No Sew Window Valance
I’ve had so many different ideas of what to do for a valance over the last few weeks, but I finally made up my mind when I found these table runners at the dollar store for $3 each.
I’ve never made a box pleat before, but I thought… how hard could it be?
So I just decided to wing in and see what happened. The runner wasn’t long enough for more than one pleat so it was actually quite easy.
My window area from where it will hang is 36 3/4″ inches wide, and the runner was 47. I pinched in about 2″ of fabric on both sides of the centre and pinned it.
The finished length of the valance came to about 39 “.
I cut a 36″ piece of 1″x 1” lumber from our stash. This leaves a little space on either side to tuck in the ends of the valance.
I pinned the pleat closed because it made it easier to staple gun the fabric onto the 1×1.
Here’s the back of the pleat. Before hanging it up I gave it a light ironing.
Once the fabric was stapled on I removed the pins and turned the 1×1 so the stapled area was at the top. That is the side that will go up in the window.
As is seen in this photo.
I used this same method of hanging when I made my beach mat window blind for my guest room last year. You can see that post here.
And here’s my first ever box pleat anything. It’s not perfect, but our house motto is “almost perfect” so I’m quite happy with it.
The traditional (dare I say it, lol, … almost tailored) look of the valance with the funky look of the fabrics really speaks to me. Mixing up colours, fabrics, and styles is such fun. It’s like play time.
I tucked the top corners of the valance in around the piece of wood, and simply used one tack on each side to secure the bottom corners into the molding. Easy peasy.
It’s funny how the wall colour looks more yellow when taking pics at night. It’s actually raffia cream, which is a nice light and creamy colour.
Here’s the plain and boring window before, and the fun and funky after .
Because we have backup electric baseboard heaters below the two windows on the east side of the master bedroom we can’t put floor length curtains.
So this is my solution for all three windows, and it had to be done on the cheap. Each table runner was $3, and the fabric on each shade cost about 50 cents. With tax that’s about $4 a window.
Not bad for this thrifty girl. If I can make this pretty much anyone can.
What do you think? Have you ever made a box pleat?
Absolutely pure genius; using a table runner to finish off your window. I myself, never would had thought about using a table runner as a window treatment. Clever idea. Something I'm going have to remember.
Beautiful job and your runner goes well with your printed fabric. Having that pleat…………Awesome
Well, if that's not perfect, it's as near to it as it can get! It looks fabulous!!! Great job, girl! Dona
Thanks so much Dona! It wasn't quite as hard as I thought it would be.
Table runners for a valence! Genius! And it looks perfect to me too. Great job Tuula!
Your talent of knowing how to put things together amazes me and this valance is no exception! Who would have thought to do this? Not me! This looks lovely! Go Tuula! Go Tuula!
These are perfect in every way! They look great with the shades, were cheap, and easy too! I love repurposing items and using things in unintended ways! I can't wait to see your room all finished…so fun and funky!
Wow Tuula! It must have been fate for you to find that runner! It's perfect, and don't you just love when something falls into place like this? The right pattern, color, size…everything! Great job!
How very awesome Tuula and oh so pretty! That simple box pleat sure makes it look all professional to me! Thank you for 2 no-sew projects in a row!
Leave it to you to come up with such an brilliant idea! Love the colors Tuula!
I am a big fan of the box pleat look and I love how you constructed yours…I love the price too!!
I love the simple lines of the valance with the box pleat. The green looks great with the funky shade.
That is just so pretty, no sew has me every time!
So pretty! Love the happy colours!
Thanks so much Sue! In the middle of winter I really need those happy colours. lol.
Wow! You found rhe perfect green to match! Your window looks great. Thanks so much for sharing at the Make it Monday Party! Hope to see you again next week.
It really adds a fun touch to the shade Tuula! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Perfect! What a good idea and so thrifty too. Love the bright colors.