How To Make Swags And Tails For Bay Windows

Bay windows and bow windows can be dressed using valances, but y'all'll have to be careful about how you go about it. This mostly has to do with how much space is in betwixt each of the windows. Some windows volition take enough space for almost whatsoever type of valance, while others will be limited. Earlier I talk about this, sympathise that valances can be outside-mounted or inside-mounted.

Now back to the idea of space between the windows – Depending on the space in between each window, yous may find that your valance choices can be broken up into these 3 categories.

No space, or minimal space up to two inches in between the private windows:
- Treat all three windows as ane window with a single outside-mounted valance.
- Treat each window separately with inside-mounted valances.
Space of about 3 to half dozen inches in between the private windows:
- Each window can be dressed individually with its ain exterior-mounted valance, simply you'll be express to valances and hardware that won't accept up too much infinite. Consider uncomplicated flat valances or faux shades. If there isn't enough room for pall rod finials, consider elbow connectors for the middle window.
- You can yet treat each window separately with inside-mounted valances.
Infinite of about seven inches in between the individual windows:
- Each window tin be dressed individually with its own exterior-mounted valance. You'll notice that once you have this much space in betwixt the windows, some more than elaborate valances with a 3- to four-inch projection can now work in the space. You lot may need at least x inches of space between the windows for valances that project 5 inches away from the wall or more.
- You can still treat each window separately with inside-mounted valances.

Figure out where your own bay or bow windows belong from these descriptions, then proceed this in mind with the examples beneath.

Balloon Valances

When a single balloon valance spans beyond the entire bay (or bow) window, it oftentimes has inverted box pleats. This is important – by dividing the valance into narrow pleated sections, the valance can flow seamlessly across angled walls.

Some balloon valances are left a bit longer to mimic balloon shades (they're called balloon faux shade valances). This adds summit to a room and provides a bit more than privacy.

When the poufs on a balloon valance are left wider, they're often finished off with tails on each side. This and so becomes a tailed balloon valance. In the breakfast expanse seen here, a bay window was dressed using a light blue Chinoiserie toile fabric, with matching side drapes that were one-width-and-a-half wide (virtually 75 inches) per each curtain.

Board-Mounted Traditional Swags with Long Jabots

Traditional swag valances tin exist made as a unmarried valance if in that location is very little infinite between each of the private windows. These valances are usually lath-mounted, although you can ever ask the workroom to create a rod pocket for y'all.

The key to this valance is to add something in betwixt each board section to make the valance continuous. This is unremarkably a triangle-shaped heart jabot or bell.

If there's plenty infinite in between the windows, consider individual lath-mounted valances with single swags.

How much space you'll demand depends on the verbal spacing between the walls and their angle to each other. While you have petty control over how your home was constructed, yous do take control over how much the board of the valance projects. Most board-mounted valances like this ane usually EACH have a projection between 3 to 4 inches, so you'll need to make certain in that location'due south enough room for two valances to be placed abreast each other. If you'd similar to utilize draperies under the valances, keep in listen that the valance boards may have to projection at minimum v inches from the wall to clear the drapes beneath.

Sometimes the center window tin can be wider than the rest (here, we see a French door with sidelights in lieu of a eye window). Consider a double or triple swag section or a deeply pleated single swag like in the case seen here.

This valance board had to project most half-dozen inches from the wall to accommodate the matching draperies.

For more traditional balloon valances and swags like the ones in a higher place, you tin check out our total choice of custom valances.

Modern False Shades

If you'd like something more mod and sleek than swags and balloon valances, consider a imitation shade. This is a simply a stationary valance that's made to wait similar a shade. The style here is a flat faux Roman shade.

Grosgrain ribbon in contrasting colors is a very popular detail added to apartment faux shades. Check out more faux shades similar this here and shop.

The imitation shade can also use more fabric to create a hobbled valance.

Measure them just wide plenty to comprehend the sides of each window (or patio door), but hang them loftier enough to create the illusion of height in the room.

Relaxed Roman Valances

Another variation of the Roman shade is the relaxed Roman with its signature "smiley face" bottom shape. This style tin be made as a simulated shade, too, Information technology'south perfect for bay windows since it takes up and then piddling space.

Some other example, with each valance covering each individual glass pane. Wondering how this valance is installed? It'southward a board-mounted valance, where the lath was screwed into the top function of the wood office inside the window frame.

Valances on Medallions

Beyond board-mounted valances, another solution is to hang these window treatments on medallions (knobs). Although a unmarried valance can span across the entire bay window, it can be difficult to friction match up the medallion placement at the exact point where the walls meet, unless you request a custom order.

Instead, look to clothes window individually if in that location is some space in betwixt…

…and then dress any adjacent patio doors with within mounted shades or faux shades to complete the look.

Tab Top Valances

Tab top valances are great for bay windows and bow windows. Even if your measurements are off by an inch or two, tab meridian valances can be adjusted to make up for information technology. And if there'south non plenty room for the drape rods, consider connecting them using an elbow connector.

Adjustable Ring Top Valances

With ring top valances, you can use the ability to slide and adjust the valance to your advantage, just like you would with a tab peak valance. The idea is the aforementioned – utilise elbow connectors if there's non plenty room for the finials.

The cuff pinnacle valance style is great for bay windows since it's broken upwardly into smaller, repeating scallops. Information technology may even work as a single valance that spans across the unabridged bay window.

Its tails on the side take up very little room and the wave-like shape makes the valance expect corking when viewed from the side.

Flat Valances (with Optional Side Drapes)

Flat valances are swell for bay windows. It's as well a great opportunity to middle a unique fabric design. They oftentimes have a unique shape at the bottom, which is usually biconvex or scalloped.