How to Make Custom Valances for Windows, Box Style

Measure the width of the window and decide how wide the window treatments will be. Window valances should extend 2 inches beyond the window frame to allow for the support brackets. Being made of wood, box valances weigh more than fabric valances, so consider how they will be attached to the wall. With plaster or sheet rock walls it is best not to extend the box too far from the window frame. The frame for a wood valance needs to be fastened to wall studs to support the weight safely and the studs are usually close to the window frame. "L" shaped brackets can be used to connect wood valances to the wall or window frame. Just be sure to buy them before hand, checking their fit and how they might effect the finished length of the box valance. For frameless windows or those with simple flat board framing, the brackets can fit right up to the window edge. If there is a decorative framing of molding, then the brackets will have to go outside the molding, meaning the box will have to be longer. Decide how tall (top to bottom) and deep (how far it sticks out from the wall) the window treatments will be. If curtains or drapes are going to be hung behind the valance, plan for the rod they will hang from, how it will attach and for enough room for the curtains. Write down all the measurements to keep track of them.

Make the parts for the window treatments. The box frame for the wood valance consist of one long face board and two short side boards. There is not a top board because it will not be seen. Scrap pieces of wall paneling or plywood can be used for the long board and some 3/4 inch thick pieces of shelving board for the side pieces. The face board only needs to be 1/4 inch thick to take staples while the side boards need to be thicker because they will support the weight and be attached to the brackets. Cut the boards to the correct width for the height of the wood valance. The one in the pictures is 10 inches tall. Figure the length of the side boards by subtracting the thickness of the face board from the final depth (how far it sticks out from the wall) wanted. For example if the box is to have a depth of 8 inches and the face board is 1/4 inch thick, the side boards need to be 7 and 3/4 inches long. This is because the face board will attach to the front edges of the side boards and add to their length. Be sure all the cuts are square and clean. Once the side boards are cut, the brackets can be attached to them using 1/2 inch screws and then they can be fastened in position around the window frame before building the window treatment. It will be easier to position the side boards and to use them to predrill any holes, before attaching the front piece to them. The best way to measure for the face board length is to measure from one outer edge to the other of the attached side boards.

Build the wood valance frame. Take the side boards down and remove the brackets. Stand the side boards on their narrow back edge to screw the face board to their narrow front edge. A clamping work table can be used or stand each one between two heavy paint cans, spaced far enough apart to allow the face board to fit over them. Line up the face board and one of the upright side boards so the edges are even and straight, then predrill the screw holes and drive in the screws. Counter sink the screw heads slightly so they won't snag the fabric later on. Place a little paint on each screw head so they won't rust. Slightly sand any rough edges to remove splinters and the wood valance frame is made.

Size and cut the fabric to be used on the custom window valances. A large flat surface to work on, probably a bed or kitchen table will be needed. Lay out the fabric and decide how, any pattern there might be, should run. Drape the fabric over the finished wood valance to see how the pattern will look and how it should be centered to have evenly spaced repeats. The fabric will wrap around the top and bottom of the frame with some 2 to 3 inches of fabric on the back side so it will be easy to pull tight and staple. Whether or not to put a hem around the edge of the fabric depends on how badly it ravels and personal preferences. It can also be simply folded over when stapled in place. Cut the fabric allowing for the over wraps and for enough length to cover the side boards and to wrap around their back edges. Be sure to follow the grain with straight cuts and leave some extra length in case the pattern needs to be moved left or right. If the wood valance is wider than the fabric, pieces will have to be sewn together to make a long enough strip. Match up the fabric pattern at the seam so it won't show badly and try to have it in the middle of the box front face.

Fasten the fabric using 1/4 inch chisel pointed staples or use Velcro, sewing it onto the fabric edge and fastening it to the back side of the box valance. Using Velcro allows the fabric to be changed out easier when needed, without having to remove all those staples. It does require more measuring and sewing though. If a stuffed window treatments are wanted, staple a layer of batting over the box before attaching the fabric. Don't use too many staples for this, just enough to hold it in place while stretching the fabric over it. With the fabric wrong side up on the large flat surface, lay the box face down on it. Mark the center of the long side of the box and place a pin at the center of the fabric strip. Line the two marks up as a starting point for stapling and then slide the face board up or down to allow for enough overlap at the top and bottom edges. Place staples every 3 inches along one edge, keeping the fabric straight and stopping some 5 inches from the short side boards. Turn the wood valance around and do the other edge, pulling the fabric taut as it is stapled. Don't pull it too tight, just enough to get rid of wrinkles. Keep the tension even or there will be puckers. Keep a check on the front side to see that the fabric is pulled evenly.

To do the short sides, first pull the fabric along the board, front to back and wrap it over the back edge, then staple and trim off any excess. Next fold the fabric down at the inside corners, creasing and overlapping the fabric to get a neat outside corner as shown in the pictures. When happy with how the corner looks, staple down the fabric and then fold it down at the top and bottom of the back of the short side and staple there. With the fabric all attached, replace the brackets, using the same holes. Hang the finished wood valance on the wall and enjoy the elegant window treatments. Under resources below you will find links to other DYI articles. Please rate this article and any others you check out, thank you.
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