Generally the valance is meant to hang over the top part of the window and starting point is from the ceiling, it gives it a fuller look. Any shorter and it looks like you ran out of materials. In saying that you dont necessarily need a valance either and could use a roman blind, it all comes down to preference. I only use a valance on long windows and dont bother on short ones as it looks dated and makes the window look smaller. I use the roman blind on smaller windows.

The short, gathered valances have fallen from favor. What you describe sounds like you may have inadvertently created that. There are several possible alternatives, one being a padded cornice, another being a pleated (not gathered) valance. Both of those tend to be more formal - not necessarily cabin decor.

What are you trying to achieve? It sounds like you don't need to cover drapery hardware. Do you need privacy at night? How wide is the window? Roman shades are a possibility, but they can block some light when stacked, depending how they are hung.

Can you post a picture to give us a better idea of your situation?

Where is the valance going?? The gathered up valance concept has been VERY out of favor for a very long time. Relegated to children's rooms at most. You're not looking for privacy or coverage? Why put anything there? : )

Post some pictures in a comment box below - you'll get a lot more help.

Why do a valance at all? If you don't need anything on the windows for privacy just leave them be.

First I want to thank everybody. I need to add that my cabin is very rustic outside but inside I will have to rely on me giving it the rustic appeal. I have added an old door for my pantry and painted the glass in it to look like old mirrors, used sawmill trim for floors and windows and added old barn lights over my island I am building. My choice for curtains was a buffalo plaid of cream and black. The ones hanging were tan and black but seemed short. I really want to use buffalo plaid in my window treatment but just not sure how. I thought valances would be more masculine than ceiling to floor curtains plus that would hide my wood trim. True I don't need them for privacy but would like them for the contrast and color. I do get a bit of sun that comes under the porch through the top of the windows that I thought would be blocked by the valance. The pics show the front double window and side (east) window and I also show kitchen window(east). The nine foot ceiling exceeds eleven feet in center.

It's really a personal choice how to/if you like the look of a valance. They may have fallen out of favor but in REAL LIFE they are often just the ticket. They are widely sold for something that is soo soo not done!! hahaha If you feel the 23" is too short then go wider..it's as easy as that. YOU are the one who will be looking at/living with them. Back in the day when valances were widely used I thought they were perfect for hiding the hardware and shades during the day. Currently have a wood valances on all my public space windows. The basement picture window the valance his hung close to the ceiling and just covers the top of the casing on the window. The main floor DH used cove when he made the valance, they weren't as tall so again were hung to hide hardware and do not go to the ceiling.

Love your cabin. Betting those are hickory cabinets; did you make them? The buffalo check will be fine. Take a look at outside mount Roman shades. They would be hung above the windows, so would have the same effect as a valance, but could be dropped for privacy or insulation.

I like your cabin as well--simple and well done. I think you're putting the cart before the horse by trying to decide on window treatments before the construction and painting is done. What furniture are you using? Are you buying new or do you already have the furniture? Have you selected rugs? Usually you decorate around the large pieces (upholstery/rugs) before getting the curtains and other accessories.

If you're set on the buffalo check (which I very much like) why not do a simple box-pleat valance instead of the gathered valance? As shown in this photo, have the top of the valance start just below the ceiling (or molding) so it doesn't look skimpy.

Bathroom Box Pleat Valance · More Info

One simple thing to try is to hang just one valance panel over each window. Stretch the fabric out, so that the plaid pattern is distinct. It will look more tailored, less 'ruffled'. Better?

I love buffalo check fabric. I think what is wrong is the valance looks skimpy. I suggest you use more of the fabric in full panels. It is a cozier look, as well.

For the double windows you will get away with two panels. Hang the rods higher and wider than the window frames. 3 " wider and 3" higher is a start. The higher the rod, the longer the panel will make the 9' ceiling look higher.

Must it be black? It is quite a contrast against the wall paint.

Your buggy is out front of the horse......: ) Do a crisp stripe Roman shade look less fussy mussy

And then ? Play with the black and red: )

A rug! Runner at the sink.....what you sit on. Pillows, a throw

add buffalo checks anywhere! A chair!

Pillows on a couch

Just reread your post, @Douglas Rudisill, and your last sentence is so cute. It's usually the wife telling us the hubby can't help.

You might want to consider faux roman blinds hung as instructed - from the ceiling to just below the top window trim.

DW isn't going to help you. But NO old lady - ! You can have a lot of fun - have your checks and yeas,,, eat with them on your dining table

See any ruffled valances here? No.......you don't : )

But quite a bit of fun if you edit, Don't get carried away

Wow! I am blown away by the responses. I will answer a few questions that come to mind but first by saying I do like the contrast buffalo plaid gives. My walls are a SW 6371 Vanillin and the pine trim should darken a bit with age. I have a medium light basil sofa and a tan recliner that has a little dark green and rusty red accents in it. I am going to have red and black buffalo plaid pillows for the couch which I love. As a woodworker hobbiest I many accents I have in the making when the weather warms. I will add some aged corrugated tin wainscoting on the east wall and the short wall that diivides the kitchen area and living. I have added a picture of my counter island that will have a matching counter top and bar stools. I distressed the bar giving more of a rustic appeal I did my pantry door. I like the roman shade idea but whatever I choose I can't get on board with the curtains of any type going to the ceiling. I don't think I need to make the room look taller as it has that feel upon walking inside. I do plan on adding a woodstove in the future. Thanks again and please continue to comment as I love the creative juices flowing.

Very nice. I like your ideas. I suggest you consider an inside mount for your valance - so your wood trim will still show. You could even do them with inexpensive tension rods. anyone handy with a sewing machine could make your valance to the size you prefer. If you do not know of anyone, inquire at your local sewing center or see if there is a sewing or quilting guild in your area.

What a great project! I love your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.

Regarding inside mount window treatments, there are pros and cons. The pros are that you keep the trim exposed. They work well with very tall windows. The downside is that they would need to be quite short unless you are okay with covering a lot of the glass. Even when fully retracted they will "stack back" at least 6-9 inches.