How to Measure for a Window Valance

A valance is a type of window covering that does not cover the entire window. This type of window covering is not appropriate in a room where you desire complete privacy, but you can express your creativity as to the size and style of the valance you want to hang at the windows in your home. A valance typically hangs one-fourth to one-third of the length of the window, but you can adjust it as you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. Keep the pen and paper handy to write down the measurements for your valance to help you figure out how much fabric you need to purchase.

2. Decide where you want to hang your curtain rod if one is not already there. Measure across the window frame using the curtain rod as a guide. Write this measurement as the “actual width” measurement.

3. Measure how far down the window you want your valance to hang. Jot this down as the “actual length.”

4. Figure out your necessary fabric measurements for the valance. Double the “actual width” measurement to figure the amount of fabric needed for the width of a basic valance. Triple the “actual width” measurement for valances with swags. Quadruple the “actual width” measurement for extra large windows.

5. Add 10 inches to the “actual length” measurement to account for the valance header (the portion of the fabric that will be above the curtain rod), the rod casing and the finished bottom hem.

6. Take the measurements and add them together to figure out how many yards of fabric you need to make your own valance.

Tips & Warnings

• It is a good idea to get a picture of the kind of valance you want to make and hang at your window. This gives you a good guide of where to measure and how far to measure down the window casing.

• If you are buying a valance, use the “actual” measurements as a guide. Manufacturers include the final measurements on the package to help you choose the correct size valance for your window.

• Remember that most fabric comes in 34- to 54-inch widths. Use the width as a guide to decide how many panels are necessary to get the total width of the your valance.

References

• Design Your Own Draperies: How to Measure

Resources

• Its Curtains: How to Measure Your Valance