The obvious answer is that it depends, but you should expect to need somewhere between 1-1/2 to 5 yards of face fabric for a standard 36- to 40-inch window. For double-wide windows (about 70 to 80 inches wide), about 2-1/2 to 8 yards of face fabric is a realistic estimate.
What are the dimensions of a valance?
To make a plain valance, first measure the width of your window. Multiply this width by 1-1/2. The length of the valance should be 1/4 the window height plus one inch. Using these measurements, cut a rectangle from your fabric and lining.
What can I use instead of a valance?
Tablecloth Linens. A crafty homeowner can whip up a window treatment with any textile—even table linens! Debbie from Debbie Doo’s took pretty cloth napkins and hung them from a rod using curtain clips. The result is an easy and cheerful alternative to a traditional valance.
How wide should a valance be for a 36 inch window?
To determine the width of a valance for a 36-inch window, the Window Treatment Expert website suggests adding 2 to 4 inches on each side, adding less for narrower windows and more for wider windows. For a 36-inch window, this measurement would provide you with a valance that has a width of 40 to 44 inches.
How wide should a valance be for a 48 inch window?
Another rule of thumb used by decorators is that the window valance depth should be 1/4 of the overall window height, plus 1 inch. A 60-inch tall window, then, would call for a 16-inch deep valance, while a 48-inch window calls for a valance about 13 inches deep.
How long is a normal valance?
Outside-mounted valances usually have an average drop length of 17 to 21 inches if hung on walls with 8-foot ceilings, and that length gets proportionately longer as the ceiling gets taller.
How many inches should a valance be?
A standard valance should have a drop of about 18 to 24 inches. You may be able to make a 16- or 17-inch drop valance work in some cases, but anything less than that may be too short.
How wide should a valance be for a 50 inch window?
For example, if the window is 50 inches wide, the valance should be about 100 to 150 inches wide when laid flat. If the valance is unlined or uses a thin, flimsy fabric, you may need to multiply that number to as much as 3.5x your window width to get the proper fit and coverage.
How far should a valance hang?
This translates to 1 to 2 inches below the ceiling line or crown molding. You’ll have more freedom to hang the valance as you desire in a room with higher ceilings, but it’s best to still hang it high. With 9- or 10-foot ceilings, the valance should hang at least halfway between the top of the window and ceiling.
