Can I put 2 scalloped valances together?

by Texann

Answered

Hi, I have a 70" wide window and I'm wondering how it will look to put two of these valances together on this one window. The valance is 50" W x 15" H so that would leave me with 30 extra inches to make it gathered. Would that look ok? This would be in the kitchen and I won't have any long panels, just these valances.
If I do the the 2 together should I use a 3" rod or would a smaller round rod be better? What about a rod with clips?
How do you think the center will look? Should I tack the two together in the center before I hang them? Could I put something decorative in the center to hide the seam?
If you've seen this done before could you post a photo or URL where I could see it?
Thanks so much!
Texann

This is the valance I have in mind.

3 answers

Dee on Aug 28, 2015
I have a 72 inch window that I used 3 50 inch valances. I used a regular 2 inch rod and gathered the valance and it looks great. The rule of thumb is 2 times the width of the window. Min was 2 times plus 10 inches. It depends on how full you want your valance to be. If you only want a small gather use two valances. It will be flatter looking. The picture looks just fine for a kitchen window.

Helpful Reply
- Texann on Aug 28, 2015
  @Dee Thanks for your comment. Using 3 might be the way to go. That would make a tighter gathering. I was worried that since this valance seems to be made to be stretched the width of the window without any gathering that adding a lot of gathering might make the scallops look off. Maybe using a 1" round rod instead of the flat 3" rod give it a more casual look. Your comments are appreciated!
  
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Swan Road Designs on Aug 28, 2015
The short answer to your question is, yes, you can use two valances on your long window. However, rarely is there a seam in the center of any professional window treatment, and most home sewing patterns direct you to outboard seams rather than center ones. If there is any way you can split one of the valances in half and sew the two halves to the outboard edges of the uncut valance, that would be the most ideal thing. I've done it many times, but it requires a little tweaking to get the rod pockets and bottom hem/seam to look smooth. As for the type of rod, that is usually dictated by the size of the rod pocket (the space the rod slides through). I wouldn't use clips if you are joining two panels because that might result in drawing unnecessary attention to the valance, especially if you are unsure about your skills at combining the two valances. There are usually an odd number of scallops or focal points of interest in most window treatments, but the photo you have posted shows two. A factor that dictates a lot of how window treatments are designed and/or space calculated are the weight of the fabric and the fullness desired, but I'm getting way ahead of the original question. I can't offer a link for your to view, just my advice and many, many years of personal experience.

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- Texann on Aug 28, 2015
  @Swan Road Designs Hi Swan, Thanks for your comments. I understand your idea of splitting one and adding it to each end of the other one but my sewing skills are not nearly good enough to do that. I don't even have a machine. But taking into consideration of not having a seam in the center, Dee's idea of using 3 sets might be a better way for me to go. That way with the tighter gathering any seams would be less noticeable. What are your thoughts on using a 1" rod instead of the 3" flat rod with 3 sets? Thanks for your response and expertise. It's very much appreciated. :)
  
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- Swan Road Designs on Aug 28, 2015
  @Texann Check to see how wide the rod pocket is. Measure from top row of stitching of the rod pocket to the row below. That is the width of the rod pocket. For example, if you are going to use a standard white single curtain rod, that measurement should be 1 1/2 inches in order for the rod to slide through the opening. You mentioned a 3-inch rod, which is known as a continental rod and is actually 2 1/2 inches wide, the rod pocket will needs to be 3 inches deep. If you have thoughts about using a round wooden rod, which can be one of several sizes you will need a rod pocket of 1 3/4 inches for a rod of 7/8 inches in diameter, a rod pocket of 2 3/4 inches for a 1 3/8 inch pole. There are larger diameter ones, but you don't need to go there. You didn't say anything about tension rods or cafe rods, which are a whole other critters, and their sizes are different from the rods I just cited. Again, as I mentioned, the rod pocket of your valance will dictate the size of rod you can use. I endorse using 3 valances, without sewing anything. Just use the appropriate rod and fluff to disguise the two breaks in the valances.
  
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- Texann on Aug 28, 2015
  @Swan Road Designs The description of the valance says it's a 3" pocket which looks like the flat kind - sorry I'm not sure about the technical terminology. Here's a link to the description: http://www.amazon.com/Damask-Valance-50-Inch-15-Inch-Seaspray/dp/B00YQ4DXF0 It seems to me in the photo that the valance is designed to wrap around to the side. That's not my first preference on the rod but if that's the best option I can do it. My kitchen is open to the den and I've got 1" rods with finials. I was hoping to repeat that same look in the kitchen.
  
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- Swan Road Designs on Aug 28, 2015
  @Texann If the description says 3-inch rod pocket, then you can use a 1-inch round rod. Yours is most likely 7/8 inches, but the rod pocket on the valance will work if you use another rod like the ones in your den. You'll just have a little more free space in the rod pocket. If you use 3 valences, it won't matter. Reread my information on rod pockets and different types of rods with their requirements. You'll see what I mean. As for the flat, continental rod, they are designed to have the treatment wrap around to the wall.
  
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Lori Jackson on Aug 28, 2015
If it were me, I would probably start with three panels so that I could join them to maintain that lovely scallop--splicing or seaming on the two sides, rather than in the center.

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