How Long Should Window Valances Be

Another rule of thumb used by decorators is that the window valance depth should be 1 4 of the overall window height plus 1 inch.

How long should window valances be.

For example if the window is 50 inches wide the valance should be about 100 to 150 inches wide when laid flat. There is not an exact ratio to use for valance length but a good start is around one sixth to one quarter the height of the window. Anything less than 16 inches is too short and only works in situations where the role of the valance is to be a mere accent or when the ceiling or the window itself is too low. If the valance is to be hung 9 feet or higher above the floor you can suitably increase the drop to up to 28 inches.

Then decide how long your valance will be. However if your windows are very wide you can go a bit longer than that. It depends on many things but generally speaking the valance will need to be somewhere between 2 to 3 1 2 times the width of the window you re trying to cover. A 60 inch tall window then would call for a 16 inch deep valance while a 48 inch window calls for a valance about 13 inches deep.

Measure the width of your window opening or curtain rods and make a note. A standard valance should have a drop of about 18 to 24 inches. The header style and the valance shape are other factors that can affect the drop length. For example a fuller pinch pleat valance should have a minimum drop of 8 inches.