begin by measuring your window and the size that you want your valance to be. Add 1 inch on each side to allow for the hem. Then cut off any excess you have on your fabric. 2. Lay your fabric out and iron it well. You don’t want to have to take it back down to smooth it out later!
How much wider should a valance be than the window?
Most valances should only be 1-1/2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a Roman shade. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it’s hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.

How long should a valance be for a 72 inch window?
Window Valance Size Chart & How-To GuideFor windows measuringYou will need30 inches - 39 inches2 Valances40 inches - 48 inches2 - 3 Valances49 inches - 72 inches3 - 4 Valances73 inches - 96 inches4 - 5 Valances3 more rows
How do you make a homemade valance?
0:251:37How to Make Your Own Window Valance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd cut the fabric. Step four measure a 1-inch hem on both sides of the valence pin the fabric. AndMoreAnd cut the fabric. Step four measure a 1-inch hem on both sides of the valence pin the fabric. And then sew it in place removing. The pins as you sew. Step 5 fold the valence in half lengthwise.
How long should a valance be for a 60 inch window?
Another rule of thumb used by decorators is that the window valance depth should be 1/4 of the overall window height, plus 1 inch. A 60-inch tall window, then, would call for a 16-inch deep valance, while a 48-inch window calls for a valance about 13 inches deep.
How long should a valance be for a 33 inch window?
It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it's hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.
How much material is needed for a valance?
The obvious answer is that it depends, but you should expect to need somewhere between 1-1/2 to 5 yards of face fabric for a standard 36- to 40-inch window. For double-wide windows (about 70 to 80 inches wide), about 2-1/2 to 8 yards of face fabric is a realistic estimate.
How long should a window valance be?
The length of the valance should be 1/4 the window height plus one inch. Using these measurements, cut a rectangle from your fabric and lining. Place the fabric and lining right sides together. Using a 1/2-inch seam, stitch the fabric and lining together, leaving an opening for turning.
How do you calculate fabric for a valance?
Divide the cut fabric width by the width of the chosen fabric for the number of widths required. Multiply that number by the cut fabric length. Divide the result by 36 for the number of yards of fabric required for a self-lined gathered valance.
Can you put two valances together?
When you look at your window as individual sections, you can then consider two or three smaller valances instead of one extra wide window. These valances then mounted as an inside mount.
What width do valances come in?
If you're shopping for ready-made valances, the most common standard size you'll likely come across is a 50-inch wide valance. If you're hiring a custom workroom, you can specify any size. We offer valances between 18 and 189 inches wide on our site.
How wide should a valance be for a 36 inch window?
To determine the width of a valance for a 36-inch window, the Window Treatment Expert website suggests adding 2 to 4 inches on each side, adding less for narrower windows and more for wider windows. For a 36-inch window, this measurement would provide you with a valance that has a width of 40 to 44 inches.
How tall should my valance be?
For most windows, a valance should cover about 2 to 6 inches of the top of the window and window frame (this is called the window overlap), with the rest of the valance covering the wall above the window. If there is not enough room to do this, then the valance should be hung immediately under the ceiling.
What is the standard size of a valance?
It depends on the style of the valance, as well as how it's installed and how high the ceiling is. Outside-mounted valances usually have an average drop length of 17 to 21 inches if hung on walls with 8-foot ceilings, and that length gets proportionately longer as the ceiling gets taller.
How do you make a valance without a sewing machine?
1:105:57How to Make Valances | Window Treatments | No Sew CurtainsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt Target that are already curtains they're 36 inch curtains I'm going to turn them easily. IntoMoreAt Target that are already curtains they're 36 inch curtains I'm going to turn them easily. Into four valences and I'll show you how my plan is to use this side to go into the rod.
How do you make a valance sheet?
1:124:44How To Create Bed Valance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you will see the sides of the top so the top of the valance is cut to the size of the bed baseMoreBut you will see the sides of the top so the top of the valance is cut to the size of the bed base including the corners shaped to the size. And shape of the bed base.
How do you make a simple valance Part 1?
0:3016:14How To Make A Simple Valance (Part1) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell you usually use for a custom look two and a half times the width of your rod is what you wantMoreWell you usually use for a custom look two and a half times the width of your rod is what you want that's what I that's what I like to use some people will say two to one.
How do you make a window cornice valance?
0:512:37How to Make a Window Cornice Box | HGTV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut we're attaching it to the frame with screws you want to drive them in all the way so that thenMoreCut we're attaching it to the frame with screws you want to drive them in all the way so that then you can fill them with putty afterward. And sand it off for a perfect finish.
How to make a valance with lining?from thehomesihavemade.com
With RIGHT sides together, line up the top and bottom of the curtain and lining fabrics (they should be the exact same height). Next, line up the two left edges of fabric and pin together; repeat on the right side. (Unless you are making a valance that is as long as it is wide, you should be pinning the shorter sides together). You’ll notice that because the lining is cut smaller than the curtain, it will no longer lay flat once it’s pinned together on both sides (shown below).
What is a window valance?from wikihow.com
Window valances are a box that fit over the top of a window. They are mainly used to add dimension to the window, but some people like to use them to hide the curtain rod. Store-bought window valances can be expensive and there's no guarantee that they will fit your room decor. Fortunately, it is very easy to make your own using a cardboard box, ...
How to make a curtain rod loop?from wikihow.com
Fold the top edge over by 2 inches (5.1 cm). To create a loop for the curtain rod to fit through, measure 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge of the new fold you just created. Then, fold this 2 inches (5.1 cm) section of fabric over towards the inside of the fabric piece.Next, iron all along the edge of this final fold to crease it.
How to hang a valance on a rod?from wikihow.com
Slide the valance onto its rod. Hold the valance in one hand and slide the rod through it. The valance should hang flat off the rod.
How to measure for second valance bracket?from wikihow.com
Mark the location for the second valance bracket. Measure from the first marking to the other side of the window. Place the marking for the second bracket 1 inch (2.5 cm) outside of the curtain rod marking. The length between the two markings should be the same length as the valance you are using.
How long should a curtain rod bracket be?from wikihow.com
Check that the valance brackets are double the length of the curtain rod brackets. So if your curtain rod brackets are 2 inches (5.1 cm) long, make sure you use valance brackets that are 4 inches (10 cm) long. Mark the location for the first valance bracket.
How much of the fabric ends up folded toward the back of a valance?from thehomesihavemade.com
Because your lining was cut smaller than your curtain, about 2″ of the curtain fabric will end up folded toward the back (that’s what you want!). This gives your valance a nice finished edge but also keeps the contrasting lining well-hidden from the front.
What is a wood window valance?
A wood window valance adds dimension to your room by topping off a window or sliding-glass door.
How to make a valance with fusible web?
Trim fabric to vertical and horizontal lengths, leaving one extra inch on the top, bottom and sides. Fold fabric over on every side and hem with fusible web, making sure iron is set to no steam. Iron out any wrinkles. Optional: using fabric hot glue, add decorative trim along bottom of valance.
How to give plain window treatments a wow factor?
Give plain window treatments major wow factor —the designer way — by adding a leading edge of decorative tape trim to each drapery panel; no sewing machine (or designer) required.
How many inches to each side of window frame?
Measure width of the window frame, adding two inches to each side. Buy a 2x4 for this length.
Do you need a sewing machine to make window valances?
Learn how to craft a gorgeous window valance - no sewing machine required.
How to make a valance with iron?
1. Place a pin in each of the corners. Before you take your valance piece to the sewing machine, place a pin in each of the valance's corners to help keep the folds in place. You may place more pins if desired, but the creases you created with the iron should be enough to keep the fabric in place for sewing.
How to measure valance?
1. Measure the width and length where you will hang the valance. To determine the dimensions of your valance fabric, measure the area where you will hang the valance. Measure the window from side to side to get the width of the valance, and measure from the curtain rod to the part of the window where you want the valance to end to get the length ...
How to make a curtain rod loop?
Fold the top edge over by 2 inches (5.1 cm). To create a loop for the curtain rod to fit through, measure 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge of the new fold you just created. Then, fold this 2 inches (5.1 cm) section of fabric over towards the inside of the fabric piece.Next, iron all along the edge of this final fold to crease it.
How long should a valance be?
Therefore, if your window is 45 inches (110 cm) long, then your valance might be 12 inches (30 cm) to 15 inches (38 cm) long.
How to measure for a gathered valance?
Multiple the width by 1.5 if you want a gathered valance (optional). For a gathered look, multiply the width of your window by 1.5 and use this as your width measurement for the valance fabric. For example, if the width of your window is 30 inches (76 cm), then you could multiply by 1.5 for a total of 45 inches (110 cm). However, having a gathered curtain is a style choice, not a necessity.
How to cut fabric on a flat surface?
Lay your fabric out on a flat surface with the print side facing down. Then, measure and mark the inside of the fabric with fabric chalk or a pencil to indicate where you need to cut it. You can use a ruler or other straight edge to draw lines on the fabric. Cut along these lines .
How to flatten a folded fabric?
Iron the edge using a low heat setting to flatten it. Use an iron to crease the edge of the fold. Iron all along the folded edge until the fabric stays in the folded position without holding it down. Make sure that you use a setting on the iron that will not damage your fabric, such as a delicate setting for delicate fabrics.
How to make a valance with iron?from wikihow.com
1. Place a pin in each of the corners. Before you take your valance piece to the sewing machine, place a pin in each of the valance's corners to help keep the folds in place. You may place more pins if desired, but the creases you created with the iron should be enough to keep the fabric in place for sewing.
How to measure valance?from wikihow.com
1. Measure the width and length where you will hang the valance. To determine the dimensions of your valance fabric, measure the area where you will hang the valance. Measure the window from side to side to get the width of the valance, and measure from the curtain rod to the part of the window where you want the valance to end to get the length ...
How to make a curtain rod loop?from wikihow.com
Fold the top edge over by 2 inches (5.1 cm). To create a loop for the curtain rod to fit through, measure 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the edge of the new fold you just created. Then, fold this 2 inches (5.1 cm) section of fabric over towards the inside of the fabric piece.Next, iron all along the edge of this final fold to crease it.
How to cut fabric on a flat surface?from wikihow.com
Lay your fabric out on a flat surface with the print side facing down. Then, measure and mark the inside of the fabric with fabric chalk or a pencil to indicate where you need to cut it. You can use a ruler or other straight edge to draw lines on the fabric. Cut along these lines .
How to flatten a folded fabric?from wikihow.com
Iron the edge using a low heat setting to flatten it. Use an iron to crease the edge of the fold. Iron all along the folded edge until the fabric stays in the folded position without holding it down. Make sure that you use a setting on the iron that will not damage your fabric, such as a delicate setting for delicate fabrics.
What color is best for a valance?from guidepatterns.com
A black and white is a classic color combo for a valance and is versatile enough to sit elegantly anywhere- even a bathroom.
What material should I use for drop cloths?from guidepatterns.com
Choose ivory white drop cloth or khadi cotton material to make your home look strikingly divine.
What is a valance?
A valance is a decorative drape or small curtain placed at the top of a window. Valances can range from a gauzy drape to a specially cut and mounted piece of fabric with lace, fringe or other decorations. They can be narrow or wide, depending upon ceiling height and your personal taste.
How to make a gathered valance?
If you make your own curtains, or even if you purchase them, it is easy to create a gathered valance. You will need a metal curtain rod – the old-fashioned kind that are shaped like a bracket, and that have a continuous smooth surface, and a length of cloth or the cut-off bottom of a too-long curtain. Hem the cloth, and sew a piece of fabric wide enough for the rod to thread through it to the back of the curtain, leaving both ends open. Slide the fabric onto the rod, leaving only enough rod exposed to settle it onto the wall clamps. Some curtain sets come with a valance ready-made for this.
How to dress up a window?
Dress up your window with a swathe of gauzy fabric that might complement, match or contrast with your drapes. Caught up at the corners like a fairytale princess gown or like the heavy bunting used to decorate platforms for speeches, swag drapes are easy to install and easy to take down for cleaning. For a little extra, use the braided cord in a coordinated color to catch up the corners.
What is a wide window valance?
A wide window valance, to be used on a spacious window. It’s white, misty colour makes it great at stopping sunlight, yet doesn’t block all of it. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy a light, bright interior, and some shadow all at the same time. Opt for some lovely valances for your interior with this charming design.
When a window is too wide for a standard set of drapes, or when the drapes are very plain?
When a window is too wide for a standard set of drapes, or when the drapes are very plain, your window can sometimes need an additional treatment to bring it all together. Connect those too narrow drapes or even drapes that fit together with valances.
Can you thread a gathered valance on a curtain rod?
It can then be threaded onto almost any sort of curtain rod, including the really fancy ones with the decorative ends.
How much wider should a valance be than a window?
So, how much wider should a valance be than the window then? Most valances should only be 1-1/2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a Roman shade. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it’s hung over a pair of custom drapes.
How wide is a 26 inch window valance?
All these valances are only about 1-1/2 to 2 inches wider than the actual window. A tight fit like this is especially important in modern and transitional rooms. A poor fit becomes glaringly obvious whenever you have a narrow window. This 26-inch window has a valance that’s only 1-1/2 inches wider than it. If you have several window sections like ...
How many inches should a valance be?
Take a look at these examples and notice how they cover the sides of the window just enough to frame the window. All these valances are only about 1-1/2 to 2 inches wider than the actual window. A tight fit like this is especially important in modern and transitional rooms.
What does "valance width" mean?
It means the workroom that made the valance for you didn’t skimp on fabric.) For balloon, London and relaxed Roman valance styles, you want the width to be determined by the way that the valance falls at the bottom. The bottom hem of the valance should sit on the window frame and barely cover it.
Why is a 40 inch window 10 inches wider?
Why is the valance 10 inches wider, you might ask. It’s because the valance has a 4-inch return on each side.
How heavy is a board mounted valance?
It isn’t uncommon for some of our board-mounted valances that use a lot of pleated fabric to each weigh over 8 pounds. Because of this heaviness, it’s important for the window to not get lost and be overwhelmed by the valance. Even though an extra inch of added width may not sound like much, it can make a big difference on your window if you choose an elaborate valance like this.
How wide is a window treatment?
Take a look at the two examples below. Each window is barely 40 inches wide, yet the window treatments span 60 inches across or more.
How much does it cost to make a window valance?
Dress up your windows with elegant wood valances. They take less than a weekend to make and cost less than $100 in materials.
What is a wood window valance?
A wood window valance adds dimension to your room by topping off a window or sliding-glass door.
How to make a valance with a scalloped edge?
Steps: 1. Layout a piece of the MDF and draw a box the length and height of the cornice. If you want a scalloped edge or any other design on the bottom of the valance, draw it onto the wood. For a symmetrical pattern, draw your design to the half-way point of your pattern. Trace the pattern onto a paper of cardboard template and cut it out, ...
Supplies Needed
This project cost me nothing since I already had all the supplies on hand. Even if you need to shop for materials though, you’ll find this project is still fairly inexpensive when compared to other curtain options. It’s also really quick to make, taking under an hour!
Measuring for Your Window Valance
The first step is to measure your window in order to determine the size of your finished window valance (and therefor the size of your cuts). Below is an illustration of how this valance comes together and the three different pieces you’ll need to cut from the foam board.
Cutting the Window Valance from Foam Board
With measurements in hand, use a sharp craft or X-acto knife to cut down the foam board. Since you will need to make several passes to work all the way through the foam board, a long ruler and self-heeling mat really come in handy!
Assembling the Window Valance
With the foam board cut down to size, it’s time to assemble your window valance by attaching the two returns to either end of the main board. My assembly process may seem a bit strange to you at first…but I promise there is a reason for my method and your valance will turn out just right once complete!
Wrapping the Valance in Wallpaper
At this point, you should have your main board with the two returns taped on either side (both with that little gap between them). The next step is to wrap the window valance in peel and stick wallpaper to cover up all the seams/tape and create a pretty finished product!
Hanging the Window Valance
As I mentioned earlier, our windows already had valance hardware in place.
