It seems like it’s been awhile since I shared any window treatments with you, so I thought it might be nice to catch up, and show you a few of the things I’ve been working on.
Valances seem to be at the top of everyone’s window treatment wish list lately. They
offer a great look without requiring a great deal of fabric (a nice money-saver in these leaner times), and the
style options are almost endless – everything from formal swags to a
casual look like the cuff-top kitchen valances shown below.
 |
| Cuff-top valances |
The homeowner fell in love with this large-scale Thibaut print in rich gold, red, and green.
 |
| Fabric: Thibaut, Stout Hardware: Pate-Meadows |
A contrasting plaid lining accents the cuffs and jabots. A simple red welt finishes all the edges.
The knobs reference the floral design on the fabric, and the antique bronze finish coordinates with the cabinet hardware in the kitchen.
I think this is a perfect window treatment style for a casual space. My client loves the way her new valances added the finishing touch to her newly remodeled kitchen.
Another customer had purchased ready-made drapery panels and wanted to add some valances. She decided on the more formal look of the Victory Swag for her master bedroom and chose a lovely floral that coordinated well with her existing panels.
 |
| Victory Swag valance |
Chair tie tassels were used to gather each horn and add a decorative element to the valance. The welt cord on the lower edge matches the panel fabric, helping to tie together the custom with the ready-made.
 |
| Fabric: Fabricade |
 |
| Triangle valances with tassel fringe |
The simplicity of the design allows the damask pattern of the lush chenille fabric to shine, and the gorgeous tassel fringe adds richness and a touch of elegance. The geometric fabric on the side triangles is a perfect coordinate; its straight lines contrast with the sinuous curves of the fabric on the large triangle.
 |
| Fabrics: Carole Fabrics, Fabricade Trim: Carole Fabrics |
The scale of this valance is larger than I would usually recommend, but the soaring ceilings in this grand old house would have made a shorter valance feel skimpy. I’m glad we went with the size we did.
The 7″ long tassel at the bottom of each valance is the perfect finishing touch.
It seems like most teenagers’ rooms are a jumbled collection of memorabilia that’s been accumulating since childhood. Everything from ragged teddy bears and well-worn Goodnight Moon books to a dried prom corsage or soccer trophy finds its way onto a wall or shelf. It’s the happy clutter of an interesting life, and to me it seems like that’s the way it should be. There’s plenty of time later for a pristine bedroom that’s tastefully designed. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some pretty custom window treatments in the meantime! Take a look at the valances I made for this teen’s bedroom using a bright, funky contemporary print.
 |
| Jackson valances with beaded trim |
The lively floral fabric is a lot of fun, but I didn’t want it to look over-the-top crazy, so I used a deep chocolate brown lining to tone it down a bit.
 |
| Fabric: Carole Fabrics, Trim: Lina’s |
Brightly colored glass bead trim adds sparkle to the lower edge.
I was really happy with the way these valances turned out. They’re whimsical with a touch of class!
So, that’s it for our valance fashion show today. Do you have a favorite?
7 Comments
Hi Leslie, Where can I purchase the finials used to hang the curtains in the first photo?
Here's the link: http://www.patemeadows.com/Knobs-Finials-Medallions-Posts-Tiebacks_c_44.html
They have lots of pretty styles, including the one in the photo.
I am looking for the pattern for the pattern to the cuffed top valance. Have 3 double windows & 3 single windows. Need to know number of yards. Love that look. Thanks, Joy
http://www.patemeadows.com/cufftop.htm#.VWkHxkaJAeI
I am looking for the pattern for the Jackson valence with beaded trim. Its perfect for my kitchen window. Thanks Beverly
Your Jackson Valance is exactly what I've been looking for for my dining room. How can I get a pattern. Thanks Barb
I believe it’s a Pate-Meadows pattern. You can find their website online.