I do not know what was used in the picture but I can tell you what I have done in the past when I have mounted a valance on a board. I go to a lumber store or other hardware type store and buy a piece of poplar wood. I use this type of wood because it is light weight and easy to work with. Determine the "Return" (that is how far do you want the valance to project from the wall). In standard rooms that is generally 4" but if you have to clear other things like shades or window hardware make sure you have enough clearance. In bigger rooms I like to do a 5" return so it doesn't look skimpy. Then you buy a board the width of your return. I usually go to home depot and pick out my board which is usually like 1/2" inch by 5" inches wide and the boards come in standard lengths. Then I bring the board over to the "saw area" and they cut it to the exact length for free. Then cover the board either with fabric that matches the valance or lining fabric-- attach the fabric to the board with fabric glue. Next use an electric staple gun to attach the valance to the board at the top (you don't want any staples showing from the front). Valances that are made to be attached to a board generally have a lip of fabric at the top of the valance that is the portion that folds over the top of the board. To mount to wall purchase standard "L" brackets at a store like Home Depot (they don't have to be pretty because they are not visible). First mount the brackets to the wall and then place the valance board on the brackets and screw valance to bracket. That is pretty much the way a workroom/ installer would do it. Good luck!