Leaded-glass windows can be a tough decorating dilemma -- how to soften them without stealing from their dramatic beauty? In this room, a pretty Roman shade framed by a simple box-pleated valance lets light in and hand-knotted trim offers a nice finishing touch and counterplay of textures.

Beneath the windows, an inviting window seat beckons guests to take in the view. The short cushion on the window seat allows a place to rest, yet leaves room for flowers, framed pictures, or sentimental collections.

 

Spice up your kitchen decor with a classic cafe curtain and a layered valance. The casual touch will lead guests to feel right at home in your kitchen or dining room.

1. The width of each cafe curtain panel equals three-quarters of the window's width, plus 2 inches for the side hem. Determine your desired finished length, then add 2 inches for the rod pocket. Cut fabric for both panels to these dimensions. Cut four 5-inch-wide strips the width of the 54-inch-wide
   fabric for the mitered borders.
2. Layer two border strips with right sides together. Fold and press the pair in half lengthwise to make a center crease; unfold. On one short end, fold the corners at a 45-degree angle and press to make a point. Cut along the pressed lines. Sew 1/2 inch inside the cut line, beginning and ending 1/2 inch from the strips' edges. Repeat with the remaining border strips.
3. With right sides together, align the border strips' corners with the panel corners. Pin in place. Then pin the border strips to the bottom and side edges. Sew together with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Trim the excess fabric along the mitered corners. Fold the border strips right side out along the lengthwise center creases. Press under the 1/2-inch seam allowance along the border strips' edges on the back of the curtain panels. Hand-stitch the borders in place.

 

1. Measure the length of the valance rod when it is mounted about 1 inch outside your window trim. Add 4 inches and the depth of the valance rod for the side hems. Decide on your desired length, then add 3 1/2 inches for the rod pocket and 2 1/2 inches for the bottom hem. Cut the valance and overlay fabrics to these dimensions.
2. On both the valance and the overlay, press the side edges under 1/2 inch, then 1 1/2 inches. Pin and stitch in place to hem. Along the valance's bottom edge, press under 1/2 inch, then 2 inches. Pin and sew in place. You will sew the overlay's bottom hem after attaching it to the valance.
3. At the valance's top edge, press under 1/2 inch, then 3 inches. With the overlay's right side facing the valance's wrong side, slip 1/2 inch of the overlay under the valance's folded edge. Pin in place. Flip the overlay to the front of the valance. Stitch the rod pocket.
4. On the overlay's bottom edge, press under 1/2 inch, then the amount needed to create your desired length. Pin and sew in place. Mount the 2-1/2-inch-wide valance rod about 1 inch outside your window trim and hang the valance.