Window Treatments: Valances

Tips for Adding style with Window Treatments Ideas

When you think of a valance window treatment, an image may come to mind of flowery, bunched fabric running across the top of a window. The truth is that this is only one type of valance. The methods for hanging window treatments, valance included, vary a great deal.

They may slide directly onto a drapery rod, hang from tab-tops or other hangers, or drape gracefully across a sconce or wall tab. Valances create wonderful opportunities to experiment with color, texture, or fabric (such as lace). They also present opportunities to experiment with different types of materials such as ribbons, bows, strings of beads, or other ornamental accents that are wrapped around or draped along the top.

Window treatment: Flip Valance

How to Make a Curtain Valance

Flip valances look much like they sound. Flip valances slide directly onto a curtain or drapery rod, and the fabric "flips" over the top of the rod. These are easy to make valance window treatments. All you need are two rectangular pieces of material, sewn around the edges, except for the center. The part that slides over the curtain rod is created in the middle of the material.

When the valance is hung, one side hangs in front, while the other side hangs in back. Obviously, you need to do some careful measuring. To create the look, leave the front side shorter than the back, so both parts of the valance are visible. For those who are new to sewing, this is an easy introduction to valances, and only requires a basic sewing stitch.

For those with advanced sewing skills, or those wanting to add a bit more pizzazz, consider decorative edges on one or both sides of the valance. Mixing colors and materials is also fun, such as using a lace of the same color in front, or by adding a fringe or decorative hem. Layering materials also looks nice, such as adding a sheer material over the top of the main fabric choice.

Kirsch Window Valances and Treatment Ideas

Kirsch is one company that makes adjustable curtain rods that hook into the wall, shaped much like an elongated "U." These are easy to install, and are easily removable for adding window treatments valance style. These are also great for easy to make valance window treatments, as you can create layers using different rods, and only have to sew the edges and along the top for hanging.

To create a layered look similar to a flip valance, choose Kirsch rods in different sizes. You'll need the same length, but you can choose rods that hang farther away from the wall. With one that is close to the wall, and one on the outside of that, two valances will look like a flip valance. You can also create layered effects with different materials easier, as two separate pieces are easier to manage than figuring out which part of a flip valance will hang in front.

You can also use Kirsch rods hung at different levels on the wall to create interesting visual effects. Hang one valance higher or lower than another of a different length to create a stunning design with minimal effort!

You can also apply the same idea to the lengths of each valance. By using two to three Kirsch rods, you can create an illusion of your window being larger than it is, by increasing the length of the outermost rod. Use this to hang a heavier or larger valance as a visual focal point. Use an additional Kirsch rod hidden underneath to hang side panels (outside the width of the window to give an illusion of a larger window). For layered valances, use the technique above for a layered or flip valance look.

Window Door Treatments: Valance Styles

Small door windows also let in much appreciated light, but also are a privacy issue, creating a need for some type of window treatment. Even in areas where the window does not create a privacy issue, some type of treatment can be nice to add to the decor for a warm, inviting feel.

Valances work well for many types of door windows. The type of hanging unit you choose will depend on the door and size of the window. Kirsch rods may work, but look into other options as well. If the window is set in far enough, spring rods can be fun. These are placed inside the window frame, allowing you to create a treatment that sits inside the window. For a clean, tight look, use a spring rod on the top and bottom of the window and sew a treatment that just fits the size of the window. This type of window treatment works well for a contemporary style. It also works well on diagonal-shaped windows, as the spring rods hold the treatment in place.

Anther fun use for spring rods is to use them as a frame for weaving some type of window treatment. Because more of the rod will show with this option, choose one that blends well with the door. Then, experiment using fabrics, ribbons, or other materials to weave over the window. This also gives you an opportunity to allow more light through while still creating some privacy.

A traditional valance style can work on a door window as well, using any type of fabric that matches your decor. Again, because the window is much smaller, use the opportunity to experiment with different fabrics, textures, and shapes. A simple sewing pattern can be altered to add fringe, an uneven hem, or even shapes such as diagonals. Use the layered approach to hang alternating diagonals in different colors to add contrast and lines to the treatment.

For round windows, consider using a half-arch window treatment to cover the bottom half of the window. Find a short curtain or drapery rod that is slightly longer than the diameter of the window. The treatment can hang square, be cut to the curve of the window, or again, utilize other options such as hanging beads, strips of material or ribbon, or anything else that looks interesting! Also, consider looking into small-sized scarf tiebacks to place around the window, from which you can wrap fabric or ribbon across the window to create a sunburst pattern. This, too, is a fun way to add design while still allowing plenty of light to shine through.

For those who don't like to sew, or want to avoid the hassle of installing rods for window curtains, consider some of the many "stick on" options now available for glass. These can be found in many craft or home stores, and just as they sound, they stick directly onto the glass, mimicking a stained glass window. They are affordable, attractive, and create privacy while maintaining natural light.