DIY Fabric Window Valance

How To Make A Fabric Valance for A Window

Lately I’ve shared a few decorative interior projects like a trash can cabinet and dining tabletop makeover, so I thought sharing this old project I’ve never shared before would be timely! Creating a simple fabric-covered valance to go over a window is an easy way to add warmth and style to any space!

Materials

circular or miter saw
drill
corner braces
fabric
batting*
stapler*/staples
nail gun or hammer/nails
1×4
1×8

Depending on how wide your valance is going to be and how wide your fabric is manufactured, you could easily get away with only half a yard of fabric! Leave a comment if you need help figuring how much fabric to buy!

Wood Frame

First, cut the 1×8 a few inches wider than your window opening. If you have molding around your window, make it a few inches wider than the outside of the molding. Then cut (2) 1x4s to the same width as your 1×8, usually about 7.5 inches. Not the length of the 1×8 you just cut.

To assemble together, lay the 1x4s on edge and set the 1×8 on top. Then attach with nails through the front of the 1×8.

Adding Fabric

Now lay your fabric on a flat surface, lay the batting on top of it and then the wood frame on top of the batting, 1×8 down. Cut the fabric and batting with sharp scissors, leaving a little overhang on all sides so you have something to staple.

Then go around the frame, stapling the fabric in place like you’re wrapping a present.

Brackets

Once it’s all assembled and stapled the way you want, measure the distance between the 1x4s (roughly the length of your 1×8 minus 1.5 inches). Then cut an additional 1×4 to that length. This is what will attach to the wall.

Using small corner braces, attach the new 1×4 to the fabric-covered valance, flush with the top.

Attach another 2-3 braces on the wall above the window, making sure they are level with each other. Then set your assembled valance on the wall brackets and attach the braces to the 1×4 on top.

It’s a fairly quick, inexpensive, and lovely detail to add to any room, especially if you don’t want floor-length curtains. I made this for a room makeover we showed in an episode of Today’s Homeowner. To watch that episode and see all of the other project details click here.

Thanks for Checking In! ~Chelsea

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