Design your own balloon window valances

Balloon valances add flair to any home. Here you will find how to make balloon valances in a few easy steps. By adding them in your den or family room, it gives the room a touch of elegance and looks like you spent a lot of money. You can also place balloon valances in the nursery or bathroom. These valances look great wherever you need a topper for your window. They also compliment any shade or plantation shutters that you have on the bottom portion of your window. This also saves you money by not having to cover the entire window.


Measure the window where you will be hanging the balloon valance. Purchase material 45 inches wide, to allow for three times the width of your window. If you need 3 yards, purchase 9 yards and so on. If you do not use the required material width, your valances will not look uniform. Purchase material like chintz, upholstery material, printed lace, and cotton. You will also need a sewing machine, scissors or pinking shears if the material is light, and matching colored thread. Do not use plain sheer material without prints. This material you can see through and the tissue paper will show.



You will need a table or counter to lay the material on. Place the material right side together. Sew the unfinished edges with a 1/2 inch hem and sew the open end closed. Now double the material in half and sew a 4 inch top ruffle on the top.


When you look at the valance, it will be open in the middle. Now sew a 1/2 inch from the top of the valance and measure 2 inches down and sew another seam 1/2 inch there. This will allow for the rod pocket that you will hang the valance on. The 2 inches in between will be opened. This is where you insert the rod.


Purchase either a wide curtain rod designed especially for balloon valances or a regular width curtain rod. Measure where the brackets will go. Hang the brackets on the window frame using the screws or nails that came with the brackets. You can put them directly into the drywall, but be sure they are attached to a wall stud. If not, the rod will fall. You can also use mollies if preferred. Take the curtain rod and place it through the newly made ruffle at the top of the valance.


To make the valance balloon look puffy looking, insert tissue paper in the middle of the valance, pinning the ends shut. Use white tissue paper only, the tissue paper you would use for wrapping presents.


Gather the curtain evenly on the window. You should have a 4 inch hem top now. The curtain should be ruffled and full when looking at the window.


To clean the balloon valances, machine wash them in cold water. You can also use a store bought dry cleaning kit that you place in your dryer. This kit comes with a bag that you place the valances in. Chintz has a shiny look to it. By having them dry cleaned, they will stay new looking longer. Or if you prefer, you can dry clean them professionally, although this will cost money. The choice is yours. Now sit back and enjoy your newly decorated home!