How to Build a Window Valance

Neatly Designed Window Valance

There are many ways to dress up windows and curtains, especially in the living room. Some of these include draperies that hang over an extra extended curtain rod. But building a window valance gives your windows and curtains a personalized touch. The more versed you are with power tools, the more craftsmanship can go into building a window valance. They can be made from solid lumber and the easiest to work with is white pine. It does have its share of knots, but choosing the wood carefully can result in beautifully designed window valances.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape Skill saw Jig saw Electrical miter box Table saw Electric sander White pine lumber 1-by-8-inch Galley rail Wood glue 6d finish nails ¾-inch brads 100-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Measure the needed width by adding 6 inches to the width of your curtains and cut the face piece and the top of the valance. This will give a 3-inch clearance on either side of the curtains. Draw the desired scallop on the face piece and cut it with the jig saw.

2. Measure and cut two pieces that will be the ends of the valance. Depending on how far out the curtains are from the wall, you may have to rip the top and end pieces to fit appropriately. Apply glue to the long edge of the top piece and secure it to the face piece with the 6d finish nails.

3. Apply glue to two edges of an end piece and secure it to the face and top pieces with the 6d finish nails. Repeat this for the other end piece.

4. Set all the nails with the nail set and fill the holes with putty. Sand the entire valance before adding the galley rail.

5. Measure the front of the valance to get an accurate length for the galley rail. Miter the galley rail on each end on a 45-degree angle. Next, measure the length of the end pieces from the front of the valance to the back and cut two pieces of galley rail accordingly.

6. Pre-drill holes through the galley rail for the ¾-inch brads to secure it to the top of the valance. Apply glue along the top of the valance where the galley rail will sit and secure the galley rail with the brads.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear safety glasses. Place a little glue in the miters and tape them together with masking tape to hold them together while the glue sets. Cutting the miters on the shorter pieces of galley is easier if you miter both ends of a longer piece and then straight cut the length to the side measurement. Painting stenciled designs can be used as an alternative to scalloping the face piece

• Do not leave power tools unattended. Do not allow excess glue to dry on exposed areas of the valance.