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Helpful Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Window Treatments for Difficult Windows

How to Dress Arched and Palladium Windows, Bay and Bow Windows and French Doors The following are some great suggestions that can help you choose a great custom valance for that hard-to-dress window.

Choose a window setting from below.


Arched Windows	Palladium (Palladian) Windows	Bay (or Bow) Windows	French Doors

Arched Windows

Arched windows are quite simple to dress. The key is to understand that the arch above the window is a decorative element that can be used to allow light in. It does not necessarily need to be covered. Covering this section is completely optional.

The following table lists a few of our suggestions for arched windows. Make sure to not solely rely on this information - always read the Product-Specific F.A.Q.'s of each product and follow our measuring guides before making a purchase.

Product Image	Product Name	Installation	Special Tips & Instructions
	Emily Tab Top Valance	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted	Installed at the base of the window arch. If you choose an outside mount, a small allowance of only 2-3 inches is sufficient.
	Gathered Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Simple Parisian Valance	outside-mounted	Decorative pole or continental rod. Small (2-3 inches) allowance is best. Installation below base of window arch.
	Medallion Swag Valance with Bells	on wooden frame	Drapery medallions with proper extension. Small (2-3 inches) allowance is best. Note: This valance will show much of your window frame, which creates a very casual look. Don't use in formal rooms. Window must have a wooden frame. Installation below base of window arch.
	Board-Mounted Roman Valance with Stacked Folds	inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	For outside-mounts, a small allowance is needed (just enough to go over the window frame). For inside-mounts, make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth. Installation below base of window arch.
	Single Swoop Roman Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	For outside-mounts, we recommend a continental rod instead of a decorative pole. For frame-mounts, use a decorative pole or continental rod; for inside-mounts, use a tension rod. Installation below base of window arch.
	Double Layered Scalloped Valance	outside-mounted	If valance is used alone, a small allowance is best. For arched windows around a fireplace, try adding a single drapery over each valance and tying it to opposite sides to create a mirror image effect. Installation below base of window arch.
	Box Pleated Balloon Valance with Deep Poufs	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	For outside- and frame-mounts, try a continental rod instead of a decorative pole for a sturdier look. Use a tension rod for inside-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Straight Pinch Pleat Valance on Rings	on wooden frame	Use a decorative pole. Creates a very casual look. Installation below base of window arch.
	Goblet Pleated Smith Valance	on wooden frame	Use a decorative pole. Much of your window frame and window will show - creates a casual look. Installation below base of window arch.
	Hobbled Valance	outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	For inside-mounts, make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth. For outside-mounts, a minimal allowance, just enough to cover the window frame, is best. Use draperies over this valance to add height to a room. Installation below base of window arch.
	Raised Arch Swag Valance with Jabots	outside-mounted using drapery medallions	Need drapery medallions with proper extension. Read Product-Specific F.A.Q.'s for detailed instructions.
	Arched Kick Pleat Valance	outside-mounted	Decorative pole or continental rod. Small (2-3 inches) allowance is best. Installation below base of window arch.
	Austrian Shade as a Valance	inside-mounted	Use tension rod. Installation below base of window arch.
	Box Pleated London Valance with Banding	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Dakota Teardrop Valance	inside-mounted	Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window. Pair up with draperies over it to add height to a room. Installation below base of window arch.
	Empire Pole Swag Valance with Double Trumpets	outside-mounted	Install about 1 to 2 inches above the base of window arch to make sure that window frame is covered. Installation below base of window arch.
	Ring Style London Valance	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Ring Style London Valance with Detachable Bow	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Shirred London Valance	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tailed Balloon Valance in Scalloped Shape	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	For outside- and frame-mounts, try a continental rod instead of a decorative pole for a sturdier look. Use a tension rod for inside-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tie Top Valance with Banding	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Use a decorative pole. Creates a very casual look. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tie-Up London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Versatile Toss Over Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Three Scoop Valance > Board > Rod Pocket	board: inside-mounted rod pocket: on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	Board version: Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window. Installation below base of window arch.
	Versatile Carolina Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for outside- and frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Julia Valance > 27" Wide > 37" Wide > 44" Wide > 54" Wide	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for outside- and frame-mounts with no return (continental rod if you choose a return). Installation below base of window arch.

Palladium (Palladian) Windows

Palladium Window with Arched Window in Center

One of the biggest obstacles with wide windows such as a palladium window is the fact that it can be difficult to find a curtain rod that is both wide enough and strong enough. Usually, wide curtain rods need a support bracket in the center, which can create an issue if a rod pocket valance is desired.

For that reason, you will find that we recommend rod pocket valances as inside-mounts mostly and offer ring-mounted and board-mounted valances as a clever alternative for those who want to mount their valances outside of the window frame.

The following table lists a few of our suggestions for palladium windows. Make sure to not solely rely on this information - always read the Product-Specific F.A.Q.'s of each product and follow our measuring guides before making a purchase.

Product Image	Product Name	Installation	Special Tips & Instructions
	Gathered Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Medallion Swag Valance with Bells	on wooden frame	Drapery medallions with proper extension. One valance spans across all three window sections. Window must have a wooden frame. Installation below base of window arch.
	Board-Mounted Roman Valance with Stacked Folds	inside-mounted	Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth. Installation below base of window arch.
	Single Swoop Roman Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	For frame-mounts, use a decorative pole or continental rod; for inside-mounts, use a tension rod. Installation below base of window arch.
	Arched Trumpet Rod Pocket Valance	outside-mounted	Valance should be about 3 to 4 inches wider than entire palladium window. You will need a strong wooden pole, with two brackets, one on each side. Installation below base of window arch.
	Box Pleated Balloon Valance with Deep Poufs	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Use a tension rod for inside-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Straight Pinch Pleat Valance on Rings	on wooden frame	Use a decorative pole. One valance spans across all three window sections. Creates a very casual look. Installation below base of window arch.
	Goblet Pleated Smith Valance	on wooden frame	Use a decorative pole. Much of your window frame and window will show - creates a casual look. One valance spans across all three window sections. We only recommend this valance if each window section is about 34 to 35 inches wide, for a total window width of approximately 102 to 105 inches. Installation below base of window arch.
	Hobbled Valance	outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	For inside-mounts, make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth. Use draperies over this valance to add height to a room. Installation below base of window arch.
	Austrian Shade as a Valance	inside-mounted -or- outside-mounted.	Use tension rod for inside-mounts. For outside mounts, you will need a strong wooden pole, with two brackets, one on each side. Installation below base of window arch.
	Box Pleated London Valance with Banding	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts. Continental rod is best for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Dakota Teardrop Valance	inside-mounted	Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window. Pair up with draperies over it to add height to a room. Installation below base of window arch.
	Empire Pole Swag Valance with Double Trumpets	outside-mounted	Install about 1 to 2 inches above the base of window arch to make sure that window frame is covered. One valance can span across all three window sections. We only recommend this valance if each window section is about 39 to 43.5 inches wide, for a total window width of approximately 117 to 131 inches. Installation below base of window arch.
	Ring Style London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Ring Style London Valance with Detachable Bow	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Shirred London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tailed Balloon Valance in Scalloped Shape	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	For frame-mounts, try a continental rod instead of a decorative pole for a sturdier look. Use a tension rod for inside-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tie Top Valance with Banding	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	Use a decorative pole. Creates a very casual look. Installation below base of window arch.
	Tie-Up London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Versatile Toss Over Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Decorative pole for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Three Scoop Valance > Board > Rod Pocket	board: inside-mounted rod pocket: on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Board version: Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window. Installation below base of window arch.
	Versatile Carolina Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for frame-mounts. Installation below base of window arch.
	Julia Valance > 27" Wide > 37" Wide > 44" Wide > 54" Wide	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for frame-mounts with no return (continental rod if you choose a return). Installation below base of window arch.

Bay (or Bow) Windows

Bay Window with Baby Blue Balloon Valances

Bay and bow windows are not difficult to dress. The key is to look at each window individually and to consider other methods of installation besides rod pocket valances. Drapery medallions and curtain rings are a bay window's best friend.

Note that the following suggestions assume that there is no space between your individual window sections. If there is at least a 5-inch wall space between your windows, some of the valances on this list can also be outside-mounted.

The following table lists a few of our suggestions for bay windows and bow windows. Make sure to not solely rely on this information - always read the Product-Specific F.A.Q.'s of each product and follow our measuring guides before making a purchase.

Product Image	Product Name	Installation	Special Tips & Instructions
	Emily Tab Top Valance	on wooden frame	Use a decorative pole.
	Gathered Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts.
	Medallion Swag Valance with Bells	on wooden frame	Drapery medallions with proper extension. Each individual window section has its own valance. Window must have a wooden frame.
	Board-Mounted Roman Valance with Stacked Folds	inside-mounted	Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth.
	Single Swoop Roman Balloon Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	For frame-mounts, use a decorative pole or continental rod; for inside-mounts, use a tension rod.
	Classic Cuff Top Valance	outside-mounted using drapery medallions	Make sure to select the "add ties" selection under options. One valance spans across entire window. Measure the width of the inner walls. If dividing that width by numbers between 8.00 and 8.75 gives you close to a whole number, this valance will work (click here for an example)
	Box Pleated Balloon Valance with Deep Poufs	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Use a tension rod for inside-mounts.
	Straight Pinch Pleat Valance on Rings	outside-mounted	Use decorative poles and connect with swivel joints. One valance spans across entire window.
	Goblet Pleated Smith Valance	on wooden frame -or- outside-mounted	If mounting on window frame, each individual window should have its own valance. If mounting outside and windows are too close together, one large valance can span across all windows. We only recommend mounting this valance outside if each window section is about 34 to 35 inches wide, for a total window width of approximately 102 to 105 inches for a bay window.
	Hobbled Valance	outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	For inside-mounts, make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the actual window depth. Use draperies over this valance to add height to a room. If mounting outside, allowance should be just enough to cover the window frame. Installation below base of window arch.
	Austrian Shade as a Valance	inside-mounted	Use tension rod for inside-mounts.
	Box Pleated London Valance with Banding	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts. Continental rod is best for frame-mounts.
	Dakota Teardrop Valance	inside-mounted	Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window. Pair up with draperies over it to add height to a room.
	Empire Pole Swag Valance with Double Trumpets	outside-mounted	Only possible if there is at least 3 inches of wall space on each side of each individual window.
	Ring Style London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts.
	Ring Style London Valance with Detachable Bow	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts.
	Shirred London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts.
	Tailed Balloon Valance in Scalloped Shape	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	For frame-mounts, try a continental rod instead of a decorative pole for a sturdier look. Use a tension rod for inside-mounts.
	Tie Top Valance with Banding	outside-mounted -or- inside-mounted	One valance can span across entire bay or bow window. Creates a very casual look.
	Tie-Up London Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole or continental rod for frame-mounts.
	Versatile Toss Over Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Decorative pole for frame-mounts.
	Three Scoop Valance > Board > Rod Pocket	board: inside-mounted rod pocket: on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Board version: Make sure that the board depth doesn't exceed the depth of the actual window.
	Versatile Carolina Valance	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for frame-mounts.
	Julia Valance > 27" Wide > 37" Wide > 44" Wide > 54" Wide	on wooden frame -or- inside-mounted	Tension rod for inside-mounts; decorative pole for frame-mounts with no return (continental rod if you choose a return).

French Doors

Many of our valances also come in small sizes, meaning that now you can dress the window as well as the French door for that truly complete look in your room. Most of our French door valances are mounted inside the door, with a width just enough to cover the panes. If your window is made of wood, a regular curtain rod will work. If you have a steel door and can't drill into the door, opt for a magnetic curtain rod.

The following table lists a few of our suggestions for standard sized French doors. Make sure to not solely rely on this information - always read the Product-Specific F.A.Q.'s of each product and follow our measuring guides before making a purchase.

Product Image	Product Name	Installation	Special Tips & Instructions
	Emily Tab Top Valance	inside-mounted	Pole with wide diameter is best.
	Medallion Swag Valance with Bells	inside-mounted	Drapery medallions with proper extension. Only possible on wooden doors.
	Board-Mounted Roman Valance with Stacked Folds	inside-mounted	Only possible on wooden doors.
	Single Swoop Roman Balloon Valance	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Victory Swag Valance	inside-mounted	Install on decorative rod.
	Classic Cuff Top Valance	outside-mounted using curtain pole or drapery medallions	Installing onto curtain pole works on any door; installing onto drapery medallions works on wooden doors only.
	Board-Mounted Bellamy Valance	inside-mounted	Works on wooden doors only.
	Straight Pinch Pleat Valance on Rings	inside-mounted	Install on decorative rod with curtain rings. Not for doors that are opened/closed on a daily basis.
	Austrian Shade as a Valance	inside-mounted	Install onto decorative curtain rod.
	Dakota Teardrop Valance	inside-mounted	Works on wooden doors only.
	Empire Pole Swag Valance with Double Trumpets	inside-mounted	Install decorative curtain rod.
	Ring Style London Valance	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Ring Style London Valance with Detachable Bow	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Shirred London Valance	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Straight Kick Pleat Valance	inside-mounted	Works on wooden doors only.
	Versatile Toss Over Valance	inside-mounted	Use a decorative curtain rod.
	Versatile Carolina Valance	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Julia Valance > 27" Wide	inside-mounted	Install onto curtain rod or continental rod.
	Board-Mounted Roman Valance with Stacked Folds	outside-mounted	Works only if distance to ceiling is large enough so that bottom of valance stops at the top of the door frame for proper clearance.
	Gathered Rod Pocket Valance	outside-mounted	Works only if distance to ceiling is large enough so that bottom of valance stops at the top of the door frame for proper clearance.
	Hobbled Valance	outside-mounted	Works only if distance to ceiling is large enough so that bottom of valance stops at the top of the door frame for proper clearance.

Common Hardware

The most common hardware used are the standard continental rod and decorative pole. For inside mounts, flat (just like the continental rod but without a return bracket) tension rods are used.

Drapery Poles and Rods

The continental rod works with rod pocket valances that have a return. The decorative pole works with rod pocket or curtain ring valances without a return. Above hardware is not needed for board-mounted valances. For steel French doors, opt for magnetic curtain hardware.

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