GlossaryAustrian Shade as a Valance
Available widths: 24" to 90"
Austrian shades are one of the most demanding custom window treatments when it comes to attention to detail. For that reason, they are quite a rare find among today's store-bought window treatments. Luckily, you don't have to buy store-bought as we offer a great alternative - our custom Austrian shades as a valance. They look like an Austrian shade, but they are stationary like a valance.
Our Austrian shade valances come in all sorts of widths and lengths. Need to cover an entire French door for privacy? Or perhaps you are looking for a simple valance that coordinates with your draperies? Whatever it is, the Austrian shade valance is versatile enough to fit any window or door. This valance can either be inside- or outside-mounted. Each valance is fully lined with premium drapery lining. The valance hangs flat and has a 3-inch rod pocket. This product is custom made to order in our Priority Windows USA workroom.
To measure: This valance gathers to about 75 to 80% of its width. As an example, a 50-inch width would cover an area that is 38 to 40 inches wide.
No, this valance is meant to hang flat.
What kind of curtain rod will I need for this valance?
This valance has a 3-inch rod pocket. Try a round drapery pole with a diameter up to 1.25 inches for outside-mounted valances or a thinner curtain rod for French doors. For inside-mounted valances, try a simple tension rod.
I want to install this valance onto my French door but I am afraid or unable to drill into it. What should I do?
If your door is made of a metallic material that can't be drilled into, try a magnetic curtain rod. There is no drilling involved at all.
Should I mount this valance inside or outside of my window frame?
Both looks are possible. Valances like this are usually inside-mounted when the room is too small to save space or when it is used as an "accent" piece with draperies or shorter valances. They are also commonly installed onto French doors by covering only the panes and installing the curtain rod onto the door itself. If you intend to make the Austrian shade valance a focal point, mount it outside the window frame. If you would like to make your window appear larger, add a big allowance when measuring for the valance and use heavy draperies underneath.
Can I raise this window treatment?
This window treatment does not function like a shade. It is stationary.
Will this valance work on a bay or bow window?
Yes, easily. Consider mounting it inside each window. It will even work on French doors. Use it as a short accent valance to cover your French door slightly or opt for a full length valance that will cover your French door entirely for privacy.
What kinds of trims do you suggest? I'm afraid that I will pick the wrong kind.
Each product has already been configured to allow you to choose only trims that will work with it. Short trims are not offered on valances with deep, voluminous folds and similarly, big and bulky trims aren't an option when it comes to scalloped products with sharp edges and curves that need to be sewn with utmost attention to detail. Feel free to choose any trim that the product allows in its drop-down list. And remember, colors don't have to match exactly, but they need to go together.
Can I pair this valance up with draperies?
Yes, it's possible. You just have to make sure that your valance projects at least five inches from the window to ensure that draperies can fit underneath it. In order to clear a pair of draperies, the valance will need a matching wooden or metal bracket that extends at least five inches. Those are quite inexpensive and readily available at many retailers who sell drapery hardware.
Why are some options that I'd like not possible with this valance?
Austrian shades are very specific when it comes to what fabrics, trims, linings and other supplies will work with it. We have designed this particular window treatment to ensure a professional looking custom curtain that will maintain the proper look and shape when you design it.