Name for this type of curtain /valance

5 years ago

I'd like to make a valance in this style. Does anyone know what it's called? I particularly like the "dips" at the top, and I suspect buttons may be involved -- but I want to look at other examples before I commit to the project.

Thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

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Mrs Pete
Original Author

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

No, sorry, I only have this one inspiration pix. I like the whole room, but what I like about the curtain -- in this order -- is: The toile fabric, the bit of fancy at the hem, and the unexpected shape of the valance.

With that said, hang on ... with the words "Empire" and "Florentine" at my service, I've been learning. Empire seems to have been the most popular term, though the two seem to be interchangeable. The word "Regency" popped up too.

Apparently this type of valance is more often seen over drapes, and it is a formal thing. "Formal" did not occur to me in my inspiration pix, though -- yeah -- I see it.

This type of valance is made up of "swags" (which I could've told you) and "trumpets" (which I did not know). You must have a minimum of two swags and three trumps (I think I could've figured that one for myself), though I personally think I prefer this as a wider valance with more swags and trumpets.

Pictures I found instructive:

This one seems to be most like my inspiration pix; however, I don't like that this one is a bit see-through, and I can see that it could not be lined. I'm not completely clear on how it stays so nicely "ruched". I had suspected buttons were involved, but -- in this example -- that seems to be false. Apparently the fancy-bits at the hem are mandatory.

Apparently it's easy to go overboard (or, Full-on 80s) with this style.

Maybe I prefer a more simple style -- I can see how this look is created, and it might be easier to "keep looking nice".

This similar style, I learned is called a Cuff Top curtain. The easiest thing here, it's just a straight piece of fabric with clips attached to rings. I like it, and easy is nice. I note that this example is lined (which is my preference), and I could choose a better trim -- I definitely like the trim on the other examples /the ones that "dip below the hem" more than this example.

This similar style is called a Medallion Curtain. I personally don't care for it. I suspect it needs some sort of support to keep it straight over time. I found examples of this type of curtain over arch-top windows, which makes sense. Again, this curtain could be titled Straight-outta-the-80s.

THANKS to all who helped me, especially Pam, who gave me the terms to search.

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Comments (11)

shadylady2u
5 years ago
There's not really a name for it. From what I can see of it, just looks to be a rectangle with tabs at the top, placed far apart, so when it's hung they get pushed together closer to make the droop. Not sure if it's cinched in the front or a button or a pleat.

Do you have a better pic (higher resolution)? I'd need to enlarge it to see more detail, but if I try, it just gets fuzzy.
tartanmeup
5 years ago
Super cute! It almost looks like ties at the top. Yes, to a better picture please. :)
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pamghatten
5 years ago
I googled styles of valances for windows, and Empire & Florentine might be what you are looking for ...
shadylady2u
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I used to be a professional curtainmaker and part of my job was to figure out how to make things by looking at pictures. The pic you posted is made as I said and has no specific name. It's a rectangle with some sort of tabs at the top sewn far apart, with a store bought trim at the bottom.

I've made the Cuff top and that is scalloped, not a rectangle.
Mrs Pete
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I used to be a professional curtainmaker and part of my job was to figure out how to make things by looking at pictures.

What a cool job.

The pic you posted is made as I said. It's a rectangle with some sort of tabs at the top sewn far apart, with a store bought trim at the bottom.

Yes, could definitely be tabs.

I've made the Cuff top and that is scalloped, not a rectangle.

Hmmm, I thought it was a rectangle with extra fabric "draping" at the two ends.
PRO
Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
5 years ago
I agree with shadylady. The resolution isn’t very good in the photo so it’s hard to zoom in to see detail, but it appears to be what I’d call a slouch valance with tabs. It’s a simple rectangle with tabs (maybe gathered up but can’t tell). You can drape string or cord from the side of a table and see how much droop you want for your scallops. Then go from there figuring how long your piece needs to be, asked on how many scallops you want. The inspiration photo looks to be about 12” apart from tab to tab and there probably about 14 to 15” of fabric forming the droop.
PRO
Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
5 years ago
In relooking at the inspiration photo the scallop sections are probably 8 to 10” apart, so maybe about 10 to 12” or so of fabric fullness to form the droop.
One Devoted Dame
5 years ago
My first thought was, "tab top with soft dip," but I seriously doubt that's official terminology, lol. :-D
Tab tops can be wide or narrow, with or without (decorative or functional) buttons. The fabric you choose will determine how the valance dips/folds when the tabs are brought closer together.

I agree that it's totally a plain rectangle with trim -- easy peasy!
Mrs Pete
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
he resolution isn’t very good in the photo so it’s hard to zoom in to see detail, but it appears to be what I’d call a slouch valance with tabs.

I know, and I wish I had a better picture.

I like the name "slouch valance".

You can drape string or cord from the side of a table and see how much droop you want for your scallops. Then go from there figuring how long your piece needs to be, asked on how many scallops you want.

Excellent plan.

I agree that it's totally a plain rectangle with trim -- easy peasy!

Yeah, I like easy. Now I must locate some nice fabric. And the trim. I think it's all about the trim.

THANK YOU ALL! I SO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP.
tartanmeup
5 years ago
I was reading Brian Del Toro's chapter in Parrish-Hadley - Tree of Life and one of his living rooms had curtains that swooped like these, for lack of a better term. The pictures aren't clear enough to offer much detail but if you're interested in seeing them, it's pictures 5 and 6 in his website portfolio slideshow.

Wish I could be more help. In any case, I hope you'll share your creation with us if you attempt them. :)

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Mrs Pete
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