How to Create a Vintage Valance

One way to really make a unique valance is to use vintage fabrics. You can often find these at antique shops or thrift stores. Vintage fabrics are fabrics from a bygone era--they often look antique and can fit in a variety of styles and decorating choices. Vintage tablecloths, kitchen linens and even sheets and towels can become valances if you use your imagination too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vintage fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Curtain rod to hang valance

1. You can create an adorable valance from vintage hankies. Just lay them crosswise over your curtain rod with the points hanging down toward the floor. You can connect them with a few stitches or simply lay them over the curtain rod. They are especially cute in a cozy kitchen or dining nook. You could also create a larger valance with the same technique using a tablecloth instead of hankies.

2. In the bath, you could use vintage towels to create a matching valance for your window or shower curtain, and in the bedroom, you could use matching vintage sheets to create a valance. Vintage laces and linens would also work here for a feminine and romantic look.

3. In the kitchen, use vintage tablecloths or other linens to create a valance for your kitchen window. Even vintage aprons would work if they contain enough fabric. If you can't find vintage fabrics in your area, try online sites and auction sites like eBay. You don't really need a pattern for your valance, just hem on three sides and create a pocket at the top to slip over the curtain rod and you're done!

4. Vintage fabrics are great decorating choices, so the next time you come across some vintage linens or fabrics, think outside the box and you may come up with some great decorating ideas!