Carolina Valance for French Door or Narrow Window

About This Window Treatment

The Carolina valance is a narrow custom valance with a uniquely scalloped shape. Use it to dress a small window or French door. If you choose face fabrics with large prints, they will be centered onto each valance. Each valance is fully lined with premium white lining. Interlining is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this valance in another width?
The scalloped bottom hem is specifically made for widths between 25 and 30 inches. We do, however, have plenty of other scalloped valances for larger windows. Please see our Julia, Terri, and double layered scalloped valances. Having said that, there is a limitation in general to our scalloped valances. We can offer them up to 48 inches wide only because of the standard width of home decor fabrics.

Which rod pocket do I choose and what kind of hardware do I need?
Typically, valances have a 3-inch rocket, but since this valance is a bit smaller than the standard window valance, we allow you to choose a 2-inch rod pocket. If you have a large room with plenty of windows that just happen to be narrow, then a 3-inch rod pocket is ideal. This way, you’ll still be able to install each valance on a rich drapery pole. A 3-inch rod pocket works best with a drapery pole between 1 and 1 5/8 inches in diameter.

On the other hand, if this valance is meant for a smaller room, or if it will be an inside mount on a patio door or window, then the 2-inch rod pocket is best. In this case, you’d use a curtain rod with a diameter of about 1 inch or slightly less. Note that for French or patio doors made of steel or any other metal, you’ll need to purchase a magnetic curtain rod.

How do you measure the length of the Carolina valance?
We measure it from the top of the valance to the lowermost point. We do not count trim in this measurement, so make sure to take this into consideration.

Which length should I choose?
For inside mounts on patio doors or inside mounts on windows of typical height, the 15- or 17-inch length is recommended. For standard outside mounts, the 17-inch length is ideal. If the valance will be installed on tall windows or over transom windows, then the 19- and 21-inch lengths are the better option. Keep in mind that adding trim will add length to your valance beyond our 15-, 17-, 19-, and 21-inch selections.

What’s the fraction width and how do I select it?
The fraction width is our way to make sure that you receive the exact width in case you choose an inside mount. For outside mounted valances, it isn’t a concern. Please follow the suggested measuring instructions below for further help.

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?
The valance has a bottom hem that makes the valance stand out even without any trim. However, trim is a great way to create even more focus on your window, especially when a bold color is chosen that’s vastly different from the main fabric. Trim can also add the illusion of height. If you have a tall window and want a valance that’s longer than what we offer, then trim is a smart option.

Can I gather this valance?
This valance has a flat and clean pattern. It is not intended to be gathered.

Should I choose interlining?
For this style, most of our customers don’t choose interlining, but you’re welcome to add it. Interlining in itself has thermal insulation properties, but since this valance will only cover a small portion of your window, this advantage will be very limited.

Can I install this valance on a continental rod?
No – this valance does not have a return on either side. It’s intended for a rich drapery pole with finials.

Can I use this valance with a window shade or draperies?
Absolutely. You may certainly layer this valance over a Roman shade (or balloon or London shade). You may also use it under a pair of draperies or a single drapery that’s pulled to the side of your 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. Click here to read more about this process or to get started.

Suggested Measuring Instructions

Standard Instructions
First, you must decide whether you’d like to install this window treatment as an inside mount or outside mount.

For inside mounts, measure the exact inside of your window and subtract up to a quarter of an inch (1/4″). This is the width that you will need to order. Make sure to select the fraction width as well, even if it’s 0 inches. Do not skip this step.

(For example, if you measured that you need an inside mount valance that is 26 1/4 inches wide, you would select 26 inches in “Width” and 1/4 inches in “Fraction Width”.)

For outside mounts, measure your window width at the top. If your window is framed in wooden molding, make sure to include it in your measurement as well. Add 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 total inches to this measurement. Skip the fraction width selection – it isn’t necessary for outside mounts.

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. Make sure that there is enough space between each window section. We recommend at least 5 inches of space between each window section for bay and bow windows and at least 7 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.

In case you’re wondering, here’s how that would look:

Drapery Rod Corner Connector, available at Ballard Designs.

For inside mounts, the space between the windows is irrelevant.

Special Instructions for Arched and Palladium Windows
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Valance is installed at the base of the arch. Both inside mounts and outside mounts will work.

Special Instructions for Patio Doors
Measure the width of the glass panes and include the small trim that tends to be immediately around them in your measurement. Add 1 1/2 to 2 total inches to your measurement. If you followed these instructions correctly, then the installation of your valance should look similar to the way it looks in our display photo above (see: blue and gold striped valance with tassel trim above on a patio door).

Special Instructions for Sliding Glass Doors
Because of its limitations in width, this style of window treatment is not intended for wide sliding glass doors.