How to Hang Tie-Up Valance Curtains

Learn how to fold and hang tie-up valance curtains with this simple accordion method. In a little time, you can transform your windows with elegance and charm.

Window Tie-Up Valance Curtains

A tie-up valance is a decorative window treatment that adds a touch of elegance and charm to any room. A curtain or fabric valance can be raised or lowered using fabric ties or ribbons. The tied-up position creates a beautiful cascading effect, while the lowered position is a great way to privacy and blocks sunlight.

My best option for new curtains was these cotton fabric valance curtains over on Etsy. They are custom-made so that you can order just the right size for your windows.

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The windows at our home in Maine are smaller windows than the average larger windows, as they were designed to fit an Early American-style home.

Of all the curtain styles, I wanted a tie-up valance that would not block the light yet still be charming enough for this old home’s small windows.

When I started hanging the valances, I realized I did not know how to hang a tie-up valance curtain properly. Do you?

After researching, I learned that this accordion-style folding method is simple and works beautifully on tie-up valance curtains. I wanted to share it with you today.

How to Fold and Hang A Window Tie-Up Valance

Step 1: Iron the tie-up valance panels

Including the attached ribbons. Please don’t skip this step, friends; freshly ironed valances will look much more pleasant with their romantic look and perfect balance.

You may also enjoy this 5 Window Sill Decor Ideas: Vintage Design post.

Step 2: Hang the tie-up valance curtain panel

Next step, insert the curtain rod or tension rod into the rod pocket at the top of the valance. Adjust the gathers evenly along the rod for a balanced appearance. Then hang the rod on your window, ensuring it is securely in place.

I used simple tension rods to avoid having to install curtain rod brackets.

Step 3: Tie each attached tie-up valance ribbon

That comes with your window valance curtains like this. Refer to the full tutorial video for more details.

How high should a tie-up valance hang?

Measure how low you want your window valance to fall from the top of the window. The average length is a quarter of the way down the window or at the bottom of the top window pane.

Do not knot the ribbon! Just the first fold-over of a knot will do. Use the back ribbon to tie forward for a clean look. Refer to the full tutorial video for more details.

Step 4: Start the accordion style fold

Fold the bottom of the tie-up valance curtain towards the back (or the window side) about 1″ inch, as large as the seam is, or whatever width you would like your folds to be. I folded mine at about 1″, which was also the size of the hem.

Then, fold the opposite way like a fan upwards until you reach where the ribbons are tied together for gentle folds at your desired height. Refer to the full tutorial video for more details.

Step 5: Lay each of the fold’s ends

Into the ribbon’s pseudo-knots that you created earlier. Then, start fluffing and arranging the curtains as you like.

For your information, I don’t recommend tying the ribbons into knots, as this will only wrinkle the ribbons more.

You may also leave the valance ribbon hanging as it is or tie it into bows from here, which is what I did. I then cut the bow’s length to fit the valance size on each window.

Once you have completed one tie-up window valance, the rest will take you no time at all.

How do you dress up a window valance?

You can change out the ribbons and ties in many different ways by switching how you tie the ribbons from bows to double bows or letting the ribbons hang.

Now, our tie-up valance curtains look professionally hung the right way, and I learned something new to share with you here today, too!

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Kitchen Tie-Up Valance

Here, you can see the window valances displayed in our small country kitchen windows.

For a different look, sheer rod pocket curtains would also be a wonderful addition to any living space, with all the extra natural light they provide.

You may also enjoy this post, Coastal Curtains for Living Room: A Nautical Vintage Story.

Tie-up shades like these add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your windows while allowing you to control the room’s light and privacy. Experiment with different fabric patterns, colors, and tie-up styles to create your space’s unique and personalized look. Enjoy the tailored look and, the best part, the functionality of your new window treatments, recommended by interior designers worldwide.

Incorporating tie-up valance curtains can transform any space, from sheer curtains that add a light, airy touch to blackout curtains perfect for more private areas. Whether you’re dressing up formal rooms or working with an interior designer on a bay window project, these versatile window treatments can enhance the elegance of a dining room. With options to suit various styles and simple sewing projects to customize your look, tie-up valance curtains offer a practical and stylish solution for any home.

I hope you enjoyed this easy DIY project today, and I’m so grateful you dropped by.

You may also be inspired by this Vintage Singer Sewing Machine Repurposed post.