WINDOW VALANCE BOX
For our nursery curtains, I knew I wanted to create a more elegant look, and with off-center windows, I knew that the best way to disguise it was making a large window valance box that would extend up to the ceiling and could trick the eye into thinking the windows were bigger and more proportional. By using inexpensive Ikea curtains to wrap the window valance box, and then go behind the valance box, we were able to make the curtains look much more luxe than they were in reality (inexpensive Ikea ones for $30!) Which just shows you again, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg on curtains! (See all my budget-friendly DIY Curtains here!)
We have also recently updated this tutorial with another take on it–a scalloped cornice board (see it here!)
*This post has been updated since it was originally published as the curtains have changed since then but the instructions are the same–I have only updated the photography and the grosgrain ribbon! And oh my gosh, my original photography (insert emoji with hands over my face!)
HOW TO MAKE A VALANCE BOX
MATERIALS:
- 2 packs of Ikea curtains or other inexpensive curtains (see how to save money on curtains here). Two panels will be for the curtains, and one panel will be for the box valance.
- Grosgrain ribbon- I used 1.5″ grosgrain ribbon from here
- MDF board
- Staple Gun
- Nail gun
- Hot glue gun
- Stitch Witchery tape
- Curtain Rod- I use Ikea curtain rods with the Bettylig System
- Iron
- Batting 4 oz. weight
REMEMBER THIS POST BY PINNING IT!
MAKING A CORNICE BOX
DIRECTIONS:
1.) Assemble the MDF Box. We wanted a light but stiff box that would maintain its shape. While some people chose to make their’s out of poster board, I wanted one that would last years, so we went with MDF which is cheaper than plywood. You can see in the picture below how my husband assembled it (a three-sided box.) He glued the sides together with hot glue and then used a nail gun to drive the nails through.
4.) Next, lay out the pre-cut curtain panel. I used a third Ikea Merete panel (from the second pack of Ikea curtain panels.) Agin, cut enough so that you have an overhang on each side to staple the fabric to the board and wrap each of the edges (top, bottom, and both sides).
7.) Finally, it’s time to mount and hang the curtains and the cornice box.
Since the originally making the cornice box and curtains, we have added two children to the nursery and changed the black grosgrain ribbon to french blue ribbon. Baby Boy Room Decor and Nursery
HOW TO MAKE YOUR WINDOW LOOK LARGER WITH A BOX VALANCE
Remember to hang your cornice box as high to the ceiling as you can. Doing so will make the window look larger. In addition, extend the width of the valance box approximately 10″ on either side of the window. To even out our asymmetrical windows, I extended the window box valance 6″ on the left, and 10″ on the right and pull the curtains across the windows so it looks like it is evenly spaced.
TAKE THE SHORT-CUT TO DECORATING YOUR HOME
Frustrated with stuff not looking “right” in your home? I’ve been there, and so many of my readers have too.
After years of answering questions and DMs about essential home measurements, I made a free cheat sheet that you can download. In it, I share the essential measurements like how high to hang your curtains, how long your curtains should be, how big a chandelier should be, what light bulbs to use in what room, and everything you need to have a beautifully decorated home! Gathering all these measurements have taken me years. But I’ve finally gotten it down to a science. Stop guessing with your measurements, and consult the cheat sheet!
SHOP THE ROOM HERE:
DON’T MISS THESE POSTS:
How to Make Your Own Curtains and Save Money
DIY Curtains–see all the DIY Curtains we’ve made in our house on the cheap!
Wow, the room looks so pretty with new curtains – you did a great job, Annie!
WOW! i am in love with the curtains and pelmey box! they look amazing! great job!
Such a night and day difference from what you started with! I love your new window treatments and it's simple enough for a non-sewer like me to knock out. Thanks for sharing on Best of the Nest!!
Question–how did you mount the box to the wall? Same thing with your roman shades–how did those mount to the wall? Great ideas!
The person who designed this child’s bedroom did an extraordinary job. I wish they could decorate my bedroom.
Made my valance box,followed your instructions and they came out beautiful will try more of your project’s Thank you!
Thank you very much for seeing good information.
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Hi,
These are beautiful! How did you attach it to the wall?
Hey! Love this! Going to do it for my nursery! But question- how did you mount the cornice box to the wall? Thanks!!
I too am curious as to how you mounted to the wall.