How Long Should a Window Valance Hang?
If it is hung the wrong way, it will not look good on a window.One of the most common myths is that a window should be covered.The view should be framed by an outside-mounted valance.How far down on the wall should a curtain hang?The window overlap is the difference between the top of the window and the wall above it.The curtain should be hung under the ceiling if there isn't enough room to do this.We will talk about the proper way to hang a valance.
The overall length is the longest point.Although not always, these are the side tails for most valances.The drop is what really matters.You will usually find the drop in the center of the valance, but more often than not, this is a swag or scalloped section.This is something to keep in mind.The drop is only 20 inches when there is a 36- or 48-inch jabot.
Measure the drop and length of the treatment.There are things that make a valance longer.Extra features should be added to the length if the valance is hung on rings or tabs instead of a rod pocket.If there is any trim, make sure to add it.The scale of a valance is influenced by the length of trim.
There should be a drop of about 18 to 24 inches.You may be able to make a 16- or 17-inch work in some cases, but anything less than that is too short.If the window or ceiling is lower than usual or if the valance is just a small accent piece, it should only be used.If the valance is hung 9 feet from the floor or higher, you may consider a drop of 21 to 28 inches.
The idea is to frame a window's view, not block it.The illusion of height is created by this.
There are two ways to figure out how high to hang a curtain.The first thing to do is to allow the bottom part of the curtain to fully cover the window.A 2- to 6-inch overlap is a good idea.To mark where the curtain rod needs to hang, you would measure the rest of the drop length above.You measure your way from the bottom to the top.When there are no obstructions and the ceiling is high, this method works.There are a few pictures that show this idea.
The second method would only be used if you realized that the first method wouldn't work.This is usually caused by thick crown moldings.The idea is to hang the valance under the ceiling and push it up as high as possible.Take a look at some examples.
In rooms with 8-foot ceilings, valances are hung about an inch or two down from the crown molding.It isn't unusual for faux shade valances to hang right under the ceiling line.
If you look closely, you will see that the orange and yellow London valance barely covers the top of the window.
You might have noticed that I was talking about outside-mounted valances all along.The rules should only be followed when the valance is hung on the wall, not between the window studs or on a window frame.