Gathered Balloon Valance

About This Window Treatment

A gathered balloon valance is one of the easiest selections to make when it comes to custom window treatments. It covers a wide range of widths because you can gather it, so measuring your window is a breeze. Besides accommodating various window widths, its ring style construction also makes it slightly adjustable in length.

And there’s no need to worry about choosing the right fabrics. Most of our fabrics work wonderfully with this valance. Each valance is fully lined with our premium white lining. Interlining is optional. The valance hangs slightly gathered on a decorative curtain pole, continental rod, or even tension rod. A 3-inch rod pocket is standard for easy installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want a width that’s in between two sizes?
We measure the valance based on its final, gathered width. These typically fall within a range, depending on how many scallops the valance has. If your window is in between two sizes, you can simply choose the next size up and install it on a continental rod instead of a standard drapery pole.

Example: The valance is gathered up to 44 inches wide if it has two scallops, but its version with three scallops is 51 to 61 inches wide when gathered. If you have a window that’s 45 inches wide, you can install the valance on a continental rod with a 3 1/2-inch projection on each side. In that case, the valance with three scallops would fit perfectly. For more help with measuring, read the instructions below.

Which length should I choose?
We measure the length to the deepest point on the scallops after the folds on the valance are set in place and the valance is installed. Having said that, there are plenty of sewn-in rings in the back of the valance, allowing you to adjust it manually by a few inches after the valance is delivered to you.

As far as what length to order, it depends on what your aim is. If you’d like a traditional valance with plenty of volume, then choosing a longer length is best. That way, once you receive your custom valance, you’ll have more fabric and volume to work with. If you’d like a more modern valance and want to tone down the volume that a balloon valance generally has, then a short or standard length is the better option.

Having said that, most of the balloon valances that we have provided in our photos here either had a standard or long length.

What kind of curtain rod should I buy for a balloon valance?
For outside mounts, we recommend a drapery pole between 1 and 1 5/8 inches in diameter, or a standard continental rod with either a 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch projection on each side. For inside mounts, you’ll need a flat tension rod that’s about 2 1/2 inches wide.

How can I place my order?
Simply make your selections above and check the price at the bottom of the selection process. Click to add to cart. Then proceed to checkout.

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.

Do I need interlining for this window treatment?
We use a generous amount of fabric for balloon valances. 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.

Also, if you’d like a valance with plenty of volume and deep poufs, then we highly encourage adding interlining.

Does this valance have to be gathered across the rod pocket? Can it be flattened out?
No, this valance needs to be gathered at the exact sizes that we recommend in our guidelines.

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.

What kind of trim should I select if I want trim?
You can select any that’s available. But from our experience, we’ve found that balloon valances do best with trims that are at least 3 inches long.

How can I make sure that my valance has a generous volume?
The valance is already more voluminous than a store-bought valance because the premium lining used is stronger and because we use a generous amount of fabric in its construction. However, if you would like a rich valance with deeper folds, then we highly recommend adding interlining and ordering the longer length.

Where is this valance made?
All our work is created in our Atlanta, GA workroom.

How do I use this valance with draperies?
Keep in mind that the volume of the valance requires a lot of space. For that reason, if you’ll use draperies over the valance, make sure that the curtain rod for the draperies projects at least 5 1/2 inches.

You may also install the valance over draperies. In this case, the drapery pole of the balloon valance needs to project at least 5 inches in order to clear the draperies underneath.

TIP: Today’s trend is to use draperies over balloon valances, which is quite a modern, popular look. While you may install draperies under the valance, keep in mind that it can make your valance dated (especially if you select fabrics that lean towards a traditional pattern).

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 decide whether your installation will be an outside mount or inside mount.

To determine the outside mount width needed, measure the width of your window including any wooden frame, and add 1 1/2 to 3 inches. Select a range of gathered widths in between which this measurement falls. This is the size you will need to order if the valance is to be installed on a drapery pole. If you decide to install this valance onto a continental rod instead of a decorative pole, add an extra 6 to 8 total inches to the previous measurement. We recommend a continental rod with either a 3 1/2 or 4-inch projection on each side.

Example: Window measures 52 inches wide, including the wooden molding around it. If using a decorative pole, the valance will need to be gathered between about 53 1/2 and 55 inches wide. If using a continental rod with a 3 1/2-inch or 4-inch projection on each side, the valance will need to be gathered between about 59 1/2 and 63 inches wide.

For inside mounts, measure the inside of your window and select a range of gathered widths in between which this measurement falls. For frame mounts (curtain rod is installed directly on the wooden frame of the window), simply select a gathered width that is the same as the window width, plus any projections if needed.

Special Instructions for Bay, Bow and Corner Windows
If you select an outside mount installation, you will need to 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 you will be doing an inside mount on bay, bow, or corner windows, you must make sure that your individual windows are separated by mullion spacing. This is needed to be able to install the tension rod properly.

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
We don’t recommend this style of valance for sliding glass doors.