Gathered Rod Pocket Valance

About This Window Treatment

If you’re looking for a simple valance to dress your window all on its own or with a pair of draperies, then this simple gathered custom valance is a great fit. It also works great when gathered on complicated sliding doors, bay windows, or bow windows. The valance is lined with premium white lining. Interlining is optional. Patterns on wide valances are professionally matched across seams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which width should I choose?
Please see the suggested measuring instructions below.

Which length should I choose?
For most windows, the 18-inch length is standard. Select the 16-inch length only if you have a low ceiling or will be installing the valance near the frame of the window rather than closer to the ceiling as it’s supposed to be installed. The 21-inch or 24-inch lengths are best for valances that will be installed higher than usual (for example, 10 feet or more above the floor or if installed over a transom window), or if you’d like to feature a large scale print on your chosen fabric.

What kind of hardware do I need?
You’ll either need a drapery pole that’s about 1 3/8 or 1 5/8 inches in diameter or a flat continental rod that’s about 2 1/2 inches wide.

How do I purchase 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.

Do I need interlining for this window treatment?
Since we recommend a generous amount of gathering for this valance, interlining typically isn’t necessary. But if you select a silk or faux silk fabric, interlining is highly recommended to protect your new window treatment from the sun.

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. All of them should work equally well on this style of valance.

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

How do I use this valance with draperies?
Simply select a drapery pole or continental rod that projects at least 5 inches from the wall. This space is necessary to be able to clear draperies underneath this valance.

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
This valance is meant to gather at about 2.1 to 2.7 times the amount of its ungathered (flat) width, depending on the fabric chosen. For example, a 96-inch ungathered width will gather to a width of about 36 to 46 inches. Here are general guidelines on how much gathering we recommend:

• 50-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 19 to 24 inches wide
• 72-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 26 to 34 inches wide
• 96-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 36 to 46 inches wide
• 118-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 44 to 56 inches wide
• 142-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 53 to 68 inches wide
• 164-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 61 to 78 inches wide
• 186-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 69 to 89 inches wide
• 210-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 78 to 100 inches wide
• 232-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 86 to 110 inches wide
• 256-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 95 to 122 inches wide
• 278-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 104 to 132 inches wide
• 302-inch ungathered width – recommended to be gathered to 112 to 144 inches wide

To find out which of these widths you’ll need to order, measure the width of your window at the top and include the window trim in the measurement as well, if any. For installation on a drapery pole, simply add 3 to 5 total inches to the measurement. This final sum is how much gathering your valance will require. Order the equivalent ungathered width.

If instead of a drapery pole, you’ll install the valance on a continental rod, don’t forget to add the projection on both sides to the measurement above.

Special Instructions for Bay, Bow and Corner Windows
If your windows are close to each other, order one continuous valance if possible. You can create a small cut in the back of the rod pocket on the valance to insert and hide elbow brackets at each wall intersection. This will ensure that you have one continuous window treatment across the span of all your windows. If each section is to have its own valance instead, make sure there’s enough room for the finials of the drapery pole. Use decorative elbow brackets to save space, if necessary.

Special Instructions for Arched and Palladium Windows
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Valance is installed at the base of the arch. For wide windows, make sure to use sturdy drapery pole and side brackets.

Special Instructions for Patio Doors
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Valance is installed above the door (closer to the ceiling) so that its bottom hem falls on the wooden frame above the door. We recommend not using trim in this case.

Special Instructions for Sliding Glass Doors
Follow standard measuring instructions above. Install valance high above the door. The valance must cover the top of the door and the door trim, but it must be installed high enough to allow for everyday household traffic.