Barshaw (Geometric Scrolls) Faux Roman Shade Valance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this product a functional Roman shade?

No, faux shades are stationary valances that are made to look like Roman shades only. Their length is fixed.
 

How do I measure my window?

For outside mounts – measure the outer edges of the window, including the window frame. Add 1 to 2-1/2 inches to this measurement. For example, a 40-inch window will need a faux shade that’s 41 to 42-1/2 inches wide. If you have selected the sideflap option, measure the faux shade using these same instructions. The sideflap projections are measured separately.

For inside mounts – measure the inner casing of the window. It’s a good idea to measure at several spots since some window frame can sometimes be uneven. Subtract 1/4 to 3/4 inches to allow room for the tension rod and make sure the bottom hem will flow freely. For example, a window casing that measures 38 inches across will need a faux shade that’s 37 1/4 to 37 3/4 inches wide.

Our faux shades can be ordered in quarter-inch increments, between 20 inches and 86-3/4 inches wide.
 

Which length should I select?

There is no set rule, although inside-mounted faux shades tend to be shorter than outside-mounted faux shades. For standard height windows, a 16-inch length is about normal for inside mounts. In rooms with 8-foot ceilings, you want to hang the valance as high as possible if it’s an outside mount so that its bottom hem covers the top of the window only. In this scenario, an 18-inch to 22-inch length is ideal. You can read more about how high outside-mounted valances should be hung in this blog post.

The longer the valance is, the higher it can be hung above a window and the more it looks like an actual Roman shade when inside-mounted. Consider longer valances also if the fabric print is large or if you want your valance to cover more than just the top part of the window.

Our faux shades can be ordered between 12 and 36 inches long. The measured length is of the actual valance itself and does not include any trims you may add. Be mindful that long tassel trims will add to the length of the valance.
 

Can I get a sample of the fabric first?

Of course. Click on the small picture of the fabric above, then click on the large button titled “Get a Sample” to purchase a sample.
 

Can you tell me more about the lining options?

We use a poly-blend drapery lining in white, which has tightly packed threads to try to filter out much of the light. However, some of the light will inevitably pass through, so we highly recommend blackout lining. Blackout lining is a heavy, vinyl-like material in white. It’s also easier to clean with water and detergent than regular lining is.
 

What kind of hardware do I need?

For outside mounts without sideflaps, you’ll need a curtain rod with decorative finials on each side. You’ll want your rod to “fill out” the rod pocket nicely, or else the faux shade will sag. For 3-inch rod pockets, a curtain rod with a 1- to 1-3/8-inch diameter is ideal. For 2-inch rod pockets, a curtain rod with a 3/4-inch diameter is best.
 
The sideflap option may also require a 2-inch rod pocket depending on the curtain rod chosen.
 
For inside mounts, we recommend flat continental tension rods that are 2-1/2 inches wide. These kinds of rods will continue the intended flat look of the faux shade. Round tension rods are fine, but we recommend trying to find flat continental tension rods first whenever possible. Here’s an example of the kind of tension rod you’ll want to look for (from Amazon).
 

Can I also buy a matching valance or draperies?

If your fabric is available as a faux shade, chances are it’s available for our other custom window treatments. Look for it in our custom valances or custom draperies products. Sort the fabrics by color to find your desired fabric easier. Keep in mind that those custom products require more time to sew, so the turnaround time may be extended by about an additional week.
 

What’s the purpose of a sideflap and do I need to add this option?

Designers often use sideflaps on their Roman shades to give the shade a more finished look when viewed from the side. It also blocks some of the light from the sides of the window and hides the top corner where the hardware is. Use this option only for outside-mounted faux shades.

A 2- to 2-1/2-inch flap is ideal. It’s just enough depth to achieve the effect, yet not too large for there to be a big gap between the window and the faux shade. Use a curtain rod with a 2- or 2-1/2-inch bracket outer projection to accommodate the flap (like this rod from Amazon). Don’t forget to go back to the rod pocket selection and downgrade to a 2-inch rod pocket if necessary.
 

How will my trims or ribbons be attached?

All our valances are fully sewn, including the embellishments. We do not use glue, tacks or any other shortcuts.
 

Can I order this valance if I have a wide window or an otherwise unusual window?

Yes. You can hang multiple faux shades side by side, regardless of whether they’re inside mounts or outside mounts. If you’d like a single extra-wide faux shade (52 inches or wider), it may or may not have a seam. We pattern-match across all seams, so the seams won’t be noticeable when looking at the valance from inside the room. However, we highly recommend upgrading to blackout lining to make potential seams invisible as sunlight hits the faux shade.

Policies

Refund Policy

Our faux shades are non-returnable since they are custom-made. We can only accept refunds or exchanges if there is an error in workmanship or damage during shipping, but we must be notified in writing within 14 days of delivery (you can find our contact page here).

We cannot honor return requests if your window was measured incorrectly or the fabric looks different on your device screen. To ensure you will be satisfied with your purchase, we encourage you to buy a fabric sample first and to follow the instructions we suggest, including our measuring and hardware recommendations.
 

Processing Time

Most of our faux shades ship in about two to three weeks. On the rare occasion that a fabric is on backorder, we will contact you to give you the option of waiting or canceling the order. But we find that in most cases, backordered fabrics only add about one week to the overall turnaround time.
 

Cancellations

Our aim is to complete your order in a timely manner and start working on it almost immediately after you place it. For that reason, we can only honor cancellations within the first 12 hours of the time that the order is placed. Your request must be made in writing – use our (contact page to do this.