Window Valances : A Buying Checklist
Window valances can be expensive so don’t rush into buying your valances without running your choice through our buying checklist. This checklist will help you weigh up your options when it comes to buying window valances and make sure they are a wonderful topper to your windows rather than a window treatment nightmare.
1. Measurements
Are your sure about your measurements? Many valances are custom made to fit and so can’t be returned. Check again that you have measured the length of your drapery rod correctly (and have measured the rod not just the window!) Remember the old adage measure twice, cut once.
Rich red swag valances
2. Valance Style
Is the window valance you have chosen in keeping with the style of your room? The valance you have chosen may be beautiful but if it does not fit the décor and mood of the room it will stand out like a sore thumb. A casual informal style of room will look plain weird with a complicated arrangement of swags and tails while a soft feminine bedroom needs a soft feminine valance and not a crisp angular Ascot type valance.
3. Fabric
If you have chosen a custom valance will the fabric you have chosen work well with the style of valance? (Think how well it drapes or makes crisp edges depending on the style). Does the valance coordinate with the other window treatments hanging at the window (blinds, curtains)? Are the colors right? Do you have too many patterns going on in your room? Is the fabric of good quality?
4. Valance Size
Is the valance in proportion with the window? Nothing looks less elegant than a top heavy window because of an overly large valance or a tiny valance on top of huge tall windows. See Window Valances FAQ for more details about checking the proportions.
5. Practical Issues
- Is the price of the valance within the budget you have set for yourself?
- Have you included the cost of a drapery rod and fitting (if necessary)?
- What are the making up, sales tax and shipping charges (where applicable)?
- How long will it be before your valance is delivered? Is that acceptable to you?
- Can you buy matching items from the same store such as curtain panels or cushions (or additional fabric) to help with coordinating your room décor?
Once you have been through this Window Valances Online check list you should have a good idea of which valances on your short list are suitable for your requirements then you are ready to shop and it is simply a case of ordering the best valance that meets your needs.
Window Valances FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How Do I measure for Window Valances
When measuring for window valances always use a steel measuring tape and measure the drapery rod on which the valance will hang rather than the window.
You need two measurements for this
a) the length of the drapery rod
b) the projection of the drapery rod from the wall
Some window valances are mounted on a cornice board in which case measure the width of the board to get the right size for your window treatment
Once you know the size of your valance you can see whether you can order ready made valances for the windows or whether you should start thinking about custom valances.
Cream valance and matching curtain panel
How long should the Window Valance be?
It depends on the style of the valance window treatment to some extent with some draperies extending further down the windows than others especially when you consider the “tails” of a swag and tail arrangement. The most important thing is that valances and draperies look in proportion to the size of the window they are hanging over.
If you’re not sure how to get the proportions right, you can experiment a bit with this. Obviously it’s not easy to try out different valance window treatments for size but you can use a length of lining fabric or similar to get an idea.
Or you can work it out on paper. To do this draw a picture of your window to scale (showing the height of the walls and the position of the window on the wall too) and then sketch in an appropriate valance shape. You can then see the right length of valance for your window to keep things nicely in proportion (and see how terribly out of proportion some shapes would be).
What fabrics are suitable for valances?
If you are talking about standard drapery type valances then any material which drapes is OK! Of course, the style of your window and your curtain fabric matters too.
You may want matching valance in which case use the same fabric as your curtains or you may want a coordinating valance in which case use the same type of fabric or at least the same weight. The same goes for the valance lining – some of which will be on display with some styles.
If you are hanging a valance over a window without curtains – for instance to make a bare window or window with blinds more decorative – then you have more choice in fabric but you still want to stay within the general theme of the room decor – is it formal or country? Victorian or contemporary?
Ascot valances can use a stiffer fabric due to their geometric shapes. You may also want to consider a window cornice instead of window valances in which case stiffer fabrics are also fine – in fact you will need to stiffen whatever fabric you use for this purpose with buckram.
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