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.
Most likely your valance will be long enough to come into the window {it should be: at least 2″-3″ minimum} so you'll want the fabric lined when the light shines through the window. Anything with a good amount of polyester will work fine.
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. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it's hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.
Standard curtains come in three lengths—84 inches, 96 inches, or 108 inches. "Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings.
Short curtains and drapes are not ideal, and most often you don't want curtains that hang more than an inch above the ground. Too short curtains can not only look outdated, but they can also sometimes make the ceiling look lower. So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes
A rule of thumb (from Architectural Digest) is that curtains should be hung between four to six inches above the window frame, so install your curtain rod accordingly. When you hang the curtain rod high, it will make the window appear taller.
Like most other rooms, curtains should extend to the floor (give or take an inch). In the bedroom, curtains should only be short when something would interfere with their ability to reach the floor. For example, the headboard of a bed or a radiator placed under the window.
Short CurtainsVisually speaking, high-water style is not the most appealing way to hang curtains. The shorter length can appear dated. Also, it can cut the visual height of your room in half. From a purely practical standpoint, however, short curtains are sometimes the best option.
The proper position is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.
The short, sheer curtains that cover only the bottom half of a window over a kitchen sink, frequently matched to a valance across the window's top, are called café curtains.
Hanging long drapes on a short window is one of the easiest ways to increase the importance of the window and bring it into proportion to the room. The correct design and length will minimize poor window style and hint that the window is much grander than it actually is.
Valance. A valance is a short curtain and comes in many many shapes and styles. Valances can be used on their own to cover the tops of windows, doors or along with sheers and drapes.
In formal or dressy rooms, curtains should just touch the floor. A romantic room deserves elegant, extra-long curtains that pool or puddle on the floor. Curtains to the sill, or to the bottom of the window trim (called the apron), look great and are practical in a kitchen.
You can hang is on a board and nail the board to the wall; use velcro. Use the type that is sticky on both sides. The big box stores carry it.
Measure the bottom width of your waterfall valance by multiplying the width of your window or curtain rod by 1.5. As in the example, if the window's width is 48 inches, multiply by 1.5 and the bottom width is 72 inches.
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.
Valance over drapes is quite common, imparting a regal and luxurious feel to the rooms. Valances can, however, be also paired with blinds and shades. You have to choose the color and design judiciously to pull off the look that you want to create.
Mount Your Curtains First
When layering curtains with a valance, the curtains should always be hung first. Whether you mount your curtains with a rod or track, we recommend that they do not hang more than 3-inches outside of either side of the window frame.How far should a cornice come out from the wall? Cornice boards are usually mounted 4 inches above the top of the window frame or window treatment. The height of the cornice is generally 1/5 the total height measurement of the window or the current treatment.
