How to Hang Pinch-Pleated Drapes With a Valance

Hanging the Curtains

• 1

  Measure and install the rod brackets for pinch-pleat curtains in one of three lengths: those that just cover the window’s apron (the bottom edge of the woodwork surrounding the window), those that descend from the top of the window casing to the floor or those that extend from ceiling to floor. Mount the side brackets three inches out from the side window casing, and four inches above it. For rods longer than five feet, install a support bracket in the center of the window.

• 2

  Place the drapery rod on the brackets and snap into place.

• 3

  Hang the drapery panels, lined or unlined, before hanging the valances. Hook the end pin or hook on the drapery panel into the hole on the tip of the master carrier at the center of curtain rod. Place each drapery hook into the next successive carrier, sliding extra carriers to the outside edge of the rod. Release the stop mechanism at the end of the rod and remove the excess carriers, keeping three to wrap around the end of the rod. Repeat on the other side. Make sure the drapery header lies smoothly when the drapes are closed.

Hanging the Valance

• 4

  Use nine-inch brackets for puff, balloon, ruffled and scalloped valances, so the valance will clear the drapery hanging underneath. Mount the valance brackets one to two inches beyond the rod brackets on each side, and at the same height as the drapery brackets. For pinch-pleated valances, use six-inch brackets.

• 5

  For puff, balloon, ruffled and scalloped valances, slide the valance onto the valance rod before snapping the rod into place on the brackets. Hang pinch-pleated valances exactly as you hung the pinch-pleated drapery panels, starting in the center and working your way out to the edge.

• 6

  Install scarf valances using two or three brackets placed three inches from the window casing on each side, and four inches above it. If your style requires a lift in the middle, you will need to install the third bracket in the center of the window, four inches above the casing.