...from Store Bought to Custom...
Volume 1, Issue 1
January 2008
Budget Conscious Design Ideas...from Store Bought to Custom……..
Love the custom look but can’t afford the price tag? Fret no more. I have some terrific ideas to help you create that “Custom Designer” look on a “Store Bought
budget.
Above: Store bought valance on 1x4 board
All a Board…
Sewing skill: None to Minimal
Materials: * 1x4 Board(s) cut to size. As a rule of thumb, we extend the boards at least 2” past the window edge or molding on each side. * Angle Brackets
Tools: Staple Gun, Screw driver
As most of you know, a “High End” Custom Valance, in most cases, is fabricated by hand and is specifically designed to be mounted on board that is measured to fit a specific window size. Fabrics and trim are especially chosen to match a client’s individual home décor and the window treatment is usually a “One of a Kind” piece.
How do WE get this “Custom Designer” look? WE go shopping to our favorite store for a valance that we LOVE. Pick a valance that 1) coordinates with your home’s décor; 2) has some embellishments such as trim or cording. The valance in the above Master bedroom, for example, has beautiful designer looking tassel trim and has a scalloped bottom; 3) measures at least 5.5” wider on each side than your window edge/molding so that you can staple the treatment to the front and 2 sides of the 1x4 board.
As an option, we recommend that you purchase some white or off white lining which we’ll use to wrap the 1x4 board. This step really makes a difference only if the board will be visible from any angle (bottom, top or side). FYI: all custom window treatment boards are wrapped in lining.
Creating the Board Mounted Valance…
- Measure and cut your 1x4 board - extend the board at least 2” past the window’s edge or molding on each side. How wide you make the board is strictly up to you and will depend on how wide your purchased valance is. If you plan to hang drapery panels underneath the valance, we suggest cutting the 1x4 boards wider in order to give your windows a “Fuller” look without covering too much of the actual window.
- Cover your 1x4 board with drapery lining—this step is optional. Lay the lining on a flat surface placing your 1x4 board on top of the lining. Next, cut enough of the lining to wrap the 1x4 board. You do not need to cover.the sides of the board. Simply fold over and using your staple gun, staple the lining to the board. Think of it as wrapping a present using staples instead of tape to hold the wrapping together.
- Staple valance to 1x4 board...Lay your board down and place your valance on the board so that only about 2” of the top of the valance is laying on the board. Center your valance on the board and put the first staple in the center. Then gently pull the valance and staple down the right side then on the left side. Don’t forget to staple the valance around the sides of the board as well. NOTE: if your valance is too wide, you can do one of the following: a) put one or a couple of pleats in the valance to shorten it before you staple it to the board; b) cut the valance on one or both sides depending on the design of the valance. We recommend sewing the sides or using no sew seam tape.
- Install the 1x4 Board: Use angle irons for 1x4 board (can be purchased at any hardware store or Home Improvement store).
Installing window treatment — install angle brackets to the wall. Place valance on top of angle brackets and install treatment to angle brackets.
Determine Placement – it’s a good idea to have someone place & hold the treatment up for you so you can determine the exact placement of the treatment. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to place the treatment about 5-6” above the frame of the window.
Mark Placement – make a small line with a pencil on the wall underneath the bottom of the board once you’ve decided where to place your treatment. Make sure to check your placement marks with a level to make certain your treatment will be level once installed.
Install Angle Brackets – install the angle brackets to the wallaccording to manufacturer's instructions .
Install Angle Brackets to Valance – place valance on top of brackets you’ve installed into the wall and attach brackets to treatment.
By: Erika B. Moorman,
Owner, Drape Studio
We, at DrapeStudio.com , hope this article will inspire you and help you create some of your own “Custom” like window treatments. Email us at designaid@DrapeStudio.com with your window treatment design questions and don’t forget to visit our website www.DrapeStudio.com for more window treatment design ideas.
At Drape Studio, we are passionate about our work and committed to providing you, our customers, with superior service. From beautiful drapes and valances to charming accent pillows, we’ll help you create the designer room of your dreams, without the designer price tag.
With Warmest Regards,
Drape Studio
Sew in Style
Jacksonville, FL
DrapeStudio.com
