Simple Parisian Valance

About This Window Treatment

The Parisian valance is a luxurious, yet very simply designed custom valance that will add a beautiful shape to your window. This valance is a great idea to give transom windows some shape too. If you choose a fabric with large prints, they will be centered onto each valance.

Each valance is fully lined with white drapery lining. Interlining is optional. The valance hangs flat on a curtain rod, it is not gathered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What widths are available for this valance?
This window treatment can be made between 35 and 48 inches wide. We are unable to make the valance outside of this width range in order to maintain its beautiful arch. For double wide and triple wide windows, we recommend our custom trumpet valance as an alternative.

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. The rod simply slides through the 3-inch rod pocket of the valance. We recommend a drapery pole with a 1 3/8-inch pr 1 5/8-inch diameter. There are drapery poles with a 1-inch diameter, which should work just fine. However, we don’t recommend curtain rods with “thin” diameters. You’ll have a lot of space left in your rod pocket, and quite frankly, a custom valance needs hardware that matches its quality.

Which length should I choose?
This depends on many factors. Typically, you’ll want your valance length to be proportional to its width. This is especially important for this valance because of its bold arch shape. For example, a 36-inch wide valance works great at a 19-inch length, while perhaps a 48-inch wide valance will look better if the 21-inch or 23-inch length is chosen. The proportion of the valance in your room also plays a role. Large rooms with tall ceilings may do better with longer valance lengths. Lastly, if you choose a fabric with large, prominent patterns that need to be centered, we recommend the 19-inch or 21-inch length at least.

NOTE: This valance may be installed onto an adjacent block of windows on the same wall. If this is the case, we recommend that you choose the same length to stay consistent, no matter what the individual widths of the windows are. Use the widest valance as guidance. For example, a 48-inch wide valance will need at least a 21 inch length. Select this same length uniformly on all valances, even if they are as narrow as 35 inches. Obviously, the arch will vary because of the different widths of the windows, but you’ll have a uniform look across your group of windows.

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 many unique features that will make it stand out. For one, you may select a unique fabric design that we can center on the valance pattern for you. Secondly, the bottom hem of the valance is a custom design that’s unusual as well. However, from our experience, we’ve found that customers who added beaded trim or a center tassel to their Terri valances saw an exponential upgrade to this style of window treatment.

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 it is highly recommended (especially if your window gets a lot of sunlight).

Can I install this valance on a continental rod?
No. The Parisian valance is intended for a rich drapery pole with finials only.

Can I layer this valance over a Roman shade?
Absolutely. You may certainly layer this valance over a Roman shade (or balloon or London shade).

We recommend installing the valance as high as possible to add height and expose more of your Roman shade. Do not make the valance too wide when measuring – this is a common mistake we see when valances are paired with inside-mounted treatments like shades and blinds. You want to cover your window just enough. See below for instructions.

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 2 to 3 1/2 total inches to this measurement.

The valance is possible between 35 and 48 inches wide.

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. 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.

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
The Parisian valance is not intended for patio doors or French doors.

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.