Window Valances

Among the choices of window treatment ideas the toppers are not to be forgotten because the whole ensemble of window treatment will never be complete without them. Among the many choices of toppers, valances are considered as the simplest. Nevertheless it is the only one that can truly provide elegance and exceptional appeal.

Valances are made of any fabric that can be printed or plain. They are hung on the top portion of the windows with a pole or a rod. They can also be used to adorn bed canopies. They are actually like mini-curtains that are usually utilized to add volume and elegance. The fabrics are sewn into different designs. Valances could have lined trimmings or have asymmetrical fringes. They can be loosely spread or thickly gathered to make a fuller volume. Like the flowing curtains or drapes, valances can be made with pleats either the pencil type of the pinch one. The rule of thumb in making valances is that they should drop to at least 20 centimeters or 8 inches.

A window valance can be used to almost any type of windows, however the selection of the fabric should match and complement the existing designs of the windows, curtains, drapes, and so with other window treatments like window blinds and window shades. Window valances are easy to install and are the easiest to maintain too. Though some homeowner especially those who are not adept in sewing may find difficulty on how to measure window valance. That is why some tips are now made available.

In measuring window valances that first that should be measured first is the length of the edge of the windows where they are intended. In measuring a steel tape should be used because it has steadier stretch than cloth tape thus the results are more accurate. Each window should be measured separately if there are more windows to be adorned with a valance, though the difference might be negligible especially if the sizes of the windows are similar. This is also to ensure that the sizes of the window valances will fit with each of the windows.

Moreover the decision as to where the valance will be mounted either on the outside or the inside of the opening of the windows should also be addressed. This is to avoid any problem in mounting the finished window treatment valance. Homeowners have the choice to mount the window valances whether on the outside or from the inside of the opening of a window frame.

In measuring the fabric for the valance it is a must to double the width of the track and additional 60 centimeters or 24 inches to make sure that the other side is fully covered. Also consider a generous drop to allow enough room for matching with different patterns and play with the hems.

In making the pleats, heading tape is needed, though there is no need to worry because there are ready-made heading tapes available. Pleats are lovelier and voluminous when the tape is tightly drawn up. The number of heading tape needed is dependent to the desired design of the pleats.

Choosing the fabric is also crucial a concern to make sure that the desired valance is achieved. The wide variety of fabrics can certainly overwhelm anyone because these fabrics are truly beautiful and elegant. Some of the types of fabric are made of natural fibers (e.g. calico, canvas, cretonne, cotton pique, linen, sheeting, hopsack, and Hessian), cotton fabrics (e.g. chintz, corduroy, denim, damask, lawn, gingham, drill, satin cotton, and velvet), wool fabrics (e.g. felt, flannel, jacquard, mohair, tartan, tweed, worsted, and rep), silk or sheer (e.g. brocade, dupion, muslin, organza, peking, and taffeta) and the synthetic fabrics (polyester, viscose acetate, and viscose rayon)

A well-sewn valance will ultimately make a good window topper. The simplicity of a window valance is a true example of elegance without the extra frill.