DIY Valance Foam

Valances hide unsightly curtain rods from view.

Valances not only hide curtain rods from view but can also be a conversation piece on their own if you put extra effort into their design. Avoid standard fabric valances and create your own artistic foam board valance at a fraction of the cost compared to store-bought versions. This project puts you in full control over the appearance and theme. In turn, this allows you to create a design not found in stores and use different shapes and bright colors to make your foam valance stand out.

Things You'll Need

• Foam core
• Pencil
• Craft knife
• Hot glue gun
• Fabric
• Stapler
• Level
• Picture hanger
• Measuring tape
• Hammer
• Nails

Instructions

1. Draw the shapes you want want to use for your foam core valance directly on a sheet of foam core. Cut these shapes out with a craft knife. Thereafter, cut out two rectangular shapes, at least 3 inches in width, to use as the sides.

2. Attach all pieces of foam board to each other with a hot glue gun. Apply the glue to the sides and fasten. Allow the pieces to stand for several minutes to allow the glue to set.

3. Cut a large piece of fabric and lay it underneath the valance. Place the valance face down with the front of the fabric facing the floor.

4. Wrap the fabric around the foam valance while continually securing the fabric in the rear with a staple. Periodically stop and readjust the fabric to remove any folds and uneven spots in the fabric. This helps create a smooth and even appearance. When finished, remove any excess fabric with scissors.

5. Fasten two picture hangers to the rear of the foam board with the hot glue gun. Glue these hangers toward the top of the valance on both the left and right sides. Measure the distance between the hangers with measuring tape.

6. Transfer the hanger measurement to your wall. Use the measuring tape to determine the distance and mark the location of the two picture hangers with a pencil. Use a level to ensure the two marks sit parallel with the ground.

7. Hammer two nails into the hanger marks you made on your wall. Next, hand your valance on the wall. Use the level to ensure the valance sits parallel to the floor.

References

• Budget Wise Home: How to Make a Window Valance
• Disney Family Fun: Foam Leaf Valance