Introduction
How To Make A Roman Shade Valance: Our comprehensive guide on how to make a Roman shade valance, a timeless and elegant window dressing that adds a touch of sophistication to any interior space. Roman shade valances are a versatile and attractive way to adorn your windows, providing both style and functionality.Â
With their neat folds and clean lines, they offer a polished look that complements various decor styles, from traditional to modern. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will walk you through the process of creating your own Roman shade valance, making it a fun and rewarding DIY project.
Whether you are a seasoned crafter or a beginner, our easy-to-follow instructions, along with helpful tips and tricks, will assist you in achieving professional-looking results. By customizing the fabric, size, and design to suit your preferences, you can ensure that your Roman shade valance becomes a stunning focal point that elevates the ambiance of any room in your home.
How do you make a relaxed Roman valance?
The most basic method for making a Relaxed shade is where the shade is made just like a flat Roman shade, except there are no middle rings. “That’s the method I use most often by sewing shade rings for the lift cords on the outer edges only” Susan said, adding… “this creates an understated shape on the bottom.
Making a relaxed Roman valance is a wonderful way to add a soft and casual touch to your window treatment. Follow these steps to create a beautiful relaxed Roman valance:
Measure and Cut Fabric: Measure the width and height of your window, and add allowances for hems and pleats. Cut the fabric to the desired size, ensuring it extends beyond the window frame to create a relaxed appearance.
Sew Hems: Fold and press the bottom and side edges of the fabric to create neat hems. Use a sewing machine to secure the hems in place.
Create Loops: Along the top edge of the valance, sew loops using fabric strips or ribbon at regular intervals. These loops will hold the lift cord and create the relaxed folds.
Insert Lift Cord: Thread a lift cord through the loops, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The lift cord will help raise and lower the valance.
Attach Rings and Cord Lock: Sew small rings to the backside of the valance, spaced according to your preference. Install a cord lock at one end of the valance to secure the lift cord.
Install the Valance: Mount brackets or a valance board above your window. Hang the relaxed Roman valance by threading the lift cord through the brackets or attaching it to the board.
Adjust and Style: Gently pull the lift cord to raise the valance and create the relaxed folds. Adjust the folds to your desired look and style.
How long should a Roman shade valance be?
Determine Measurements for Shade Fabric
To determine the size to cut the shade fabric, use this formula: cut length of shade = window height + 6 inches for mounting onto board + 6 or 8 inches drop from mounting board + 8 inches for each fold + 1 1/2-inch for each dowel casing.
The ideal length of a Roman shade valance depends on several factors, including the window size, the desired style, and the overall look you want to achieve. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but some general guidelines can help you determine the appropriate length.
Standard Length: A common length for a Roman shade valance is around 18 to 20 inches. This length provides sufficient coverage for most windows and allows the valance to create a polished look without overpowering the space.
Relaxed Style: For a relaxed Roman valance with gentle curves along the bottom edge, you may want to opt for a longer length to create a more pronounced drape. A relaxed valance can range from 20 to 24 inches or even longer, depending on the desired effect.
Customization: Consider the proportions of your window and the surrounding decor. A larger window or a high-ceiling room may benefit from a longer valance, while smaller windows may look better with a more modest length.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, the length of the Roman shade valance is a matter of personal preference and style. Some homeowners prefer a shorter valance to maintain a clean and minimalist look, while others opt for a longer valance to add drama and elegance.
Do Roman shades need a valance?
In order to avoid confusion over the location of the chain pull or keep guests from having to physically move the roman shade to access the chain pull, we recommend that when inside mounting a roman shade within a window you orient the fabric off the back and specify a valance to cover the lift mechanism!
Roman shades do not necessarily need a valance, as they can be a stylish and functional window treatment on their own. Roman shades are fabric window coverings that fold neatly when raised and lie flat when lowered, providing privacy, light control, and an elegant appearance.
However, adding a valance to a Roman shade can enhance its overall look and provide additional benefits. A valance can hide the top hardware and lift cords of the Roman shade, creating a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. It can also add a decorative element, complementing the room’s decor and adding a touch of sophistication.
A valance can also help to coordinate the Roman shade with other window treatments in the room, such as curtains or drapes, creating a cohesive and polished look. Additionally, a valance can soften the window’s top edge and add a finishing touch to the overall window design.
What is a soft fold Roman shade?
Soft fold Roman Shades are also called looped or teardrop or hobbled, but are distinctive as the fabric cascades in a rippling effect all the way down the window. This style retains the loose folds in both the raised and lowered position.
A soft fold Roman shade, also known as a “hobbled” or “looped” Roman shade, is a stylish and versatile window treatment that offers a distinct look with cascading folds when raised. Unlike the traditional flat Roman shade, the soft fold Roman shade has multiple horizontal rows of fabric loops that create a beautiful, relaxed appearance.
When the shade is lifted, the loops fold up in a series of gentle, billowy folds, forming a layered and textured effect. When the shade is fully lowered, the soft folds spread out evenly to cover the entire window, providing privacy and light control.
The soft fold Roman shade is achieved by sewing rings or fabric loops at regular intervals along the back of the shade, allowing the lift cords to pass through and create the loops. The lift cords are then connected to a cord lock or a continuous loop system, enabling easy raising and lowering of the shade.
What materials do I need to make a Roman shade valance?
To make a Roman shade valance, you will need a few essential materials to ensure a successful DIY project. Here’s a list of the necessary items:
Fabric: Choose a durable and attractive fabric of your choice to serve as the main material for the valance. Light to medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or drapery-weight materials work well for this purpose.
Lining Fabric (optional): For added thickness and insulation, you can use a lining fabric. This is particularly useful if you want to block more light or enhance the valance’s structure.
Roman Shade Kit: Purchase a Roman shade kit that includes all the hardware components required for creating the folds and structure of the valance. This typically includes wooden dowels, cord locks, lift cord, and rings.
Sewing Machine (optional): If you plan to sew the valance, a sewing machine will significantly speed up the process and ensure clean and secure stitches. However, some no-sew methods are available as well.
Scissors: High-quality fabric scissors are essential for precise cutting and shaping of the fabric.
Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for a well-fitted valance, so a measuring tape is a must-have tool.
Iron and Ironing Board: Iron the fabric before cutting and throughout the process to achieve smooth and wrinkle-free results.
Fabric Glue (optional): If you opt for a no-sew method, fabric glue can be used to secure hems and folds.
How do I measure my window for a perfectly fitting valance?
Measuring your window accurately is crucial to ensure a perfectly fitting Roman shade valance. Follow these steps to get precise measurements:
Measure the Width: Using a measuring tape, start from the outer edge of the window frame on one side and extend it to the outer edge on the opposite side. Note down this measurement in inches or centimeters. For an inside mount valance, measure the width of the window frame’s interior.
Measure the Height: Measure from the top of the window frame to the desired position where you want the valance to end. If you prefer a shorter valance, measure to the midpoint of the window. For an inside mount, measure the height of the window from the top to the bottom.
Consider Overhang: Decide on the amount of overhang you want on each side of the window. Typically, valances extend beyond the window frame to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. Add the overhang measurement to both sides of the width.
Calculate Fabric Width: To calculate the width of fabric needed for the valance, add the total width measurement (including overhang) and multiply it by 2. This accounts for the folds and pleats in the Roman shade style.
Determine Fabric Height: The fabric height should be equal to the measured height of the window or slightly longer to accommodate hems and adjustments.
What are the different styles and patterns of Roman shade valances I can create?
When it comes to creating Roman shade valances, there is a wide array of styles and patterns to choose from, allowing you to customize the window treatment to perfectly suit your decor and personal taste.
Classic Plain Roman Shade: This style features a clean and simple design with a single fabric panel that cascades down in neat folds when raised and lies flat when lowered.
Relaxed Roman Shade: The relaxed style offers a soft, casual appearance with gentle curves along the bottom edge, creating a relaxed and inviting look.
Balloon Roman Shade: This dramatic style incorporates billowy balloon-like poufs that form when the valance is raised, adding an elegant touch to any room.
London Roman Shade: This style has inverted pleats at regular intervals, giving it a sophisticated and structured appearance.
Hobbled Roman Shade: Also known as a teardrop or looped Roman shade, this style features cascading folds that create a series of loops when the valance is raised.
Austrian Roman Shade: This opulent style showcases a series of vertical rows of gathered fabric, producing a luxurious and elegant appearance.
Pattern Options: Roman shade valances offer endless possibilities for patterns, including stripes, florals, geometric shapes, damask, or even solid colors. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add visual interest to the space.
Can you provide a step-by-step guide for sewing the Roman shade valance?
Here’s a step-by-step guide for sewing a basic Roman shade valance:
Measure and Cut Fabric: Measure your window and add allowances for hems and folds. Cut the fabric to the desired width and height, adding extra for seam allowances.
Sew Hems: Fold and press the bottom and side edges of the fabric to create neat hems. Use a sewing machine to stitch the hems in place.
Create Pockets for Dowels: Measure and mark the locations for the dowels on the back of the fabric. Sew straight lines across the valance, creating pockets for the dowels to slide into.
Insert Dowels: Slide wooden dowels into the pockets to create the pleats and structure of the valance.
Attach Rings: Sew small rings to the backside of the valance, evenly spaced along the top edge. These rings will be used to pull up the valance.
Add Lifting Cord: Thread a lifting cord through the rings, ensuring it is properly secured and even in length on both sides.
Install Cord Lock: Attach a cord lock to the top of the valance, securing the lifting cord in place and allowing you to adjust the height of the valance easily.
Mount the Valance: Install mounting brackets or a valance board above your window. Hang the Roman shade valance by threading the lifting cord through the brackets or attaching it to the board.
Conclusion
Crafting a Roman shade valance is a rewarding and creative DIY project that can elevate the look and feel of your living space. With various styles and fabric options to choose from, you can customize the valance to perfectly match your decor and personal taste. By following a step-by-step guide and paying attention to precise measurements and sewing techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results.
A Roman shade valance not only adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your windows but also offers practical functionality in controlling light and privacy. Whether you opt for a classic plain style, a relaxed look, or a more dramatic Austrian design, your handmade valance will become a stunning focal point in any room.
Embrace the creative process, experiment with patterns and textures, and take pride in your crafting skills as you admire the beautiful Roman shade valance you’ve created. With this stylish and timeless window treatment, your home will exude charm, warmth, and an inviting ambiance for you and your guests to enjoy for years to come.
