Custom Window Valances Make Great Window Treatment Options
There are so many ways to dress windows that it can sometimes be difficult to decide which options to utilize. With all of the ready-to-hang drapery options, many homeowners do not consider things such as custom window valances. Making window valances can add a finished look to a window treatment or they can be used alone.
While plain windows have beauty on their own most homeowners prefer to dress them up a bit. A custom window valance can help achieve this goal. Most valances are made from a wood base. The wood can be shaped in any way the homeowner wishes. Edges can be cut straight or shaped whatever the homeowner prefers.
Once the wood base is completed, it is covered with layers of batting material. This material softens the edges of the wood box and adds insulation to the material. Without batting the valance would just look like a cloth-covered piece of wood instead of a custom fabric valance for the window.
The final step is adding the fabric to the valance. The fabric can be fitted and draped in numerous ways onto the wooden frame. A pleated tailored fit adds a touch of richness and elegance to a room. Trims can be added such as fringe and laces to further achieve the look the homeowner is seeking. The unique thing about a custom fabric valance for windows is it is only limited by the imagination of the person constructing it.
Leather is another type of valance material that can be brought into play. This is a great look for a study, library, or man’s office. A straight or scalloped edge with tufted leather is a luxurious look that is sure to be a winner. This look would also work for a bedroom or any modern decor.
Custom valances for bay windows can provide a classic solution to a problematic area. Bay windows can be difficult to treat because the goal is usually not to block the light they provide. Doing a custom valance paired with sheer panels that tie back will let the light in and still offer some privacy. Leaving off the sheer panels and adding shutters or wide wood shades also gives a nice tailored look and even greater privacy options.
Custom valances for windows do not have to cost a lot. They are fairly easy to make for those who are somewhat handy with tools. Patterns are easy to find at home improvement stores or even online. Batting and materials are sold at almost all fabric stores. Costs are driven by the material chosen and whether or not the homeowner is having to pay someone to make them.
Pre-made custom-looking valances for windows can also be purchased. This can be a major time saver over having to build them or wait on someone else to build them. Measuring is the key to making them appear custom-made. They really must fit precisely. There are many options available when using a valance. Valances can really add that finished look to a room; it can be that little something extra that pulls it all together.
How To Make Custom Valances For Your Windows
Having a living room decorated the same way for a long time can get boring. Yet most people see decorating or renovating rooms as an expensive task. A lot of homeowners think that they need professional help to get a very well-designed living room together. But the reality is enhancing your living room is vital for feeling comfortable as, in general, it is the most used part of the house.
Indeed, this is where most families spend their time and in that regard, it is important that this space should be attractive and pleasing to the eyes. There’s no doubt that creating the perfect design can get mind-boggling at times, but there are simple ways to dress the family room without creating a headache in the process. One of the simplest ways is to make your own custom valances.
The problem with making custom window valances is that many people who venture on these projects are faced with having to sew. While it helps to have a sewing machine handy, not many people do. Hopefully, if you are here to make your own valances you are in the “have” camp. Otherwise, you will have to hand sew your window treatments or have them sewn for you, which can be expensive. To keep this as easy as possible, but still maintain the style, we will focus on shirred custom-made valances for your windows.
For supplies, you will need a sewing machine, thread, needle, scissors, straight pins, pencil, measuring tape or yard stick, iron, screwdriver, fabric, and curtain rod with hardware.
The first step is to find a curtain rod that is somewhat plain and simple with the bare essentials for hardware. Elaborate rods or fancy finials can detract from your valances. A basic rod with brackets that attach to the wall will work best. You want your rod to extend past the window frame about two inches so that if you decide to incorporate them, swags will cover the sides of the window frame. Measure and mark your bracket positions with your pencil then attach them with a screwdriver. Set the rod into the brackets.
Step two: Measuring for fabric. Measure the width of your window and multiply it by 3. This gives you the width of your valance and allows for pleats or gathers. As for length, most valances fall about a third of the way down from the top of the window frame. Measure the length of the window frame and divide that by 3. That will be your length.
Step three: Measuring panels. Panels are the fronts and backs of the window valances. You will want panels if you are hanging valances as the only window treatment. Valances with curtains will require lined valances so that the fabrics don’t create static and stick together.
Keep in mind that when buying fabric, most are sold by the yard in bolts. Bolts are the rolls of material you find at all fabric stores. They come in various widths but are typically 36″, 45″, 60″, and even 72″. You must buy your fabric in yards of length as widths are predetermined with finished edges called selvage edges.
To measure the panels, take your measured width and divide it by the width of the bolt you selected to get the number of panels you will need. For example, if your window width was 36″, your fabric width will be 36″ x 3 = 108″. Your bolt might be 60″ wide, so 108″ divided by 60″ = 1.8 panels. Round up, of course, for 2 panels.
Step four: Cut your panels. Cut your fabric using your measurements into the number of panels you need and sew the panels together at the sides with a ½” seam. Fold the new ends of your long fabric 2″ and sew the hems. Fold the bottom up 3″ and sew. Fold the top down 1″ and press with the iron then fold it down again 2″ for the top hem. This will be for the curtain rod pocket.
Step five: Hang your valance. Feed the curtain rod through your rod pocket until the fabric is spread evenly over the rod. Repeat for as many valances as you want to hang.
There you have it. Your newly created custom valances.
