| If we are going to accomplish a great looking window | | | | If you have decided to mount the valance or cafe |
| treatment there has to be an order to how we | | | | inside the window frame on a tension rod you can |
| proceed. The place to start is visualizing the impact the | | | | make the valance or cafe length any amount you wish |
| curtains will have on the rest of your decor. You have | | | | because the window treatment can be moved up or |
| nothing to measure until you know how the treatment | | | | down at will. As a rul of thumb the valance should be |
| is going to look. | | | | no more than 1/4 of the window length and the cafe |
| Perhaps you are picturing a full length pair of panels? | | | | should be just above the halfway point of the window. |
| Maybe you will want a valance over the top. Have | | | | Now you can start to measure the actual curtain. |
| you considered having tied back panels over panels. | | | | Measuring the length of a full panel outside of the |
| How about a Valance with a Tier or Cafe in the lower | | | | window then becomes the height from either the top |
| portion of the window? Perhaps a valance outside of | | | | of the rod or the top of the rod plus any ruffle down |
| the window and a cafe in the window or a cafe/tier | | | | to at least where the sewing line on the bottom hem is |
| outside the lower part of the window that extends all | | | | the same as the bottom of the sill or lower. If the panel |
| the way to the floor. You may want the curtains | | | | or cafe is inside the window frame you should allow |
| installed inside the window jams on a tension rod or | | | | for 1/2 inch clearance up from the window sill. |
| outside of the window. The best way I know to help | | | | Here are some additional window designs you may |
| you visualize these choices would be to cut pieces of | | | | want to consider. There are so many combinations |
| newspaper to the size of the various options and tape | | | | that you can choose from. |
| them up in the window. Try several combinations until | | | | These, of course, are very general suggestions and |
| you are pleased with the result. | | | | are meant only as a guide. Through all of this you |
| If you have decided to place a valance or a full length | | | | should remember the one cardinal rule, which is that |
| panel outside the window, the rod is usually mounted 2 | | | | "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". If any other |
| to 4 inches to each side of the molding. That way the | | | | method of installing a window treatment pleases you |
| molding is completely hidden behind the window | | | | then, in my opinion, it is good decorating. |
| treatment. The rod generally is placed 4 inches above | | | | Good luck with your project. |
| the molding. | | | | |