Valance
Soft, fabric-based decorative window treatment topper.
A valance is typically made from fabric and may be tailored, pleated, shaped, or softly gathered. It can soften the window line and help conceal hardware.
ALMEERS LIVING · WINDOW TREATMENTS
Valances & Cornices Measuring Guide
A well-measured valance or cornice gives your window treatment a clean, tailored finish. Follow these steps to plan the width, finished height, and return depth for your custom top treatment.
WidthFinished heightReturn depth
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Valance or Cornice: What’s the Difference?
Both styles are planned using the same core dimensions, but the material and construction create a different look.
Cornice
Structured, board-mounted architectural window treatment.
A cornice is generally rigid or structured, sometimes upholstered, and creates a more defined architectural line while concealing selected hardware.
Before measuring: identify what sits behind the treatment—curtain track, rod, Roman shade, blind, or another system. The required depth and mounting details depend on the actual product and installation.
01
Measure the Width
Order width is the total horizontal span you want the valance or cornice to cover. Record exactly what the measurement includes.
How to measure
- Measure the full outside width of the window or underlying treatment you intend to cover.
- Decide whether the treatment should extend beyond the window frame on either side.
- Include side extensions only when they are part of your planned finished coverage.
- Note any wall corners, adjacent windows, cabinetry, or other restrictions.
- Confirm whether the maker defines order width as overall outside width, face width, or another product-specific dimension.
Planning reference: the example in your design uses 2–6 inches of side overlap. Treat this as a visual planning range only; the correct extension depends on the window, room, and chosen product.
02
Measure the Finished Height
Finished height is the visible vertical face of the valance or cornice, not necessarily the full window height.
How to choose and record height
- Identify the intended top edge and bottom edge of the finished treatment.
- Measure vertically between those two points.
- Consider the window size, ceiling height, furniture, and overall room proportions.
- If the treatment must hide a rod, track, blind headrail, or brackets, make sure the planned face height conceals them as intended.
- Record installation height separately from the finished face height if the supplier asks for both.
Design reference: approximately 1/5 to 1/3 of the window height can be a starting point for proportioning, not a required dimension. Confirm the look against the actual room and product design.
03
Determine the Return Size / Depth
Return depth is the distance from the wall or mounting plane to the front edge of the treatment.
How to measure return depth
- Measure from the wall or intended mounting plane to the front edge you want the treatment to reach.
- Measure the projection of any track, rod, bracket, blind, or layered treatment underneath.
- Allow enough clearance for the underlying system to operate without rubbing or obstruction.
- For a bay or corner window, check whether each return or side section needs a different dimension.
- Confirm mounting brackets, end returns, and construction details with the maker before ordering.
Important: there is no single return depth that works for every installation. Use the actual hardware projection and confirm the minimum clearance with your installer.
04
Measurement Worksheet
Use this interactive worksheet to record the key dimensions for one window. Measure every opening separately.
This worksheet is for planning and note-taking. It does not calculate product deductions or replace the manufacturer's measuring instructions.
05
Final Check Before Ordering
Complete the checklist before you send measurements to the supplier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about planning valance and cornice dimensions.
What is the difference between a valance and a cornice?
A valance is usually a soft fabric treatment that decorates or conceals the upper part of a window. A cornice is a more structured, rigid or upholstered box-like treatment. Their appearance differs, but both require planning for width, finished height, mounting, and return depth where applicable.
How do I measure the width of a valance or cornice?
Measure the full horizontal span you want the treatment to cover, using the planned or existing hardware and window layout as references. Record whether the measurement includes side extensions, returns, or end details. Confirm the order-width convention with the maker before production.
How tall should a valance or cornice be?
The finished height depends on window scale, ceiling height, the treatment style, and whether it must conceal a track, rod, blind, or other hardware. A proportion such as one-fifth to one-third of the window height can be a starting point for design discussion, not a universal sizing rule.
What is return depth?
Return depth is the distance from the wall or mounting plane to the front edge of the valance or cornice. It may need to clear curtain tracks, rods, brackets, blinds, or layered treatments underneath. Measure the actual projection and confirm suitable clearance with the installer.
Should I use inches or centimetres?
Use the unit requested by the supplier and keep it consistent across every measurement. Label each value clearly and avoid mixing inches and centimetres in the same order record.
Can I use the same measurements for every window in a room?
Measure each opening and installation separately. Window widths, wall conditions, underlying hardware, ceiling levels, and obstructions can vary even when windows look similar.
ALMEERS LIVING · CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
Need help confirming your measurements?
Explore our design guide or arrange a site survey so the treatment, underlying hardware, and installation details can be checked before production.