Fabulous Window Valance Ideas

Ready to dress your windows?  I’ve got some fantastic window valance ideas for you.  Most window valances do not require a ton of fabric.  This is one of the reasons I love them!

When I am helping a client decide whether they need valances or long drapery panels, a few factors play a role in the decision.  Do they have pets or young children that may constantly entangle themselves in the long panels?  Would they rather have a more casual design? If the latter is the case, choosing a valance is ideal.

Many times you don’t have to make a decision between the two, because certain windows will only allow for valances.  For example, bathroom windows, a row of windows in a kitchen eat-in area,  a laundry room window, etc.

Valances Made Simple Class

Have always wanted to learn how to sew your own valances? Or maybe you want to start your own drapery business.  Here is a beginner course on how to create 4 different valances!

• 7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
• Class materials, including instructions for sewing a variety of valances
• Detailed instruction, explanation and demonstration
• Answers to your questions in my virtual classroom

Window Valance Ideas

Well, below are several fantastic ideas for valances.  You might have a hard time choosing your favorite.

Roman Shades

This eat-in kitchen area is beautiful!  Roman shades were made to sit inside each individual window.  Roman shades are the most expensive valance to have made.  It does require more fabric than most valances, and there is a lot of hands-on labor involved.  The upside is, if you choose a stationary valance, you may still need blinds for privacy.  This can help off-set the price of choosing roman shades, because you would not have the added cost of purchasing blinds.

The subtlety of these Roman shades make this whole area so dreamy!

These Roman shades have a small little topper, giving them an added touch.

I love anything with a bow, so of course, I was drawn to this curtain.  This would be an adorable shade to hang in a guest bathroom, or spare bedroom.

Valance With a “Kick”

I saw this valance in a Parade of Homes in Franklin, TN.  How clever is this valance?  The front fabric is a simple checked, and the back fabric is a beautiful gingham.  This valance is mounted on a board, and pulled up using barrel reins.

 

What horse-lover would not love this room?  The wood wall extended to the ceiling is spectacular!

Rolled Valance Instructions

This would really be an easy valance for a beginner’s sewing project.  Here are instructions on making this valance:

1.  Measure the width of your window, and add an inch to that measurement for your seam allowance.

2.  Measure how far down you want your valance to hang.  Then,  add another 12″  to roll up the end of the curtain like shown in photo.  Add 2″ for mounting on board, and another 1/2″ for the bottom seam allowance.

3.  For the width of your board, you need to add 1″ to the measurement of the width of your window.  Purchase a 1″ x 2″ pine board from your local home improvement store. They will cut the board for you for free!

4.  Figure out your fabric pattern.

5.  Lay your fabric pieces right side together.  Sew the sides and bottom together.  Turn, and press.

6.  Cover your pine board with extra fabric.  Then staple the top of your valance to the board.

7.  Simply roll up your valance, use barrel reins, or leather belts to secure in place.

8.  Mount your valance to the wall using “L” shape brackets.  Easy! 

NOTE:  Mount your “L” shape brackets to the wall first.  Then place your rolled valance on the top of the bracket and screw your board to bracket.

Balloon Valance

Balloon valances have been around forever.  I happen to love them!  Again, they don’t take a lot of fabric, are mounted on a board making drapery hardware inexpensive, and they are easy to sew!

These balloon curtains are a bit more formal.  There are two pleats added, and beautiful tassel trim at the bottom.

These would be so cute in a boys room, or a bonus room!  I love the simple color stripe down the middle.  The balloon valance is drawn up casually, and two pleats are added to the top.  Love it!

This beautiful window valance hangs above a stunning white bathtub.  If you look closely in the photo you can see that the seamstress added little white beading trim.

I really love the fabric in this valance, a beautiful big print, with muted colors.

Cafe Curtains

Do you need privacy on the bottom half of your window?  These cafe curtains are the perfect solution!

I love all of the bold colors in this cafe curtain!  When choosing a smaller curtain, you can really go bold!

Cornice Board

When I saw this cornice board in the parade of home, I drooled.  I love the ruffle, the scalloped edges, and I LOVE the buttons!  It turned what could have been a very boring cornice board, into a charming valance.

Not Sure What to Do With a Door and a Window?

Here is a great solution for window treatments for a window and a door on the same wall.  The Roman shade on the door is made out of the same fabric, and is trimmed in the complimentary fabric just like the long drapery panels.

Well, I hope these window valance ideas help narrow down exactly what you are going to choose.  Once you have picked your design, it is time to decide on fabric.  I think I just heard you moan.  No worries, come over to my post “Choosing The Right Drapery Fabric”, and I will help make the process much easier for you!