Empire Pole Swag Valance

About This Window Treatment

A custom empire pole swag valance has always been a classic favorite in many homes for many generations. It’s a beautiful valance with luscious volume due to the generously pleated swags. Our version features trumpets that are doubly folded, adding even more volume and more richness.

The valance is mounted onto a pole by its hand-sewn tabs. A drapery pole up to 2 inches in diameter is recommended for the empire swag valance. Excluding trims, the jabots are 32 inches long. The number of swags and trumpets for each valance depends on your chosen width.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a finished width?
Rather than give you the actual width of the valance literally, we thought it would be more useful to give you the width of the valance after it’s installed. The valance is slightly gathered and we measure the width at the tabs. This is what we mean by finished width.

Can I order a valance width that is not one of your selections?
We offer this valance between 23 and 180 inches wide only, which should cover most windows and doors.

What’s a trumpet and what does a double fold mean?
The trumpet is the section in between each swag that hangs below each tab. Typically, each trumpet is just sewn continuously with each swag, but we have added more fabric here to add an extra pleat on each side of the trumpet. This gives the trumpet more volume, which is in line with the volume of the swags.

What kind of curtain rod or hardware do I need for this valance?
You’ll need a standard drapery pole with some decorative finials on each side. Because this is a luxurious valance, you’ll need a drapery pole to match its quality. We recommend wooden drapery poles with a 1 5/8 to 2-inch diameter.

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.

Where’s my custom order produced?
Each of our orders is created in our Atlanta, GA workroom.

What if I don’t want to add any 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.

I may want trim. Should I add it?
Trim is always a great option to polish off the look of a window valance. It’s very common to see fringe on traditional window treatments such as this one.

Can I gather this valance?
This valance is minimally gathered. This is accounted for in the “Finished Width” section already.

Where’s the accent fabric on this window treatment?
For this style, the accent fabric is very subtle. It only lines the back of each trumpet and jabot. We highly recommend solid colors as a choice.

How is this version different from the board-mounted empire swag version?
The tab top version allows you to adjust the width by gathering the valance more or less to accommodate your window. A board-mounted empire swag valance is fixed in width and cannot be gathered. If you’re trying to decide between the two and want more confidence in your width measurements, then the tab top version would be a better choice.

Should I choose interlining?
This valance is heavy and luxurious on its own, so you may or may not wish to add interlining. Most of our empire pole swag valances do not have interlining. However, adding interlining will add to the volume and make the folds on the swags deeper.

Can I use this valance with a Roman shade or draperies?
This valance is rich and heavy on its own. From our experience, we think it’s best to not use a Roman shade with it. However, adding a single drapery or a pair of draperies under the valance is a great layering style. Just make sure that the drapery pole of the valance projects at least 5 inches away from the wall to be able to clear the draperies underneath.

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 interlining 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
Measure your window width at the widest part. If your window is framed in wooden or any other molding, make sure to include it in your measurement as well. Add 3 to 5 total inches to this measurement.

DESIGNER TIP: If you will install draperies underneath this valance, we recommend that you add 10 to 30 inches to your window measurement, if space permits, to make your window appear larger.

Special Instructions for Bay, Bow and Corner Windows
This valance is meant to be installed as an outside mount on bay, bow, or corner windows. This valance does not bend across angled walls, so each section will require its own individual valance. Make sure that there is enough space between each window section. We recommend at least 12 inches of space between each window section for bay and bow windows and at least 14 inches of space between corner windows (if no draperies are installed underneath valance). You may need to join adjacent decorative poles with a hinged elbow or any other drapery corner connector to save space.

Special Instructions for Arched and Palladium Windows
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Valance is installed at the base of the arch. This is a heavy valance – make sure that the drapery pole and side bracket installation are sturdy as well.

Special Instructions for Patio Doors
This tab top valance is available as an inside mount on patio doors. It has a single swag and the same long jabots as the standard sizes in this pattern.

Measure the width of the glass panes on your door, including the small trim that’s around it. If your measurement falls between 22 and 26 inches, then this valance will work on your patio door. Under “Finished Width,” make sure to select the 23 to 27 inch width.

Special Instructions for Sliding Glass Doors
If you won’t be adding trim to the valance, make sure that the distance from the top of the sliding glass door to the ceiling and crown molding is at least 28 inches. If you will be adding trim to the valance, make sure that the distance from the top of the sliding glass door to the ceiling and crown molding is at least 30 inches.

Once you receive the valance, you’ll need to install it high enough to allow for normal traffic by your household and low enough so that the top of the door and the wooden trim aren’t exposed.