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Creating A Unique Window
Valance
by: Clinton Maxwell
Windows come in all shapes
and sizes and sometimes offer a beautiful view. When
it is important to let in the most light and not
obstruct that perfect view, a window valance can be
just the right touch. Window valances come in many
different styles and can be used alone or with other
window treatments such as drapes, sheers, blinds, or
shutters. There are no-sew options as well as the
carefully crafted sewn valances that have a real
professional touch.
Types of Window Valances
Window
valances can be formal or casual. They can be
crafted of rich, heavy tapestry fabrics or light,
airy cotton. They can be shaped and formed to have a
stiff shaped look or be free flowing and informal.
The following are some of the more commonly used
window valance treatments and how they are made.
Balloon Valance: The balloon valance looks like its
name. It normally has a gathered ruffle atop the rod
and then the doubled up fabric is pinched in
increments so that the areas between the pinches
balloon out. Often the puffy areas can be stuffed
with tissue paper or even old newspapers if the
fabric is thick enough to hide the print. Lighter
weight cottons are best for this window treatment.
Patterns and stripes, as well as solids, work well
to.
The Swag: A swag also looks like it sounds. A
swag valance can be short or extend to the floor
where it can even be pooled. The swag is held up by
two decorative brackets. The width of the fabric is
folded accordion style and then draped across the
brackets. On wider windows, it may be necessary to
support the centre of the swag with a hidden pin or
bracket so that it doesn’t swoop too much. Here
sheer or very light weight fabrics work well and
even some heavier fabrics.
Pleated Valance: A
formally shaped valance is best made of heavier
fabrics that can be formed and will hold their
shape. Lighter weight fabrics may work if they are
lined with a stiff enough lining. A pleated or
scalloped valance needs to be carefully cut and
lined so that when it is pleated and folded the
underside fabric shows in equal increments. This
style is probably best left to the professional
decorator or experienced seamstress. The pleated
valance can be hung using a frame made of 2x4” board
and L-brackets to that a shelf is created at the top
of the window. The fabric can then be stapled to the
board once it is shaped, then hung onto the
brackets.
How to Make the Most of the Window
Placement of the window valance is almost as
important as how it is made and what type of
material is used. If windows are short, then the
valance can be hung high enough that the bottom just
covers the top of the window.
To bring down the
height of an extremely tall window the valance can
be hung lower or made longer. In general, a valance
should not hang more than one-third of the way down
the window for the best aesthetics. Two-story
windows can be cut in half by the window valance
making it a part of the décor of the room on the
lower half. By dividing the room’s windows in this
manner then the ceiling will not seem so high.
Window valances can be made by anyone with any
amount of decorating experience. Some styles require
little or no sewing. The important consideration is
what type of design is going on in the rest of the
room. Remember, window treatments should accent the
room and not serve as the focal point.
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