How to Hang Valances or Sheers

Hang valances and sheers to customize your windows.

Hanging valances or sheers in your house can add a special look to any room. These come in many colors, patterns, fabric styles and cuts, allowing you to customize the way any window looks. Valances are curtains that are short and meant to hang at the top of the window. They can be cut long at each end with a shorter middle or can hang straight across the top of the window. Sheers are any type of curtains, long or short, that are see-through or lacy. Sheers can be paired up behind valances or a set of drapes to add a dramatic look. Hanging valances and sheers is quite simple.

Things You'll Need

• Valances
• Sheer curtains
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Level
• Curtain rods and matching brackets with mounting hardware (single or double)
• Drill
• Hammer or screwdriver
• Ladder (if needed)

Instructions

Hanging Valances

1. Determine if there will be any additional draperies used on the window. If you are hanging curtains beneath your valance, be sure that the valance doesn't hang too low and interfere with the curtains. Measure the length and width of your window. Accurate measurements are important to ensure that the valance will be wide enough to hang correctly, and will not be too short or too long for your window.

2. Position one of the curtain rod brackets along the side of your window at the correct height that will allow the valance to hang properly. Make a pencil mark on the wall through the hole of the bracket.

3. Use the level to make an identical pencil mark directly across the window for the second rod bracket. This will ensure that the curtain rod is hanging level.

4. Hang the rod brackets on the pencil marks by using the nails or screws provided. If nails were provided with the rod, simply hammer them into the wall. If screws are being used, drill a small hole on each pencil mark and screw the brackets to the wall with a screwdriver.

5. Slide the valance onto the curtain rod, or use hooks or rings to hang the valance from the rod. Hang the curtain rod on the brackets.

6. Gently pull and arrange the valance so that it hangs evenly. If the valance is cut to hang long on each side, ensure that the sides hang evenly and that the valance is spread evenly over the width of the window.

Hanging Sheers

1. Determine how the sheers will hang on your window. You may choose to hang only the sheers or hang a valance or pair of draperies over the sheers. If you are hanging only the sheers, you will need a single curtain rod and brackets. If you are hanging a valance or draperies as a second layer, you will need a double curtain rod and brackets.

2. Measure the length and width of your window. This will help you determine how long your sheers need to be. You may want them to hang to the floor or just to the bottom of your window.

3. Position the first curtain rod bracket on the side of your window at the height needed to allow your sheers to hang where you want them. Make a pencil mark on the wall through the hole of the bracket.

4. Use the level to make an identical pencil mark directly across the window for the second rod bracket. This will ensure that the curtain rod is hanging level.

5. Hang the rod brackets on the pencil marks by using the nails or screws provided. If nails were provided with the rod, simply hammer them into the wall. If screws are being used, drill a small hole on each pencil mark and then screw the brackets to the wall with a screwdriver.

6. Slide the sheers onto the curtain rod. If you are using a double curtain rod, pay attention to which rod you hang them on. The sheers should hang to the back closest to the window, so you will need to use the curtain rod with the shorter ends. The longer rod hangs in front of the shorter rod and will hold any draperies or valance.

7. Slide the draperies or valance onto the longer rod, if you are using double curtain rods. You may also use hooks or rings to attach draperies or valences to the rod.

   Attach the rod holding the sheers to the inside of the rod brackets, closest to the window. Gently pull and arrange the sheers so they hang evenly on the window.

8. Attach the rod with the draperies or valance to the outside of the brackets, so they are to the front of the sheers. Gently pull and arrange the draperies or valance so they hang evenly on the window. Pull each drape to the side to show the sheers underneath.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using screws in drywall or plasterboard walls, you man need to use plastic sleeves to support the screws in the wall. Usually these will come with curtain rod brackets. Drill small holes on each pencil mark and gently tap in the plastic sleeves until they are flush with the wall surface. Continue by screwing the brackets to the wall, being sure to insert the screws into the plastic sleeves.

• When hanging draperies, you will need to use a ladder in most cases. Use caution when climbing up and down. Do not overreach and lose your balance; get down and reposition the ladder if needed. It is recommended to have an assistant to help you.

References

• The Budget Decorator: Scarf Window Valances
• Window Curtain Ideas: Sheer Window Curtains
• Window Treatment Center: Sheer Window Treatments
• The Window Treatment Expert: Window Valances