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Step 1: Deciding Between Outside Mount and Inside Mount
INSIDE MOUNT
Valance is mounted on a spring tension rod and is held up inside the window frame.
PROS:
► A great way to display beautiful craftsman molding around a window without covering it.
► The most budget-friendly way to mimic the modern look of a custom Roman shade made with designer fabrics.
► No screws and no drilling necessary.
► Minimally visible curtain rod hardware and no visible side brackets or decorative finials.
► Can be layered under heavy draperies or short valances.
► Can provide some privacy without sacrificing natural sunlight.
CONS:
► Does not draw the eye up, so it may not make a room appear larger or taller.
► Requires at least 1-1/2" window depth to work.
► Most fabrics look best with blackout lining if the valance is directly up against the glass panes of a sunny window.
► Large fabric patterns may get cut off if the length is too short.
OUTSIDE MOUNT
Valance is mounted on a decorative or standard curtain rod to the wall above the window.
You will need at least 3 inches of unobstructed wall space on each side for this option to work.
PROS:
► Is usually long enough to be able to display large fabric patterns.
► Can be hung near the ceiling to draw the eye up and make a room appear taller and larger, as well as maintain a beautiful view to the outside.
► Can be paired with high-end decorative finials and modern endcaps.
► Handles sunlight filtering through the lining better, so may not always need blackout lining.
► More flexibility and room for error when measuring.
CONS:
► Will cover some of the window molding.
► May show some of the rod side brackets when viewed from the side if window doesn't have any molding, unless the side flap upgrade is added.
Step 2: Measuring For Faux Shade Valances
MEASURING FOR INSIDE MOUNT
- Ensure your window frame has at least a 1-1/2" depth, and more if you plan on using your existing blinds behind your faux shade valance as well.
- Measure inside window frame width to within 1/4" at several areas of the frame.
- Using the smallest measurement, subtract 1/8" to 1/2" total to find the valance width you need to order. The faux shade valance needs this small amount of "breathing room" so that the folds can hang freely. Example: Order the 35.75" or 36" width if your measurement is 36.25".
MEASURING FOR OUTSIDE MOUNT
- Measure your window width, from one outer edge to the other. Don't forget that your window molding is part of this measurement, too.
- Add this many inches to your measurement to determine the valance width you need to order:
- If window has molding, only add 1" to 1-1/2" total to your measurement. Example: Order a 36.5" to 37" width if your measurement is 35.5".
- If window does NOT have any molding, add 2" to 2-1/2" total to your measurement. Example: Order a 37.5" to 38" width if your measurement is 35.5".
Measuring Around Cabinetry, Nooks, and Tight Spaces
OUTSIDE MOUNT WITH DECORATIVE ROD
- Determine how high the valance will hang, then ensure that there is at least 3" of wall space on each side of the window (marked as "A"). This is necessary to accommodate the curtain rod bracket and decorative finial or endcap.
- Continue down, checking that there won't be any other obstructions along the entire length of the valance. We recommend at least 1-1/2" of space between the window and the cabinets and cabinetry trimwork on each side (marked as "B").
- Order a valance width that will cover your window at least 1/2" on each side,but has enough room for the folds to fall freely.
OUTSIDE MOUNT WITH SPRING TENSION ROD
- If there is not enough room for the previous option, but your cabinets extend up, consider an outside mount with a tension rod.
- The valance is still mounted up high to add height and open the room up, but the small endcaps on tension rods allow for more tight spaces around the window.
OPTION 1: YOUR WINDOW ISN'T TOUCHING THE CABINETS:
- For this option, you want the space between the window and cabinets to be somewhere between 1/2" and 1-1/2" on each side (marked as "B").
- Order a valance width that will extend 1/2" past each window side, but has enough room for the folds to fall freely.
- For example, if your cabinet to cabinet space measures 37" wide and your window measures 35" wide, a valance width of 36" will be ideal. This covers the window on each side, yet leaves room for the valance to fall freely.
OPTION 2: YOUR WINDOW IS TOUCHING THE CABINETS:
- Follow this option if you don't have the small space marked as "B" above, but your window directly touches both cabinets. This only works if your window has a wooden frame around it. It will not work on windows with no frame.
- Measure width cabinet to cabinet, then order a valance width that is 1/2" to 3/4" less. For example, if your measurement is 36" cabinet to cabinet, you'll need to order a valance width that is 35.25" or 35.5".
FRAME MOUNT WITH DECORATIVE ROD
- Frame mounts should only be used when none of the outside mount options above are possible, or your wall has tiles that shouldn't be damaged by curtain hardware.
- For this option, measure the outer width of your window, including the wooden casing, then subtract the space that the curtain rod bracket will take up on each side (marked as a dashed line).
- Look for small brackets that are no more than 1/2" wide to ensure your valance can still cover most of your window. The smaller the bracket, the better.
- A bit of an overlap with the curtain rod bracket is fine if you're worried your window won't be well covered, but remember that this valance hangs flat across the top pocket and is not intended to be gathered.
Inside Mounts for Wide Windows
If you’d like to install separate inside-mounted faux shades for each section of your wide window, your individual window sections will need to be separated out by vertical mullions. Their width is irrelevant, but their depth is very important.
Just like the rest of the window must have enough depth to accommodate a spring tension rod for an inside mount, so does a mullion as well. Does the mullion have at least 1-1/2″ of smooth, flat depth for a rod to fit, and even more if you plan on using blinds as well?
If yes, you can order several valances for each section of the window. If not, consider a single valance from the options that we offer up to 120″ wide and hang it as an outside mount.
Deciding What the Best Length Is
OUTSIDE MOUNT
Valances in rooms with 8' ceilings need to hang as high as visually possible, while in rooms with higher ceilings, a faux shade valance can hang lower.
Avoid the beginner's mistake of hanging your custom valance too low. If your valance is 16" long or shorter, it's normal for it to cover more of your wall space above the window than the glass panes if you want to achieve a magazine-worthy look.
For outside mounts, valance should minimally be 15" long and can cover as much of the window as you'd like.
Other than that, there is no set rule how long this valance needs to be and this is at your personal discretion. Use the illustration to guide you.
Want to hang your faux shade valance lower? It's possible as well, although this is typically done only with window treatments that must cover at least a third of a short window.
INSIDE MOUNT
Faux shade valance should ideally cover one-sixth to slightly past one-half of your entire window height. Be mindful that large fabric patterns may get cut off on short valances (16" in length or shorter).
We allow you to choose lengths up to 42" long for orders placed on indigoandluxe.com (or up to 21" - 27" for orders placed on Etsy).
Considerations for Specialty Windows and Doors
No matter what kind of specialty window or group of windows you have, the same measuring instructions still apply.
As long as you’re following the measuring instructions and your window meets the requirements of each step, you can still install a faux shade valance on bay windows, bow windows, and even corner windows.
- For inside mounts, you still need to make sure your windows have at least 1-1/2-inches of unobstructed depth (excluding blinds) and you have the mullioned sections to support the tension rods in between each window section. Each mullioned section also needs at least 1-1/2-inches of unobstructed depth to make room for each tension rod.
- For outside mounts, you still need to make sure your windows have at least 3 inches of unobstructed space each beyond the window frame. This translates to at least 6 inches of wall space in between bay window sections (this does NOT include the window frame), for example. Be mindful that you may need to use minimally sized end caps and/or corner connectors.
- Frame mounts are not recommended for specialty windows like corner windows, bay windows, or bow windows unless there is abundant wall space in between each window section.
Sliding Glass Doors
You’ll have to do an outside mount, choosing from the wide valances we offer up to 120″ wide.
Measure using the same outside mount instructions from above. Also, make sure the bottom of the valance covers the top frame of your sliding door while not obstructing household traffic.
This typically means that your curtain rod will be installed immediately under the ceiling line if your room only has 8′ tall ceilings.
Palladian and Arched Windows
Install the valance at the base of the arch. You can do outside, inside, or frame mounts, as long as your window meets the same requirements as outlined in this measuring guide.
Patio Doors
For inside mounts, measure the glass panes, then add 1-1/2″ to 3″. For example, if the patio door glass measures 23″ wide, order a valance that is 24.5″ to 26″ wide. If your patio door is made of steel, you’ll need to purchase a good quality magnetic curtain rod.
For outside mounts, the same rules apply as with sliding glass doors. Your curtain rod needs to be installed high up near the ceiling line if you only have 8′ ceilings, and the bottom of the valance needs to fall at the door frame so that the door can freely swing open.
Measuring Examples for Faux Shade Valances
Outside Mount for Standard window
Example #1: Possible!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
Next, customer measures window width, including the window frame if any. Measurement of window is 42″ (marked C). Using the measuring calculator, customer decides to order a 43″ wide valance and adds 3″ side flaps as an additional upgrade.
Example #2: not a good idea!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) to make sure each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
Measurement A is several feet. However, measurement B is only 1.5″, so customer cannot do an outside mount with a decorative rod and must proceed to try an inside mount or outside mount with side flaps.
Inside Mount for Standard window
Example #3: Possible!
Customer first checks window depth. The window is 3″ deep, so it meets the 1.5″ inches of unobstructed depth requirement.
Next, customer measures inside window measurement of 30-5/8″ (marked C). Using the measuring calculator, customer decides to order a 30.25″ or 30.5″ wide valance.
Example #4: not a good idea!
Customer first checks window depth. The window has blinds, leaving only 1″ of available window depth. This does not meet the 1.5″ unobstructed window depth requirement.
An inside mount will not work, customer will need to try an outside mount next.
Outside Mount for Transom Window or Arched Window Base
Example #5: Possible!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
Next, customer measures window width, including the window frame if any. Measurement of window is 62″ (marked C). Using the measuring calculator, customer decides to order a 63″ wide valance. Customer also upgrades rod pocket size to 3″ to ensure valance will fit a sturdy 1-5/8″ diameter wood curtain rod.
(Customer should always look through our wide valances first when fitting a wide window. However, if customer prefers a valance that is only available up to 52″ wide, the same 63″ width can be achieved by purchasing two 31.5″ wide valances.)
Example #6: Maybe
Customer checks each side of the window to ensure there is enough wall space on each side. Each side (marked A and B) is only 0.5″ because of adjacent kitchen cabinets.
Thus, an outside mount with a regular curtain rod will not work and customer will have to try an inside mount or an outside mount using a tension rod instead.
Inside Mount for Transom Window or Arched Window Base
Example #7: Possible!
Customer first checks window depth. The window is 3″ deep, so it meets the 1.5″ inches of unobstructed depth requirement.
Next, customer measures inside window measurement of 47″ (marked C). Using the measuring calculator, customer decides to order a 46.5″ or 46.75 wide valance.
Example #8: Maybe
Customer first checks window depth. The window is 3″ deep, so it meets the 1.5″ inches of unobstructed depth requirement.
Next, customer measures inside window measurement of 88″ (marked C).
Even though the inside mount valance should be 87.5″ or 87.75″, this size is too wide for a standard tension rod.
Customer will have to upgrade to a rod pocket larger than 2-1/2″ to fit a sturdy shower curtain grade tension rod, or opt for the Velcro® upgrade and staple the valance on a board once valance is received.
Outside Mount for Sliding Glass Doors
Example #9: Possible!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
Next, customer measures door width, including the frame if any. Door measurement is 74″ (marked C). Using the measuring calculator, customer decides to order a 74.5″ wide valance.
To find out the valance length to order, customer measures where valance should begin at bottom. This should be where both household traffic can move without obstruction, but the top part of the door is still covered. Customer determines this is 6′ 5″ from the floor (marked D).
Next, customer determines how far up valance should go from this bottom to top of rod. It’s 18″ (marked E).
In summary, customer’s valance is 74.5″ wide by 18″ long.
Example #10: not a good idea!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
However, customer later on determines a valance length of only 9″ is possible (marked as E), which is not long enough for a faux shade valance. We require our faux shade valances to be at least 11″ long.
Customer’s solution is to instead buy a flat (straight) valance that is 9″ long and coordinate it with longer faux shade valances made in the same fabric throughout the other windows in the rest of the room.
Inside Mount for Patio Doors
Example #11: Possible!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window panes (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed space.
Next, customer measures total width of window panes, Measurement is 23″ (marked C). Customer decides to order a 24″ wide valance and hangs valance as an inside mount using a sturdy magnetic curtain rod (to avoid drilling into doors made of steel).
Example #12: Not a Good Idea
Customer measures space next to glass panes and determines each side (marked A and B) is only 1.5″ each. This is not enough for inside mounting faux shades on a patio door.
Outside Mount on Bay Windows, Bow Windows, and Corner Windows
Example #13: Possible!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked D through I) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
All have at least 3″. This means E+F is at least 6″ and G+H is at least 6″ as well.
Next, customer measures window width, including the window frame if any. Measurement of window A is 32″, measurement of window B is 54″, and measurement of window C is 32″.
Customer decides to shop our wide valance selection because of the middle window, and orders valances 32.5″, 54.5″, and 32.5″ wide, respectively.
Example #14: not a good idea!
Customer first checks for space next to each side of the window (marked A and B) and ensures each side has at least 3″ of unobstructed wall space.
The middle window is only 1″ away from the side windows on each side (measurements F and G), so an outside mount will not work.
Customer will have to try an inside mount instead.
Inside Mount on Bay Windows, Bow Windows, and Corner Windows
Example #15: Possible!
Customer first checks window depth. The window is 3″ deep, so it meets the 1.5″ inches of unobstructed depth requirement.
Next, customer measures inside window measurement of all three windows.
Measurement of window A is 30-5/8″, measurement of window B is 52″, and measurement of window C is 32.5″.
Using the measuring calculator, customer orders valances that are 30.5″, 51.75″, and 32.25″ wide.
Example #16: Not a Good IDea
Customer first checks window depth. The window is 1″ deep, so it doesn’t meet the 1.5″ inches of unobstructed depth requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put two valances side-by-side on a wide window?
You can do that if you wish; however we offer a large selection of valances that go up to 120 inches wide, which is a much better solution for wide windows. If you still wish to go with our standard size valances, use the outside mount measuring calculator, then divide calculated width by number of valances desired.
Can I choose how many folds my faux shade will have?
No, our faux shades have a predetermined number of folds depending on the length. Read this post for more information.
I can’t find a rod for my wide valance. What do I do?
If you can’t find a rod, you’ll have to get creative. Sometimes buying multiple rods and adding an extra piece from another set can give you the extra width you need. It isn’t unusual to have 3 or 4 rod pieces to make up a single rod. Buying an 84-inch and a 28-inch set from the same manufacturer can sometimes work by using the pieces together. Keep looking until you find rods that can work together, and don’t forget to buy center support brackets for wide valances too.
What kind of curtain rod will I need?
2-1/2-inch rod pockets come standard with our faux shades. You may change your selections or add upgrades to change the rod pocket size. Here is what kind of rod you’ll need:
- 2-inch rod pocket:
> Fits decorative curtain rod with up to 1 inch diameter.
> Best for small valances only.
> Do not use with side flaps. - 2-1/2-inch rod pocket:
> Fits decorative curtain rod with up to 1-3/8 inch diameter. - 3-inch rod pocket:
> Fits decorative curtain rod with up to 1-5/8 inch diameter.
> Recommended for wide valances or valances with blackout lining. - 3-1/2-inch rod pocket:
> Fits decorative curtain rod with up to 1-7/8 inch diameter.
> Fits 2-1/2-inch flat/continental curtain rod.
> Recommended for wide valances or valances with blackout lining. - 4-inch rod pocket:
> Fits decorative curtain rod with up to 2-1/8 inch diameter.
> Fits 2-1/2-inch flat/continental curtain rod.
> Recommended for wide valances or valances with blackout lining.
How do I make sure my curtain rod is less visible?
Choose a curtain rod that blends in with the color of your wall, or better yet, opt to do inside mounts or add side flaps for outside mounts.
How do I ensure my curtain rod doesn’t cave in the middle if I want a wide valance?
Get a curtain rod with at minimum a 1-inch diameter, and if you must choose an adjustable rod instead of a custom cut rod, make sure it telescopes out as little as possible. For example, if your valance is 75 inches wide, choose a 72-144-inch rod instead of a 48-84-inch rod. Opt for outside mounts instead of inside mounts on extra wide windows, and always use drywall anchors when installing outside mount curtain rods.
If I add side flaps, do I have to add this to my width?
No, you have to follow the measuring guide above and use the calculators above exactly as stated. Side flaps have nothing to do with your width calculation.
Will my rod pocket size change the length of the valance?
No, the rod pocket is simply a feature of a valance and has nothing to do with its length. In other words, if you order a valance that’s 18 inches long, you’ll receive a valance that’s 18 inches long, regardless if your rod pocket is just 2 inches or 4 inches.
