How Long Should Window Valances Be

Typically a valance is 1 5 the length of the implied window length but this is a personal choice.
How long should window valances be. The length of the valance is determined by a number of different elements including its height and the height of other items in the space. Valance length is determined by the size of the window and the style of the valance. Step 1 determine the size of your valance. If the valance is gathered its total flat width should be 2 to 3.
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. A valance that is too short or too long will distract the eye. Your valance should hang between 16 and 21 inches depending on the height of your window. Then decide how long your valance will be.
When measuring fabric for the width of the valance multiply the width of the window by 1 5 to 3. There are many valances that may have a 36 or 48 inch extra long jabot yet the drop is only 20 inches. A slimmer pencil pleat can have a minimum drop of 6 inches as a window topper. As far as finding the right valance for your windows is concerned the market today offers a delightful range in valance patterns and styles so you can be certain to find the exact kind of valances that you need to realize your dream look.
A valance that is too short or too long will distract the eye. So how much wider should a valance be than the window then. Remember that just as with the curtains the valance is going to be scrunched up on the curtain rod. Starting at the top of the window opening or curtain rod the valance should be between about 12 and 18 inches deep in most cases around 15 inches.
For example a fuller pinch pleat valance should have a minimum drop of 8 inches. Drop and length on a traditional. Most valances should only be 1 1 2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a roman shade. While the temptation is to simply measure the width of your window and use that measurement for the valance this is actually incorrect.
It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it s hung over a pair of custom drapes. For most windows a valance should cover about 2 to 6 inches of the top of the window and window frame this is called the window overlap with the rest of the valance covering the wall above the window. The right window valance hung in the right manner has the potential to turn a beautiful space into a breathtaking one.