How to Make a Window Valance

6 Materials
$35
2 Hours
Medium

In trying to glam up my kitchen I wanted a a window treatment that would add style without adding any weight or hindering the light coming in. I decided a valance would be perfect. When I checked out the prices at Joann's for kits...they were $50 BEFORE buying fabric. Umm nope. I was pretty sure i could do it myself or much cheaper. And of course I was right.

Here's the before. Certainly not terrible, but it needed a little umph.

Start by measuring your window. Add 2 inches to the width (across the window). Then determine how far down the window you want the valance hang.


Select the fabric you want to use. I used heavy upholstery fabric I got for pennies on the dollar. (Learn the real secret to saving at JoAnn Fabric on my post here!)

Now you need to make your frame. I use MDF or similar pine boards at least 25" thick. I used my circular saw to make the cuts.


Assemble using a nail gun to form a U shape. If you use .50" boards you can use a drill and screws to assemble your frame.

After you assemble the frame, cover it with thin batten. It's not must, but it gives the valance more dimension.

Then staple your fabric and batten to to the board. Be sure to center the fabric if it has a pattern and pull it nice and taught.

Add a small strip of scrap wood and a d-ring to the valance. Measure where you want it to hang and that's it.

Here's my finished valance. It was very simple to construct. The valance added so much to my 80's kitchen. Check out the transformation to the kitchen here.

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Kenyatta Harris
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Judy Pfister Judy Pfister on Sep 17, 2019

    When you hang the valance on the d ring does it hang out from the wall slightly at the top? If not, let me know how you prevent this. Thanks.

  • Claire Wells Haug Claire Wells Haug on Sep 17, 2019

    What is your backsplash? It's beautiful!

  • Pat Pat on Sep 30, 2019

    Is the small piece of board with the d ring attached to the top or sides? How did you attach it?

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