Case Study: Two Story Curtains with a Valance

I was thrilled when Kate called me to help with the two story curtains for the great room. She sounded very excited and so was I. Being energetic and fun people in their fifties, Kate and John (made-up names for privacy) were craving to finally update their home with the finishing touches so that they could enjoy it for many years! I was so honored.

Kate and John confessed that they bought their house because they fell in love with a spacious two story great room. They were dreaming to get some gracious curtains at that time. Then life happened. Mortgage, college tuition for both kids…

After all the sourcing, selections, fabrication and installation were  completed they loved the result. Here is the drapery detail:

Many people call me about the flat valance for two story windows with curtains. So I decided to share with you hoping that it will help you with your choices of fabrics and design.

Before & After

Process

Design and Fabric

I was hoping for #1 design- my favorite! I think that it is the most balanced version. The metal cornices would be installed higher to shorten the span between the upper and lower windows. The valance on the upper windows creates a pretty shape that is not very common. But John was dreaming about flowy curtains that start at the top. So, this was a NO.

Then Kate  showed me a pretty fabric she saw on Pinterest with a large pattern. I know that it would be too bright and too busy for the room. But so that she sees by herself I showed her #2, and she agreed.

As I mentioned, John dreamed up a continuous  drapery. When I introduced #3, he agreed with me that it would be too long and impossible to open and close.

Then after searching through a couple of dozens of fabric books I discovered fabric for #4 and used the design for #2 that they both liked. It became a WINNER. BOOM! Gimme that. NOW.

Trim

After we finalized the design and fabric of #4,  trim (tassels, rosette and key tassels) needed to be exactly right for the flat valance. I am obsessed with selecting beautiful trim and can bury myself at my resource library forever. I suggested to go with gold tones for the trim to keep the whole look elegant. Budget was important for my clients. I remember looking at different vendors’ books. And then, finally found a perfect combination of all the elements wile keeeping the budget in mind.

Lining

My heart was glowing when I sourced a reasonably priced fabric at about $30 per yard, which was within the set budget.

Have a look:

However, it needed to be lined and interlined to avoid sagging and have a more high-end look. I decided on double width for the curtain part for better formed folds. The workroom did a great job pressing and shaping both, the flat valance and the curtain part. There is a long wand hidden behind to operate the opening and closing.

This is what Kate wrote to me at the end:

Marina did an incredible job on my family room and foyer window treatments. I want to hug her every time i walk into these beautiful rooms and they are not even competed. I can’t wait to work with Marina for more ideas to beautify my home. Thank you Marina!

Did you know about all the steps for a custom made two story curtain? Which design is your favorite? Please write me a note here.

Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!

Xo,

Marina