Homeowners looking to spruce up their living rooms or interior decorators with an eye for trendy fabrics can use window valances as decorative, intricate means of shrouding windows and light fixtures with elaborately patterned fabric. A Victory valance is a unique means of ornamenting the roof of a window with custom designed fabric, accenting the interior or matching the color scheme of a particular room. Victory valances are available in an endless array of sizes, fabrics, styles, colors, and fringes. The majority of valances are made by hand, so that a professional will craft a specific, one of a kind design to any specifications. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, you can go so far as to craft one yourself using simple fabrics and a Victory valance pattern. Valances can cover any type and height of window, from arches to bay windows, so there is no limit to their capability. Furthermore, they can be paired with any type of curtain or blind for a potent blend of color and style.
A Victory swag valance — so named for the time setting of the original design during the American Revolution, also known as a patriot valance — is similar to other custom designs of window valances. The richly textured swag, or trim about the base, gives a classic look without restricting the amount of light entering a window. A custom-made valance will have a considerable amount of trim and overlap, so that a large deal of thread is necessary. Thus, an elegant valance will tend to be more expensive than simple curtains and will take longer to make if stitching the pattern by hand. The volume of swag and overlap is crucial to the hanging, folded look, so skimping on the amount of fabric needed is not recommended, or else it will look pinched and tight.
For many valance, custom tassels in alternating colors are a popular decision about the swag at the base. These tassels are called jabots, and are available in any color or pattern, although using the color scheme of the entire valance is normal. Valances can use custom prints and images with a high amount of intricate detail, but they must be properly centered and stitched with the contours of the folds in mind, as nearly half of the fabric will be hidden behind itself on a normal sized valance. The entire drape is settled on a pole above the window, hanging a foot or two over the roof of the window. The number of folds is entirely up to the customer, though three is usually enough for even the largest sized window.
Customers interested in how to make a Victory valance with their own two hands have a number of options. Many websites and home improvement stores sell videos or books about the very subject, often for twenty dollars or less. Making a Victory handmade valance can drastically cut down on the costs, as a custom made set can cost hundreds of dollars for an individual piece; designer fabrics may cost upwards of a thousand. Thus, hand stitching is a budget friendly option but may take weeks or even months depending on personal skills. Three different types of fabric must be purchased; one for the base, one for the trim, and one for the tassels. Each design is supposed to compliment one another, so be careful not to use colors or patterns that could clash.
A Victory swag valance adds color and beauty to any room in the house, and making one by hand is sure to leave friends and family impressed. Visit local home improvement stores to check models and prices of your particular preference.
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