Window Treatment - Top Treatment
Contents:
Blouson Valance
A blouson valance is an envelope valance capable of having many different
looks. It can be tailored and flat with sharp pleats or stuffed with tissue paper;
a balloon valance or double layering a blouson valance enables the guest produces a fuller and more
elaborate look.
Examples of Blouson Valance Looks:
Single Layer of Blouson Valance:
| Regular stuffed pouffy with cupped headers |  |
| European tuck with shell header |  |
| Tailored look with cupped header |  |
Double Layer of Blouson Valance:
| Top is stuffed; Bottom is tailored |  |
| Reversed cupped over cupped header; tailored |  |
| European tuck with shell tailored look |  |
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Other Valances
| Ascot Valance - Is a "V" shaped piece of fabric, trimmed with tassel or beads that can be
used free-standing or as a top treatment over panels or poletops. The rod pocket is either
1 1/2" wide or 3" wide; has either a 1 1/2" to 3" header or can be headerless. The size is
usually 40" wide on top and 25" long. Two (2) ascot valances cover a single window. |  |
Cornice Valance - Shallow, boxlike treatment; the bottom edge of the valance can be straight or
shaped.
| One Rod Swag and Cascade - A piece of draping fabric above the window which descends in
a zig-zag fashion from the header; only one rod is required. |  |
| Federal - Top treatment with 3 or 4 scoops; also known as a Trumpet Valance. |  |
| Toga - Top treatment that creates a criss-cross technique when hung on a rod. |  |
| Tuck - Top treatment; material falls into presewn gathers, creating scalloped and rounded
folds. |  |
Tailored - Top treatments gathered at the top that hang in even pleats across the rod; does not have
an envelope construction; can have a straight-line bottom hem or scalloped edge.
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The header is the decorative fabric which extends above the rod pocket. The soft window treatment
header can be manipulated to create many different looks. Headers give the treatment a professionally
finished appearance. Below are the three most popular header manipulations.
| Cupped Header | Shell Header | Fancy Tops |
 |
 Altering header manipulations can give an existing window treatment a whole new look. Ironing is
recommended before a treatment is restyled.
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Scarves
A scarf is a straight piece of fabric, generally 3 and 6 yards, used to adorn windows; enhanced by
decorative hardware (rods and finials, or scones and scarf holders).
Scarves are today's most versatile window treatments. Use them on their own, with tabs or as a topper
for blinds. Scarves create a look of casual elegance that's so right in today's homes.
Where do I start the Scarf?
1. Start one end on the floor. Anchor one end 1/4" from the floor then work your way around the
window. For the puddling effect allow a full 18" to straddle the floor.
2. Symmetrical placement - As you work with the scarf, continually check to keep both ends equal.
This is more challenging for guests.
3. Off Center Arrangement - A carefree, contemporary approach that is easy for guests to achieve.
How many scarves will I need?
Most scarves at Linens 'n Things are 6 yards long. Use the chart below as your guide.
| Top of window is 84" above floor | Top of window is 96" above floor |
| Width | # of 6 yard scarves needed | Width | # of 6 yard scarves needed |
| Up to 48" | 1 | Up to 36" | 1 |
| Up to 96" | 2 | 42" to 72" | 2 |
| 78" to 108" | 3 |
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Cascades and Jabots
| Jabot on outside 5 1/2" (projection) Valance Curtain Rod |  |
| Cascade on inside Rod |  |
| Standard Window with Cascade and Jabot |  |
| Wide Window with / symmetrical layering of cascades |  |
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