The relaxed Roman balloon valance is a simple valance style that’s intended for narrow to medium width windows only. Ours is intended as an outside mount only. It isn’t designed as an inside mount or frame mount.
The relaxed Roman balloon valance comes with a 2-1/2″ rod pocket, allowing you to hang it on a decorative rod with a diameter up to 1-1/4″.
MEASURING FOR RELAXED ROMAN VALANCES
- This valance is meant as an outside mount only. Ensure there is enough wall space above and around the window for the curtain rod brackets and decorative finials first. This is usually 3.5 to 5 inches on each side of the window.
- Measure the window width, including the window frame and trim.
- How much extra width you'll need to add depends on whether your window has a wooden trim around it or not.
- If window has trim around it, add 1 to 3 inches to measured width. Include your window frame in your measurement. Example: If your window measurement is 36 inches, order a 37 to 39-inch wide valance.
- If window does NOT have trim around it, add 2.5 to 4 inches to measured width. Example: If your window measurement is 34.5 inches, order a 37 to 38-inch wide valance.
Measuring Around Cabinets and Tight Spaces
OUTSIDE MOUNT WITH DECORATIVE ROD
- Determine how high the valance will hang, then ensure that there is at least 3.5 inches 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 2 inches of space between the window and the cabinets and cabinetry trimwork on each side (marked as "B") if your window has trim around it.
- At least 3 inches of space between the window and the cabinets and cabinetry trimwork on each side (marked as "B") if your window DOES NOT have any trim around it.
- Once you've determined that there is enough wall space around your window, follow the standard measuring instructions above.
OUTSIDE MOUNT WITH DECORATIVE SPRING TENSION ROD
- If your window has trim around it: You'll need approximately 2 to 3 inches of space between the window and the cabinets and cabinetry trimwork on each side (marked as "B").
- If your window DOES NOT have trim around it: You'll need approximately 3 to 3.5 inches of space between the window and the cabinets and cabinetry trimwork on each side (marked as "B").
- Once you've determined that there is enough wall space around your window, order a valance width that will fully cover the round tension rod, but leaves the decorative endcaps slightly exposed.
Deciding What the Best Length Is
Length Options
The length is measured at the longest point, after the valance is hung on a curtain rod.
How High to Hang a Relaxed Roman Balloon Valance
As with most of our custom faux shades, the relaxed Roman style works best when it hangs as high as possible.
If you only have 8-foot ceilings, hang the rod slightly below the ceiling crown molding, allowing the bottom balloon swag to just slightly cover the glass panes.
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.
Another thing to consider is how much volume you'd like at the bottom of the Roman swag.
Longer valances tend to have richer folds, and therefore fall more deeply in the center. For example, a 25-inch long valance will have a deep swag that will make the valance more traditional, while a shorter valance that is only 15 inches long will have a smaller, more shallow balloon swag and appear more flat and modern.
This difference is most apparent on narrow valances (up to 32 inches wide).
Layering Relaxed Roman Balloons with Draperies
When layering with draperies, relaxed Roman balloon valances are placed under, not on top of the drapes. To achieve this layering style, you’d still follow the measuring instructions above. However, your curtain rod for the drapes needs to project at least 2 inches more than the curtain rod for the relaxed Roman balloons.
(i.e. if your rod for the valance projects 3 inches from the wall, then the rod for your drapes has to project 5 inches or more from the wall.)
Example:
Striped relaxed Roman balloon valance layered under double width pleated drapes.
