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A kick pleat is a type of inverted pleat that tends to slightly flare out towards the bottom as the fabric falls down below. Its main purpose when it comes to valances is decorative only. Many people confuse the kick pleat with an inverted box pleat. Although both are very similar and are actually constructed the same way (the kick pleat is an inverted pleat, after all), the inverted box pleat opens less at the bottom to maintain its straight shape. You’ll often find kick pleats at the corner of a valance at the edge of the wooden board, so it’s also often called a corner pleat in the case of custom window treatments. Let’s take a look at some examples of valances that use kick pleats.
style #1:
Straight Kick Pleat Valance
This is the simplest style of kick pleat valance. The valance is mounted on a wooden board. With the exception of a kick pleat on each corner, it’s a flat valance otherwise. Because fabric manufacturers usually make fabrics only about 54 inches wide on the roll, you may find that a box pleat needs to be introduced in the center whenever the valance needs to be 50 inches or wider.
Kick pleat valance made in a black and red linen fabric. Layered over a Roman fabric shade.
The same style, made with a moiré plaid fabric.
Some kick pleat valances have a banded edge at the bottom for contrast.
style #2:
Arched Kick Pleat Valance
The valance is still made from one flat section, with two kick pleats at the corner. Although here, you can get creative and make the valance arched.
This arched kick pleat valance features an orange faux silk fabric for the contrast inserts, as well as matching acrylic bead trim.
This style can also be made with an embroidered faux silk fabric for the box pleat inserts. The faux silk creates an interesting contrast in texture to the thick chenille face fabric. The valance was finished with eyelash trim in gold.
style #3:
Straight Kick Pleat Valance with Inverted Box Pleats
Kick pleats can be combined with inverted box pleats to create a more tailored, unique valance.
A simple valance made with a modern, geometric fabric.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that this kitchen valance had two kick pleats and two inverted box pleats.
An embroidered faux silk valance was coordinated with solid draperies.
Consider adding a banded edge like this plaid fabric that was cut on a bias.
The banded edge can also be inset. It doesn’t have to be at the bottom of the valance.
This box pleat valance was decorated using red onion ball trim.
Up close picture of the valance, showing the kick pleat from the side.
Some box pleat valances can be double layered, with the fabric layer below giving the valance a “skirted” look.
style #4:
Shaped Kick Pleat Valance with Inverted Box Pleats
Some valances with inverted box pleats can have a shaped bottom. Although there are many creative ways to design a shaped valance, you’ll often find a short scallop in the center that gets longer at the sides. This is done to allow the valance to frame the window while allowing more natural light into the room.
A shaped box pleat valance in a traditional floral fabric hung on a home library window.
The same style, with contrasting silk draperies.
style #5:
Balloon Valances with Inverted Box Pleats
A balloon valance can have kick pleats, too.
This balloon valance used a leopard print for its contrast inserts, which was quite unexpected.
Notice the kick pleats on the sides of these bathroom valances.
