How to Hang a Cascade & Swag Valance

Adding a cascade and swag valance can be a simple way to add a sophisticated touch to any room of your house. This window treatment allows you to decorate your window while letting in plenty of light. You can choose from two main ways to hang your cascade and swag valance. Pick the method that works best for you based on your decorating scheme and available materials.

Using a mounting board

• 1

  Measure 4 inches above the left edge of the window frame. Place the bottom of an L bracket on the mark where you measured. Screw the bracket into place. Measure 40 inches to the right and mark the location. Note that the L bracket does not need to be directly over the window frame's edge. Drill in the other L bracket by screwing into each hole in the bracket that touches the wall.

• 2

  Place the mounting board on top of the two L brackets. Measure the board so that you have an equal amount of overflow on both sides of the brackets. Drill screws in the remaining brackets to attach the board to the L brackets.

• 3

  Place the left corner of the valance just above the mounting board so only a small amount of fabric is on top of the mounting board. Staple in place. Continue stapling the fabric to the mounting board, placing a staple about every 3 inches until you reach the end of the valance. Continue to staple the fabric to the board if you have multiple swags until you reach the end of the board. Each swag should cover the end of the previous swag. Make sure the fabric drops to the same height for each swag.

• 4

  Place the cascade on the mounting board so it covers the left end of the board. The fabric should cover the board from the back to the front area closest to the window. Staple in place. Repeat the process for the other cascade.

• 5

  Arrange the fabric to achieve the desired look. Place the cascades over the valances on each side. Fluff the fabric. Make sure the fabric is ½-inch higher than the floor. Hem if necessary.

Using a rod

• 1

  Measure 3 inches above and to the left of the window frame. Mark the spot with a pencil. Measure 3 inches above and to the right of the window frame and mark the spot. Drill a small hole at your pencil marks.

• 2

  Screw in or hammer the mounting hardware for your curtain rod. Make sure the hardware does not lean to the right or left and is straight up and down.

• 3

  Put the rod in between the cascade's loops. Push the cascade to the left edge of the curtain rod. Place the swag valance on the rod if it has loops. Place the other cascade on the curtain rod. Push to the right edge of the curtain rod.

• 4

  Place the curtain rod on top of the two sets of mounting hardware. Arrange the cascades so they flow straight down and frame the window.

• 5

  Place the valance on the middle of the curtain rod (if it did not come with attached loops). Toss the valance over the rod one to five times, depending on the desired look. Work the fabric with your hands so you stretch out each section. If you have multiple swags, make sure the swags are aligned at the same height. Place any remaining fabric behind the cascades. Stand back and see if the window treatment creates the desired effect. Adjust fabric if necessary.