Making a window treatments valance
The best way of making your window treatments valance is to treat it just like a curtain. They are best lined, and in most cases also look better with an interlining. This gives them added body so they don't look too limp.
One point to watch out for - don't make them too shallow. Remember that you normally have about 3 inches (about 8 cms) of pleats at the top (pencil, french pleats, etc), and if the depth is only 6 inches (about 16 cms), there isn't enough room for the fabric to hang properly. I'd suggesthe depth should be a minimum of three times the depth of your heading, which gives about 9 inches (18 cms).
Fitting your valance
Fitting a window treatments valance is the same as fitting a cornice box, so if you need advice on this just go to the cornice box page. The only difference is that although you can pin the valance to the board, a better system is to use "Velcro"® or a similar product. It make it easier to fit the valance, and also much easier if you want to remove it for cleaning.
The advantage of this method of fitting using a board and track is that when the valance is attached to the board no light can show upwards onto the ceiling. This can stop early morning light from waking you before you're ready!
Here the final part of the valance is just about to be attached to the board using "Velcro"®
And the finished product.
If your valance is not very heavy, and you're not bothered about light showing from the top, then you can use a valance track. These are often sold together with a curtain track, and can be attached to the same fittings.
Valance styles
The illustration above shows a straight valance, but you can also shape them. One attractive shape is to curve the bottom edge down from the center, and then flatten out before actually reaching the sides. This produces a gentle curve, and is particularly useful if you have a lot of vertical and horizontal lines in your room. Giving your valance a shape softens the overall effect.
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