I had a window accent issue to tackle.  The wall of  windows in my master bedroom frame a beautiful view but there is no wall space for drapes or even full accent panels.  I solved the privacy issue with natural fiber window coverings installed into each window frame – but the wall still looked bare and in need of some sort of dressing.

Non-Traditional Valance

Due to tall ceilings there was a blank space between the ceiling and the window’s top trim.  A standard valance (ruffle or box frame) would look too traditional and heavy for the window.  I wanted something - but didn’t know what.  I wanted it interesting but airy.  I wanted it unique but inexpensive. I wanted it to visually fit with the rest of the room.  I want, I want, I want…but what?

Wide wood trim separates the natural fiber blind from the large blank wall to ceiling space above.

Inspiration finally hit and I now have a decorative valance that is one of a kind, inexpensive, suits the rest of the room and doesn’t take away from the impact of the lake view.  Here’s what I did (I jumped the gun and I’m showing this to you before painting the wall - imagine a warm muted gold colored wall against the wide wood trim):

An iron and fabric valance closes the gap between the ceiling and the window frame.

 Here’s How

1.  I spotted this photo frame at Pier 1.  Bonus!  It was on sale for $4.98 instead of the regular price of $9.98.  It took inventory from 2 stores to get the quantity I needed –  but what a bargain.  Its dark frame and oil rubbed bronze decorative metal works well with other pieces in my master bedroom.

This photo frame is soon to be a fabric and iron valance!

2. Remove the back cover of the photo insert space and also remove the glass or plastic insert meant to protect the photo.  Use a roller pen to trace around the back cover onto thick upholstery batting and then cut out the piece.  Repeat this so you have one piece of batting cut for each frame. 

Trace the photo insert cover onto batting - one for each frame.

3.  Cut a fabric piece  for each frame that is approximately 1 1/2″ larger in width and height than the back photo cover.

Cut fabric pieces larger than the photo insert cover.

4.  Lay a piece of the cut fabric face down and center a piece of batting on it.  Then place the photo frame’s back cover on top of the batting so the back side (where it latches into the frame) faces up.   Pull the edges of the fabric up over the batting and around onto the insert cover and then tape the fabric edges down (I simply used blue painter’s tape) or hot glue it if you prefer.  Insert the cover into the back of the frame so the puff of fabric covered batting pokes out the front of the frame and the cover locks into place on the back of the frame.

The fabric is pulled over the batting and around to the back of the photo insert cover and taped in place.

5.  Sew a glass bead into the center of the fabric and batting showing through the front of the frame.

A glass bead is sewn onto the front center of the fabric and batting.

One photo frame transformed and ready to hang.

6.  Hang and enjoy!

What Trick Is Up Your Sleeve?

So what window covering tricks have you pulled?  Share your ideas by clicking on the Comment link at the end of this post or, better yet, send me a photo of your unique window covering to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.  It’s fun to share and see what others are up to.

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