Measuring windows for valances is the essential first step to achieving a polished, tailored look for your window treatments. While often the simplest component of window dressing, a valance sets the visual tone for the entire room and provides a crucial frame for your curtains or blinds. An incorrect measurement can result in a valance that looks perpetually crooked, disappointingly small, or awkwardly oversized, undermining your entire design effort.
Accurate measurement ensures your valance has the right scale, clearances, and mounting strategy, whether you're installing a sleek modern cornice, a soft gathered fabric, or a rigid wooden shutter style. This guide provides a definitive, step-by-step process to take precise measurements, covering the two primary methods and highlighting common pitfalls to avoid. With the right approach, you can transform this task from a source of anxiety into a confident part of your home improvement project.
Understanding Valance Types and Their Impact on Measurement
Before picking up a tape measure, it's important to identify the type of valance you plan to install, as this dictates your measurements. A fabric valance, mounted on a wire or board, typically requires specific fullness calculations and mounting heights. In contrast, a hard valance made of wood or MDF is measured based on the exact dimensions of the final piece, including any decorative edges or returns. The mounting method—whether directly into the window frame, onto the wall, or into the drywall—also changes where and how you measure.
Key Measurements for Any Valance
Regardless of the style you choose, three core measurements form the foundation: width, height, and mounting location. The width determines the horizontal span the valance will cover, the height defines its vertical dimension, and the mounting location dictates the vertical placement on your wall or window. Establishing these three values with precision creates a clear blueprint for your project and ensures compatibility with your other window treatments.
Method 1: Measuring for a Valance Mounted Inside the Window Frame
This method is ideal for valances that sit within the recess of the window frame, creating a built-in, seamless appearance. It requires measuring the exact interior dimensions where the valance will be housed, ensuring a snug fit that doesn't interfere with the window sash or molding.
Step-by-Step Guide
To achieve a precise fit using this method, follow these steps carefully:
- Measure the Width: Use a metal tape measure to get the exact interior width of the window frame from left to right. Take this measurement at the top, middle, and bottom, as frames can be slightly uneven. Use the smallest of these three measurements to ensure the valance will fit without forcing or gaping.
- Measure the Height: Determine the desired height of your valance. Measure vertically from the top of the window frame where the valance will rest to the bottom edge of where the valance will end. Valances mounted inside the frame are typically 4 to 8 inches tall.
- Measure for Mounting Location: Confirm the distance from the top of the window frame to the intended mounting surface. If you are building a separate valance box, you will need the overall width and height of that structure, which is often several inches taller than the frame to accommodate batting and fabric.
Method 2: Measuring for a Valance Mounted Above the Window Frame
This is the most common approach for covering trim work or mounting valances onto the wall or drywall above the window. This method provides maximum flexibility for width and allows the valance to sit atop curtains or blinds.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this process to measure accurately for an above-frame valance:
- Determine the Width: Decide how much of the wall or window area you want the valance to cover. A popular choice is to extend the valance 6 to 12 inches beyond the window frame on each side, creating a sense of grandeur and balance. Measure the total desired width from the leftmost point to the rightmost point.
- Establish the Height: Measure the vertical distance from the top of the window frame (or the top of the curtain rod if mounted higher) to where you want the bottom edge of the valance to fall. Common valance heights range from 8 to 18 inches, depending on the room's scale and personal preference.
- Account for the Return: If your valance wraps around the sides of the window (known as a "return"), measure the depth you want this folded edge to be, typically 3 to 6 inches. This measurement is crucial for ensuring enough fabric or material to create a clean, finished look on the sides.
Critical Considerations and Pro Tips
To ensure your measurements translate perfectly from paper to practice, keep a few professional tips in mind. Always measure multiple times and use a sturdy metal tape measure for accuracy. Remember to factor in the thickness of any mounting boards or batten strips if you are building a separate valance box. When in doubt, cutting material slightly long is preferable to cutting it too short, as excess can be easily trimmed away.
Finally, consider the relationship between your valance and other window elements. If you are mounting a valance above sheer curtains, your measurement will dictate the top layer's coverage. For a layered look, ensure the valance width is at least equal to, or slightly wider than, the curtain panel to create a cohesive and balanced aesthetic.