About This Window Treatment
The flat swag valance is an interesting visual point to any room. It partially wraps around a drapery pole while the rest is held up by drapery rings. For the single width, each short side is finished off with an abstract jabot that opens up to show off the accent fabric. While for the double width, the accent fabric is featured by the pointed trumpet that’s in the center of the valance.
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 after it’s hung on the drapery pole – this is what we mean by finished width.
Can I order a valance width that is not one of your selections?
For the single swag, this valance is available between 40 and 56 inches wide. For the double swag, it’s available between 80 and 108 inches wide. In order to be able to maintain the design as it’s meant to be, we are unable to offer any sizes outside of what’s currently available.
The single-wide valance is available in two mirror image versions. How do I know which one I’ll get?
Under the “Width” selection, you’ll notice that it also includes options like “Left Symmetry” and “Right Symmetry.” We use the long jabot as our benchmark. For example, if you select “43 to 45 inches, right symmetry,” you’ll receive a valance that you’ll be able to gather anywhere between 43 and 45 inches wide on your drapery pole, and the long section of the valance will be on the right side of your window.
Here’s an example of how this asymmetrical feature can be used to bring out a fireplace in a living room.
For the length, should I choose standard or long?
For most windows, the standard length should be just fine. This is what we used for the red valance with birds in our example photos. However, for valances that will be installed at least 10 feet from the floor, it might be wise to select the long length. For example, if you have a dining room with transom windows or a two-story living room.
What kind of curtain rod or hardware do I need for this valance?
Because we have to sew each drapery ring by hand, the drapery rings would already be provided. You can select from four standard wood finishes. After you receive the 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 3/8- or 1 5/8-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?
You certainly can. 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?
The accent fabric is featured on the back of each jabot, and in case you order the double wide valance, you’ll see the accent fabric on the back of the center trumpet.
Should I choose interlining?
We highly recommend it for this valance as it will have a minimal seam to continue each swag. For most customers, this isn’t an issue since we match all our fabric patterns across seams. But we certainly encourage choosing interlining.
Can I use this valance with a Roman shade or draperies?
Yes, this style will work with both Roman shades and draperies. For Roman shades, select a width for the valance that covers your window just enough. On the other hand, if you have plenty of room on your walls and want to use draperies with this style of valance, you can allow for a much wider width to create the illusion of a wide window.
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 4 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 10 inches of space between each window section for bay and bow windows and at least 12 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 style is not intended for patio doors.
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.