How can I make a valance/curtain for these windows?

Gay Storm
by Gay Storm
These top window are in my kitchen and let in a lot of light. It's great in the winter when the sun is lower, but in the summer they let in a lot of heat and light which reflects in my big screen TV. Since they are an odd shape, I don't know how to make a valance type of curtain to cut down on this much light. Ideas?
Kitchen windows that need a valance type of curtain
  42 answers
  • Since these windows are in your kitchen, could you possibly create (or have fabricated for you) something that looks like a cafe' awning to mount the OUTSIDE to block the direct sun??? Though possibly something like that would work on the inside, too, dependent upon your decor scheme...
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 26, 2013
    Not possible to have an outside awning - cannot afford the cost. Not sure how that would work on the inside, but I wouldn't have a clue on how to make it. Thanks for the idea, anyway.
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jul 26, 2013
    Depending on the decor I'd do a fan like covering from the inside lower corner up and out. A stiff craft board cut slightly smaller, cover with 1 layer of batting to soften the edges slightly,staple fabrics to it,soft pleats or gathersas full as you want, leaving extra to fold to the back, then trim, cover the back frame with decorative trim for a finished look. the extra fabric snugs up the space requires no mounting. Its easy to remove for cleaning..I have seen this done in sheers as well as light fabric (French country) to match dining room decor fabric
  • Shari Shari on Jul 26, 2013
    That section of the window is such an awkward, irregular shape, I'm not sure any fabric or blind window treatment is going to look right. What about applying tinted window film to the inside of the panes? You can buy sheets of it at places like Lowes and Home Depot and it should filter out a large percentage of the heat and glare, but still allow you to see out.
  • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Jul 26, 2013
    I'd DIY an Extra Sturdy Velcro Roman Shade, with whatever fabric you want cut to the shape of the window.
  • Shari Shari on Jul 26, 2013
    @Sia@South 47th Velcro sounds like a good idea but I just can't visualize WHERE she would attach it. For outside mounting, it doesn't look like she has room to carry it out to the outside edges of her windows due to the downward slope of her ceiling on each side. Wouldn't the weird angle of the window prevent inside mounting?
  • Sia@South 47th Sia@South 47th on Jul 26, 2013
    @Shari The Velcro could be cut to fit and mounted easily right to the metal or wood shape she has. Then the fabricated Roman added.
  • Larose LoganOakes Larose LoganOakes on Jul 26, 2013
    Hi Gay! I would like to ask you if the moulding or top frame of your shades goes all the way back to the glass so you could have something sit on top of it above the frame? Does that make any sense? It is hard to tell from the picture.If it does go all the way to the back to the glass I would recommend that you have some wooden frames made the size and shape of the upper window area that you could then staple fabric to it. This way you could remove them in the winter when you want to let in more light.You could do it with sheer fabric that was gathered together or whatever type fabric that you desired.Heck you could even velcro the fabric to the frame and you wouldn't have to do any sewing at all. Let us know what you decide to do.:)I think my suggestion is similar to what Wanda was trying to recommend.
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 26, 2013
    Thanks for all of your suggestions. I apologize for not putting up a picture that shows the molding and top frame of the shades. I took another picture and am showing now how it looks. I think the idea of the board (not sure if a craft board would hold up, but would have to go to craft store to check it out) covered with fabric is the most practical and least costly idea for me. I would have to cover both sides so it would look nice from the outside as well. I am not familiar with tinted window film cost, and as I mentioned, I am on a very very tight budget. Thank you all for your suggestions! It has been very helpful.
  • Al Al on Jul 27, 2013
    Hi Where you appear to have adequate frame width, you could use some of those removable adhesive tabs to secure the decorative part. This stuff peels right off when you are finished. We have a similar issue, and I am going to get busy solving it thanks to the good tips here.
  • Lori J Lori J on Jul 27, 2013
    What about an adhesive product that would 'frost' the window? I used a product like this on our old front door--I love the window in the door and did not want to let go the light, but it felt like a fishbowl. The stuff applied with water and was easy to work with. Still got light, but less intense and without the sense of exhibitionism! I also used this on our bathroom windows where I wanted to use lace curtains so as not let go what little light there is from our our deep back porch but needed more privacy for the bathroom. You can buy this product in patterns as well. Our upstairs bathroom window is done the same way with a stained glass pattern--no curtain at all. And should you tire of it, it removes easily.
  • Rana Saleh Rana Saleh on Jul 27, 2013
    you can find some customized valance curtain ideas at this website http://www.irepairhome.com/window-valance-ideas.htm Try visiting it
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 27, 2013
    Thanks for all of the additional suggestions. The idea of the frosting might work. I visited the website mentioned, but it had nothing like what I have. The fabric covered board may be the best solution. So glad I have this website to go to when I have questions! It's great!
  • Sandy Bowlin Sandy Bowlin on Jul 27, 2013
    It looks as though you have quite a wide area right beneath the windows. You could possibly put some very beautiful green plants up there that might trail and when they're big enough, they'll hide a lot of the sun.
  • Christine Ryan Christine Ryan on Jul 28, 2013
    Go to Home Depot, they may cut a thin piece of wood in the shape and you can cover it like Wanda said above. A really fun fabric would be nice or a simple sheer, gathered. It would practically stand in the window opening, un-mounted, like a screen divider would. I have a similar situation with west facing windows up high. I used the room darkening window tint. That was very easy to do. Truly cut down the heat a lot but still let in light. There are various shades of darkening to select from at Home Depot. Post pics when you finish.
  • Christine Ryan Christine Ryan on Jul 28, 2013
    I just read Lori J's post, I used this on my sidelights at the front door. Beautiful look, gives privacy yet allows light in. Home Depot sells different styles or you can google this online. A friend used the stained glass film on her window above her door, looks amazing.
  • Pat Pat on Jul 28, 2013
    I did something for windows like this in a nursery with foam core board just cut to fit the opening and used the batting and fabric over that. It worked great so the baby did not have the sun shining in his face. It fit tight enough we did not attach it at all.
  • Jean DeSavage Jean DeSavage on Jul 28, 2013
    Gay, You could make a valance who's top would run even with the horizontal window bar across the top section. Then only the very top angle section would be uncovered for light, and you would be able to use a regular curtain rod. Doing that would allow you to bring in a fabric to accent your kitchen decor. Easy sewing, just straight edges around and a rod pocket at the top for the rod to slide through.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 28, 2013
    You don't have to follow the shape of the window if it's too difficult for you to work with. You could do a valance straight across, or buy window film with a nice pattern.... perhaps a stained glass look would work nicely. Lowes not only sells the plain tinted film, but some wonderful patterns. Some make it look like you have gingerbread trim, and all of these films will still let in the light without the problem of the sun. There is also something else to use, something I used in my bathroom window. It looks like crackled glass, but it's actually a dropped ceiling piece, one where you place fluorescent lighting in the ceiling. I can picture that looking great up there in your window. It looks wonderful when in place.... let's in the light, but not sun. Check out that dept. in Lowes, too. It comes in a sheet about 2' by 4'... cuts with scissors, if careful, otherwise use a box knife. You could make a cardstock template and then cut to size. It's only about $6 a sheet and looks wonderful inside and out. I get many compliments on my bathroom window. Lastly, you could just spray it with frosting spray.
  • Tegma Tegma on Jul 28, 2013
    'Sorry.... I see now that you already have gingerbread (panes) in the windows. Do look at that dropped ceiling piece I mentioned. I think you would love it! If you cut it properly to size (with a template) it will fit in tightly and you don't have to do anything else but set it in place. That's how I did my windows and it's sooo attractive!
  • Kathywarddesigns Kathywarddesigns on Jul 30, 2013
    hang a shutter length wise to diffuse the light.
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 30, 2013
    Thanks again for all the suggestions. Never expected to get such a big response. I don't think a shutter would work - the shape is too irregular and might be too costly. I like the idea of a valance or the covered foam core board or wood. Would foam core hold up under the beating sun or the cold air in the winter? Plants would look nice, but the rising heat of the room plus super strong sunlight would probably kill them - also watering would be difficult, as I would have to get on a ladder to get to them (I'm not real good with plants anyway!). Plastic or silk plants maybe, but that could get expensive (for me) with pots, etc. Also, the sun would fade them after awhile. Nice idea though! Thanks again to everyone, and when I decide what I want to do, I'll post a pic of the results.
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 30, 2013
    Also, does anyone know where I can find plain black and white striped fabric? I saw this used at Mimi's restaurant as cafe style curtains, and it was a fabulous look. I have gone online, to fabric stores locally and cannot find this. It would have to be vertical stripes, fairly wide. I even asked the restaurant manager, but she said it came from the corporate office. If anyone has seen it anywhere, let me know. If I go with a valance on the window, that is what I would like to use if I can find it.
  • Meg Meg on Jul 31, 2013
    You could always use a heavy white material or a drop cloth. If using a drop cloth, launder it first then iron the material and lay it out flat. Line your material with painters tape to protect the areas you want to keep white. Use a spray paint for fabric and cover the entire "curtain" with the black paint. Let it dry thoroughly and determine if you want a second coat. When completely dry, remove the tape! :) Pls post what you decide to do.
  • Pat Pat on Jul 31, 2013
    We did not have a problem with the foam core board not holding up, but the kids moved after a year or two so I can't be sure about a longer time. However the cost is so low it would not be horrid to replace it if it did fall apart.
  • Gay Storm Gay Storm on Jul 31, 2013
    Thanks for the links to the fabric websites. the fabric.com site looks like the best deal - it gives the scale of the stripes, and the price is pretty reasonable. Hartsfabric.com is out of stock on this one. Not sure if I am down for painting the fabric, but it is a unique solution. housefabric.com is a little too pricey for my budget. I am now going to weigh the various aspects of this project, especially price. The foam core board covered with fabric is probably the least expensive, but the valance idea will probably last longer. I will definitely post here when I make this project. Thanks to all! I searched for a long time to find this fabric, and had no luck. Thanks again for your help and suggestions. : ))
  • Sandy Bowlin Sandy Bowlin on Jul 31, 2013
    Can't wait to see what you do!
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on Jul 31, 2013
    Black and white fabric,,,,since it gets lots of sun and heat,,,go with fade resistant,,,,, I because of the sun..I have had good luck finding outdoor type fabrics at a tent and awning supplier,,they make the roll-up patio covers.. Not sure of the width of the stripe they carry.. or colors
    • Michelle McClish Michelle McClish on Jan 04, 2015
      @Wanda sinnema Something I have always done is backed my window treatments with simple bleached or unbleached muslin. It not only protects from fading but it also adds weight to the fabric that helps them hang nicely :)
  • Lois Lois on Jul 31, 2013
    first of all my girlfriend in NC has the same issue so what she did was get different size sheets of stained class and put them on individual plate stands so it still let light in but there was no glare. it looks beautiful and colorful. I personally would either hang Boston Fens from cup hooks or standing plants because they would get a lot of sun and grown quickly.( I suggest if u use standing plants put a sheet of saran wrap on the shelf where no one can see it just to catch dust and leaves) it would also add live color and block the sun. if however u really want valances put a small cup hook at the beginning and end of each side of the window and one where the window slants down. string the valance on clear fishing line and just attach to each cup hook. good luck
  • Patricia Cleveland Patricia Cleveland on Nov 15, 2013
    Real Goods sells solar blinds for windows like this. I'm sure lots of other places do too. You could leave them up in winter and pull down in summer. If you are really industrious you could make your own indoor shutters!(-;
  • Paula Snodgrass Paula Snodgrass on Jun 17, 2014
    Personally. I would use a window scarf. Long fabric placed through 4 loops. It would allow you to open the fabric to drape down over the window during your warmer weather and then you can draw the fabric up to allow the sun in during cooler weather. Width of the fabric should be about 6" wider then the longest points of the window. The length is up to you but I'd bring it all the way to the bottom of the lower window.
  • Herlinda Sanchez Herlinda Sanchez on Jun 17, 2014
    what I did, was get 2 sheer curtians per window . n get the rods that strings with top pf rubber, then put the curtians n cut the bottom to the end of the window, I love mine n the heat doesn't heat the house,
  • Marthe Hook Marthe Hook on Nov 08, 2014
    There are many different kinds of window films..some that will let what ever amount of light in that you want..allow you to see out..but not others to see in..etc. This would preserve the expansive feeling provided by these windows.
  • Pat Pat on Jan 02, 2015
    I would put up window film - a neighbor of mine did that. The lines of this window don't lend themselves to window coverings in my opinion.
  • Raelene Raelene on Jan 04, 2015
    I have love/hate feelings towards my window film. It does reflect the heat beautifully in the summer, but it also reflects the solor heat in the winter as well. I also got too dark a film as I have them on all my windows. I miss the sun in the winter! I would caution about two things when it comes to window film that I did not know at installation; it may cancel the manufacture warranty on your windows, & the film will begin to flake off after a few years leaving your window looking really dirty. It is a bear to remove as well. I had to remove the film on one window and I could feel the glass actually bowing as I pulled off the film. I am considering having the same professionals remove the film that put it on. Perhaps one or two windows would be fine, but never a whole house again. Another option is custom blinds that match your lower blinds. You can open and close them as needed, you just won't be able to raise and lower them.
  • Ken Ken on Jan 07, 2015
    Depends on how much trouble you want to go to, but you can make a cardboard pattern of one side and since they are symmetrical, you should be able to flip it over to use as a pattern for both sides. Then cut your curtains, or blinds, to match the pattern using the wide bottom of the windows as the top of your blinds or curtains, then mount them upside down in the window frame so that you can run the cord from each side down the middle to your tie anchor while the other end is connected to the middle of the narrow side of the blinds or curtains and run through an eyelet at the top of the window and through another eyelet at the corner of the center column on each respective side.
  • Peggy Peggy on Jan 07, 2015
    I don't know the width of the space, but could you hang...say an old french door sideways, or one long skinny old stained glass window sideways or two leaded or stained glass windows down from the ceiling with chains. You would have art and it would cover the shapes of the windows.
  • Bernice Wood Bernice Wood on Jan 20, 2015
    As you don't need it all year what about roller blinds cut to shape of top of windows and fixed at the bottom (i.e. upside down) with some eyelets to hold the 'bottom ' of the blinds over pegs/hooks at the top.
  • Jacqueline Scurrah Jacqueline Scurrah on Nov 01, 2015
    A semi-sheer 'velcro on' panel would help in the summer but still let in the light. and could be removed in the winter.