About This Window Treatment
This beautiful London valance features deep inverted box pleats, which give it strength and volume. Valance arrives adjusted at a 24- to 27-inch length, depending on your chosen width. Because of its ring style composition, however, its length can easily be adjusted between 23 and 29 inches as needed while still maintaining its shape and generous volume.
Note that a wider valance may feature several repeating festoons instead of one as shown in our example. Each valance is fully lined with our premium white lining. Interlining is optional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where in this window treatment is the accent fabric used?
In this case, the accent fabric is used for. We recommend solids or small-scale fabrics with a pronounced contrast from the main fabric. If you prefer to have the entire valance made in the main fabric, select it again in the accent fabric step of the design options.
Is this valance an inside or outside mount?
It is an outside mount only. Meaning, you’d install it on the wall above your window rather than in between the studs inside the window box.
Can I order the London valance in another width?
This valance needs a certain volume and amount of fabric to be able to maintain its proper shape. For that reason, we start it at 42 inches in our width options. It cannot be made a smaller width. Having said that, if you select a continental rod with a 4-inch return, the 42-inch valance should fit a 30 to 32-inch wide window just fine as an outside mount.
We can make this valance wider than the 78 inches that we offer, if needed. Please contact us for a special order.
How do you measure the length?
We measure the length to the lowest tip (tail on each side) after the valance is adjusted and hung properly. Our measurement does not account for any trim, if chosen. Because we use plenty of Roman shade rings in the back of the valance, you’ll be able to manually adjust the length slightly once you receive your valance by hand-tying the cord in the back.
What kind of hardware do I need?
You will need a continental rod with a 2 to 4 inch projection on each side. A drapery pole with finials may work, but we don’t recommend it. See below for instructions.
How do I buy this valance?
Simply make your selections above and click to add to cart. Then proceed to checkout.
(In case you’re wondering, the price changes in real time each time you make a change to your custom design. The price is displayed on this page right above the purple “Add to Cart” button.)
How long does it take to ship this valance? Will I be updated?
Depending on the size of your order and whether the fabric is in stock, you could receive your valance in as early as 2 to 3 weeks. However, for most of our customers, the normal turnaround time is about 3 to 5 weeks. We rarely see a 6-week turnaround, but it does happen with some of our larger orders.
We get busier right before the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays due to higher demand. Please plan accordingly.
And yes, we understand this is an important purchase for most of our customers. We take ample measures to update our customers via email at least three to four times during the process.
Will the print of the fabric be centered on each festoon?
We always try to bring out the best in each fabric. If your chosen fabric has a large floral, toile, or medallion print, we’ll try to center it onto each festoon to the best of our ability.
Do I need interlining for this window treatment?
We use a generous amount of fabric in this style. Most of the product sample photos that you see featured did not require interlining. Having said that, there are some fabrics where interlining is a good idea, such as silks, faux silks, or other lightweight fabrics.
How is this valance different from a balloon valance?
They’re actually quite similar and both require quite a bit of volume when it comes to fabric. The only difference is that a London valance has two sections on each side that hang loosely.
How do I install this valance?
You simply slide the 3-inch rod pocket through a 2 1/2-inch wide continental rod.
Can this valance be gathered?
No, this valance is meant to hang flat across the rod pocket, as shown. It is too heavy to be gathered across the inverted box pleats. Make sure to measure as recommended in our instructions.
What if I don’t want to add trim?
It’s optional, so you can simply skip it. And if you’ve added it by mistake or changed your mind, you can always delete it in the shopping cart.
Where is this valance made?
All our work is created in our Atlanta, GA workroom.
How do I use this valance with draperies?
We recommend not using any draperies with this style at all, regardless of whether the valance will be over or under the draperies.
Can I send you my own fabric if I don’t see one that I like, or need to match the valance to the rest of my room?
Yes, you can. You don’t need to wait around for us to give you a custom quote. If you wish to send in your own materials and pay for lining and labor only, simply select “Customer’s Own Fabric” under fabrics and continue making your other custom selections. Once you complete the last step of the custom design above, you will immediately see the price displayed at the bottom. However, we ask that you please contact us first before actually sending in the fabric. We must pre-approve your selections first, so we may require a fabric swatch or online link to the fabric that you plan to use.
Suggested Measuring Instructions
Standard Instructions
You must first decide how deep you’d like the projection to be on your continental rod, or the curtain rod that you will use. The projection is how far away the continental rod is from the wall once installed.
The basic formula is to measure the window width, including the wooden trim around it. Then, you’d add 3 to 4 inches and the projection of the continental rod. For example, if you have a 40-inch window and decide on a continental rod with a 4-inch projection, you’ll need to order a valance that’s 51 to 52 inches wide.
Special Instructions for Bay, Bow and Corner Windows
You’ll need to make sure that there’s enough space between each window section. We recommend at least 9 inches of space between each window section for bay and bow windows
and at least 12 inches of space between corner windows. The deeper the projection of the continental rod, the more space is needed.
Special Instructions for Arched and Palladium Windows
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Valance is installed at the base of the arch.
Special Instructions for Patio Doors
Valance is not meant to be used on patio doors.
Special Instructions for Sliding Glass Doors
Valance is not meant to be used on sliding glass doors.