Ethan Clarke
DIY window valances are a great, inexpensive way to decorate your windows when curtains are not an option. They are easy to make and can be customised for a wide range of styles and spaces. You can use a variety of materials to make your own valance, such as plywood, polystyrene, foam board, or even fabric. The process is simple and only requires basic tools and methods. Whether you're covering dated scalloped wood cornices or hiding fluorescent lights, a DIY window valance is a stylish and functional solution for your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polystyrene Insulation, Foam Insulation, Foam Board, Wood, Fabric, Wallpaper, Batting, Plastic |
| Tools | Drill, Staple Gun, Knife, Scissors, Hammer, Screwdriver, Sewing Machine |
| Installation | L-Brackets, Screws, Command Strips, Velcro, Glue, Tape |
| Benefits | Inexpensive, Quick, Easy, Customizable, Lightweight, Removable |
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What You'll Learn
Making a window valance with foam board and wallpaper
Window valances are a great, budget-friendly way to decorate your windows. They are a horizontal panel that covers just the top of a window and does not move up and down or side to side. To make a window valance with foam board and wallpaper, follow these steps:
Step 1: Measure your window
Measure your window to determine the size of your finished window valance, which will inform the size of your cuts.
Step 2: Cut the foam board
Using measurements, cut the foam board with a sharp craft or X-acto knife. Most returns are between 3-8" deep and will be the same height as the front main board. You may need to attach two cuts together to span the width of your window. In that case, cut the two sections at the exact same height, line them up side-by-side, and use clear packing tape along the seam.
Step 3: Assemble the valance
Attach the two returns to either end of the main board. Place a length of clear packing tape along one of the vertical sides of a return board. Then, place the return along the backside edge of the main board and wrap the tape to the front, forming a ninety-degree angle. The boards should be able to fall open flat, leaving a 1/4" gap between them.
Step 4: Apply wallpaper
Cover the assembled valance with peel-and-stick wallpaper to create a finished product. Cut about 2" extra in every direction to ensure full coverage. With the "right" side of your window valance facing up, apply the wallpaper, letting the edges hang over and smoothing out bubbles with a paper scraper.
Step 5: Install the valance
Install valance hardware by screwing into your wall or using Command Strips. You can hang simple L-brackets from the hardware store or use a wood block with Command Strips along the outside edge to attach to the valance.
Your window valance with foam board and wallpaper is now complete! This is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to decorate your windows.
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Using inexpensive wood boards
Window valances are a great way to dress up your windows on a budget. They are a horizontal panel that covers just the top of a window and can be made using inexpensive raw materials such as plywood or foam board.
If you want to use inexpensive wood boards for your valance, you can follow these steps:
First, determine the height and width of your valance. The height of your valance can be anywhere from 12 to 15 inches, while the width will be determined by the width of your window. Cut your wood board to the desired size using a saw or have it cut at your local home improvement store. If your valance is larger than your board, you can join two boards together using a Kreg Jig to create a long board.
Next, you will need to cut the supports for your valance. Cut two 3.5-inch pieces from the board for each end of the cornice box. If your cornice box is larger than 4 feet, you will also need to cut additional 3.5-inch pieces to use as center supports. Drill holes in the center supports and end boards, and sand and stain or paint the pieces before assembly.
Now, it's time to assemble your valance. Attach the corner braces to the wall where you will be hanging the valance, using wood screws. Hang the end pieces and center supports on the braces, creating a little ledge off the wall. You can then add a curtain rod to your valance by drilling a hole in the center supports and sliding electrical conduit through.
Finally, you can add fabric to your valance for a more finished look. Measure and mark the fabric, leaving enough to wrap around the sides of the wood. Iron a sharp crease into the fabric, then press it around the valance, securing it with velcro or staples.
With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful and inexpensive wood valance for your windows.
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Using polystyrene insulation
Polystyrene is a plastic-based polymer that is used to create polystyrene foam board insulation. It is available in different colours, such as blue, pink, and white, and can be purchased from hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
To make a valance using polystyrene insulation, you will need to first determine the height and width of your desired valance. The width of the valance will depend on the width of your window, and you may want to add a few extra inches to the measurement to account for the depth of the wood and to ensure full coverage of the window.
Once you have your measurements, you can cut the polystyrene insulation board to size. Use a sharp craft or X-acto knife to cut through the foam board, and be sure to cut the pieces to the exact same height if you need to attach multiple pieces together. You can use clear packing tape to attach two or more pieces together, taping along the seam on both the front and back and up and over the edges.
After cutting and assembling the main board, you will need to attach the "returns" or "sides" of the valance. These determine how far out from the wall your valance will sit and are usually between 3-8 inches deep. Cut the returns to the same height as the main board and attach them to the backside edge of the main board with clear packing tape, forming a ninety-degree angle.
At this point, you can choose to cover the assembled valance with fabric or wallpaper. If using fabric, cut a piece that is 10% wider and longer than your valance, including the returns. Starting in the middle, wrap the fabric toward the back, pulling it tight, and secure it in place with nails or staples. If using wallpaper, apply peel-and-stick wallpaper to the assembled valance, smoothing out any bubbles with a paper scraper.
Finally, you can install your valance by screwing L-brackets into the wall above your window or using Command Strips to attach the valance to the wall.
Polystyrene insulation is a great option for a DIY valance due to its affordability, ease of use, and lightweight nature. However, it is important to note that polystyrene is a thermoplastic material with a maximum service temperature of about 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so it may not be suitable for applications where temperatures exceed this limit.
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Using fabric and hanging on curtain rods
Valances are a great way to add dimension and style to your windows. They can be made from various materials, including fabric, and hung in multiple ways, including on curtain rods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make and hang a fabric valance using curtain rods:
Planning and Measuring:
First, decide on the style of your valance. Fabric valances can be gathered with tab tops, grommet tops, or rod pockets for a casual look, or they can have stitched-in pleats for a more formal appearance. Measure the width of your window, adding 1-1.5 inches to this measurement to determine the width of your valance. This extra fabric will ensure the sides of the wood are covered. For the length, most valances are between 10-12 inches high, but you can customise this to your preference.
Preparing the Fabric:
Cut your fabric to size, adding a few extra inches to each measurement to allow for errors and seams. If you wish, you can add a crease to the fabric with an iron to give it a sharper look. You can also add box pleats to create a softer appearance. If your fabric is prone to fraying, consider hemming the edges to prevent this.
Attaching the Fabric:
You can attach the fabric to the board in several ways. One method is to line the board with velcro, allowing for easy removal and cleaning. Alternatively, you can use a staple gun or strong adhesive to attach the fabric directly to the board. Ensure the fabric is pulled taut and smooth, with no wrinkles or bubbles.
Installing the Valance:
Mark the spots for your curtain rod brackets, placing them at least 2 inches from the edge of the window on either side and 4 inches from the top. Install the curtain rod brackets, then hang the curtain rod. Measure and mark the locations for the valance brackets, placing them outside the curtain rod markings. Drill and screw the valance brackets into the wall, ensuring they are level and aligned with the markings. Finally, hang your fabric valance on the curtain rod, and adjust as needed.
Fabric valances hung on curtain rods offer a simple and effective way to enhance the style of your windows, providing a combination of functionality and aesthetics.
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Using plywood and brackets
Window valances are often made from inexpensive raw materials such as plywood or foam board, which you may already have in your garage. They are decorative and purely functional, providing an opportunity for colour or pattern in a space.
To make a box valance, you can use a combination of 1/2" thick plywood and 1"x 4" dimensional lumber. The valance box should be wider than your curtain rod, giving a good inch on either side. The four pieces of the valance box should be glued and nailed together, preferably with a pneumatic brad nailer and 1-1/4" to 1-1/2" nails. The top and end pieces should be fit behind the front, so that the front of the valance box is smooth. It is important to use wood that is not warped or twisted to get a good result.
The valance box can be hung in a variety of ways, but the two most common ways are to use L-brackets on the inside or to mount blocks of wood to the wall and mount the valance box to them. If you are using L-brackets, measure 5 inches and mark it on a paint stick. Line up the marked edge with the top of the window, then draw a line just above the paint stick. Mark two spots above the window for the L-brackets. The top flat part of the L-bracket should sit at the marked line on the wall. If there are no studs in those areas, use drywall anchors to secure the brackets to the wall. Then, place the board valance on top of the L-brackets and screw it into place.
The valance box is then covered with fabric over a layer of quilt batting. The quilt batting softens the edges and helps hide any imperfections in the plywood’s surface or your assembly technique. The batting can be attached with a staple gun and 1/4" staples, or even staples from a typical office stapler, but it is better to attach it with spray adhesive if available. With the batting in place, cover it with fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Window valances can be made from inexpensive raw materials such as plywood, polystyrene, or foam board. You can also use polystyrene insulation panels, which can be purchased at hardware stores. If you want to make a no-sew valance, you can use foam insulation sheets or fabric.
There are several ways to hang a window valance. One way is to use L-brackets, which can be affixed to the wall with screws or Command Strips. Another option is to use velcro, which can be attached to the wall or to L-brackets. If you are using velcro, make sure to measure correctly so that the fabric lines up perfectly.
First, cut the foam board to the desired size, taking into account the width of your window and the depth of the returns (side panels). Then, attach the returns to either end of the main board using clear packing tape to form a ninety-degree angle. Finally, wrap the entire structure in peel-and-stick wallpaper to cover up any seams or tape, adding a stylish touch to your window treatment.
