While I was browsing RVs on Craigslist, I found this photo of a clever valance. Even camping can be glamorous!

You can make a quick valance or curtain topper to perk up any space.

You’ll want to make your valance as wide as your window, without adding any gathers. First buy a valance rod in the appropriate length for your window. (The person with the RV used a straight rod for the valance, and a valance rod for the gathered curtain, which I think is backwards.) Open your rod to the length you’ll need for the window and measure the width, then add the depth of the two sides.

Cut a strip or rectangle of fabric that’s as wide as your valance rod (including the sides), and as long as you’d like, adding another ¾” to each side for a narrow hem. Be sure to add enough to the length for a casing for the rod. You can use any kind of fabric to match your room decor or the curtains below the valance.

Sew a narrow hem on all sides. Fold down the top to make a sleeve for the curtain rod.

Crochet your edging and make it the same width as your fabric. When you’re finished, sew edging to the bottom of the fabric.

Voila, you’re done!

Here are a few vintage edgings that would work well: Beverly Lace, Quilt Block Lace, Chrysanthemum Lace, and Clover Diamonds Lace.