How wide should Valance be
Dylan Hughes
Published Mar 22, 2026
Most valances should only be 1-1/2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a Roman shade. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it’s hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.
What is the normal width of a valance?
If you’re shopping for ready-made valances, the most common standard size you’ll likely come across is a 50-inch wide valance. If you’re hiring a custom workroom, you can specify any size.
How much of a window should a valance cover?
For most windows, a valance should cover about 2 to 6 inches of the top of the window and window frame (this is called the window overlap), with the rest of the valance covering the wall above the window. If there is not enough room to do this, then the valance should be hung immediately under the ceiling.
How wide should a valance be for a 40 inch window?
Our example window is 40 inches wide, including the window frame. That means that the valance should cover a total width of about 42 to 44 inches once gathered.How wide should a valance be for a 48 inch window?
Another rule of thumb used by decorators is that the window valance depth should be 1/4 of the overall window height, plus 1 inch. A 60-inch tall window, then, would call for a 16-inch deep valance, while a 48-inch window calls for a valance about 13 inches deep.
How long are valances usually?
It depends on the style of the valance, as well as how it’s installed and how high the ceiling is. Outside-mounted valances usually have an average drop length of 17 to 21 inches if hung on walls with 8-foot ceilings, and that length gets proportionately longer as the ceiling gets taller.
How long should a valance be for a 36 inch window?
To determine the width of a valance for a 36-inch window, the Window Treatment Expert website suggests adding 2 to 4 inches on each side, adding less for narrower windows and more for wider windows. For a 36-inch window, this measurement would provide you with a valance that has a width of 40 to 44 inches.
How do I choose a window valance?
Remember the adage of Goldilocks: “not too small, not too big, just right!” But don’t worry, it’s not intimidating. Just know the height of your valance should be 1/6th the overall height of your whole window treatment, whether it be drapery, cellular shades, or a bare window.How many valences does a window have?
While some decorators suggest allowing your valance to cover no more than the top one-third of your window’s glass, others base valance length on the length of the window’s curtains, making valances 1/6 to 1/5 as long as the curtains.
How much material is needed for a valance?The obvious answer is that it depends, but you should expect to need somewhere between 1-1/2 to 5 yards of face fabric for a standard 36- to 40-inch window. For double-wide windows (about 70 to 80 inches wide), about 2-1/2 to 8 yards of face fabric is a realistic estimate.
Article first time published onWhat is the purpose of a window valance?
One of a valance’s primary functions is to cover up hardware, curtain rods, and anything else at the top of a window you might want to adorn. A valance gives a continuous look and feel to any window covering. They can even tie together different window coverings in the same room.
How long should valances be for Windows?
The length of the valance should be 1/4 the window height plus one inch. Using these measurements, cut a rectangle from your fabric and lining.
How do you hang a valance without a rod?
Hang a valance without a curtain rod –use adhesive Velcro and attach to top of blinds. What an improvement! Hang a valance without a curtain rod –use adhesive Velcro and attach to top of blinds.
What is the shortest valance length?
Your valance should ideally have an 18-24-inch drop. Anything less than 16 inches is too short and only works in situations where the role of the valance is to be a mere accent or when the ceiling or the window itself is too low.
Is a valance necessary?
Window valances are a must if you’d like to add dimension and weight to your window. … However, it’s very popular nowadays to put a valance under a drapery as well to make a window look modern. Either way, by layering your window treatments you will have a unique look that most people don’t have in their homes.
How do you measure for a gathered valance?
For a valance that is gathered, and balloon valances, figure double the width of your window. For a flat, tailored look, the valance should be wide enough to cover the width of the rod plus the side returns of the rod.
How much wider than the window should a valance be?
Most valances should only be 1-1/2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a Roman shade. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it’s hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.
Are valances outdated 2021?
Privacy and light control in the residence are two things that will never go out of style! We are seeing more minimalist and understated window design ideas coming into the trend focus. Ornate and intricate valances are being replaced with simple and sleek designs for the cornice.
What are the different types of valances?
- Valance over draperies. Adding a valance over your drapery will add dimension, texture, and style over drapery panels. …
- Ascot Valances. …
- Stand-alone valances. …
- Balloon Valances. …
- Swag Valances. …
- Scarf Valances.
What is the current trend in window treatments?
Among today’s most popular window treatments, matchstick shades offer stylish texture and add natural warmth to your window design. They’re easy to operate, look great when paired with drapes and come in a variety of weaves depending on the amount of light control you need.
How do you measure curtain width?
- Measure the width of your window.
- Add 12 inches to each side, 24 inches total.
- Take the total number (width plus the number you added to each side) and divide that number by how many drapery panels you want in the window.
How much fabric do I need for a cornice board?
For example, if the required fabric cut width is 70 inches and your fabric is 54 inches wide, you need two widths of fabric to cover the cornice. Typically, one width of fabric is positioned in the center of the cornice and the required additional fabric added to the sides.
How do you calculate yardage for a box pleat valance?
Decide how far apart you want each pleat in inches and divide your base width by this number to find how many pleats you’ll be making. Multiply the number of pleats the valance will have by 5 inches and add this sum to the base width of your window or rod.
Do valances go over blinds?
These can be installed above any window treatments, blinds, shades or drapes. A valance is a length of decorative drapery over the top of the window. They often help to hide hardware like drapery rods, hooks, etc. … There are several valance styles to choose from for your windows.
What are Windsor valances?
Windsor Layered Valance A scalloped valance by Stylemaster that features a multi-color stripe layered over a solid.
What is a quilted valance?
Quilted valances are the ultimate way to give your bed a smart, tailored look. These all over fitted valances feature padded vertical quilting and are finished in a microfibre fabric and are available in 3 colours.
What is a tier and Valance?
Tiers – Fabric panels that cover the bottom half of a window. They can be ruffled or tailored. Valances – Decorative fabric top treatment used alone or with other window treatments such as tiers, panels or mini blinds.
Are curtains supposed to overlap?
General Installation Recommendations. When installing curtain rods, hang the rod so that it extends at least 3 or 4 inches beyond the window on each side. This allows your curtains to overlap both the window and the wall to prevent light from leaking in around the window’s edges.