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Custom Window Treatments Explained
Let's face it - all the terminology around a custom window treatment can be quite overwhelming. A custom window treatment is not just another store-bought curtain that can be gathered to fit any size. After all, it wouldn't be a custom window treatment if it wasn't specifically made to your measurements and other specifications.This page is there to help you decipher some of the concepts behind custom window treatments. Once you understand the basics, you'll gain the confidence to measure and design like a pro (trust us, it's not uncommon for interior decorators to come to us in panic because they themselves don't know how to select the right window treatment fabrics and details). As long as you follow our recommendations, it's not very difficult to do-it-yourself (well, the measuring, designing and installing parts at least).
Note that our website offers plenty of supplemental help in addition to this resource. Our window measuring worksheet page, vast collection of frequently asked questions and our drapery terms and definitions page are only a few of the many invaluable tools that we offer to our customers. Make sure to refer to those pages if you are unclear or need additional help.
The following are the most important concepts to know when it comes to custom window treatments.
 Custom Valances ExplainedA custom valance is one of the most unique types of window treatments. Its custom options are endless. Hence, it takes more effort to understand a custom valance than any other window treatment.
Let's start simple. So what exactly is a valance? A valance is a stationary fabric treatment that covers the upper part of your window. In essence, one of its synonyms says it all - it's a top treatment.
One of the greatest misconceptions about valances is that they can only be mounted outside of your window frame on top of all the other treatment layers. That is not true - there are plenty of possibilities when it comes to layering with valances. Valances can work alone mounted on the wall, window trim, or even inside the window. You can also pair them up with a shade underneath. Draperies work both underneath and above a custom valance. Note that a valance installed underneath draperies must be a flat valance that doesn't take much space, such as our shaped valances. Voluminous valances or valances that otherwise have unique pieces like trumpets, bells, or jabots, generally are installed as the top-most layer, over draperies. As you can see, your imagination is your only obstacle here. Many people are not familiar with custom valances because quite frankly, they've never seen one. They know that it's a window treatment that looks more unique than a store-bought valance, but apart from that, they're not sure how to design with it.
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