Drapery treatment

Abstract

An apparatus and method are shown for placing a valance such as a drapery or solid structure on a wall for functional and decorative effect, especially adjacent a window. A treatment is mounted on a vertical wall containing a window opening, the treatment including a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove parallel with a central axis of the valance rod. The channel groove forms a uniform groove opening on the rod surface which, with opposing end openings, is used to receive a continuous insertion element. A valance material is coupled to the continuous insertion element. The continuous insertion element with its associated valance material is received within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall. A pair of end brackets are mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening. Each of the end brackets has an engagement region which forms a mating profile for receipt within respective opposing ones of the groove end openings of the valance rod.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates in general to treatments for windows. More particularly, the present invention relates to treatments such as drapes and curtains used as window treatments and to the valance rod that holds such in place on a wall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003] Draperies, curtains, and other solid or soft materials have been used for years in the interior decorating arts. These devices serve both a functional and a decorative purpose. The draperies can act as insulation both in the winter and summer for windows and doorways, while also keeping light out of a room, or diminishing direct light. Further, drapes and other treatments are decorative and enhance the aesthetic beauty of an interior room. Given the abundant use of drapes and other window treatments, much attention has been given to finding ways in which to hang the drapes from the wall or widow.

[0004] Most methods of hanging drapes incorporates the use of hooks or rings, whereby the fabric drapes are first fitted with the plurality of hooks along its top edge, and then hanging the hooks onto a runner within a rod, the rod then being attached to a wall. If a solid treatment such as a decorative wood piece is desired, another means of attaching the piece is necessary. While the use of hooks is old in the art, it has several drawbacks. Hooks are both costly and time consuming to install. As sharp objects, the point of the hook can easily pierce a hand or finger. The smallest amount of blood on white or light colored fabric can be costly to remove. The hooks are cumbersome, and add further complexity to the installation in that they have to be adjusted to different positions for each style of rod. This in turn makes it difficult for the average person to implement a window treatment. Further, while materials such as VELCRO may offer ease of use, manufacturing valances using VELCRO is difficult in that more sewing of material is required.

[0005] Given the time and expense in installing window treatments, it would be ideal to have both the valance material and the valance rod be both functional and decorative, while also easily installed. What is thus needed is a treatment that is versatile enough to allow both solid and fabric valance materials to be installed on a wall, while also being easy and inexpensive to implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a means for placing a valance such as a drapery or solid structure on a wall for functional and decorative effect, especially before a window.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treatment that is simpler to use than prior window treatments, the need for hooks, rings, and other individual fastening devices being eliminated.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a treatment that is easier to use and of lower cost that prior art treatments, the present invention having fewer parts than most prior art treatments, hence less complex.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved by providing a treatment for mounting on a vertical wall containing a window opening, the treatment including a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove being substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a continuous insertion element or elements. A valance material is coupled to the continuous insertion element along one extent of the material. The continuous insertion element with its associated valance material is received within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall. A pair of end brackets are mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having an engagement region which forms a mating profile for receipt within respective opposing ones of the groove end openings of the valance rod. Each of the end brackets also has a mounting region for receiving fastening elements which mount the end brackets onto the vertical wall about the window opening, whereby mounting the end brackets on the vertical wall with the engagement region of each end bracket received within a respective groove end opening of the valance rod serves to support the valance rod and valance material on the vertical wall with the valance material depending downwardly from the valance rod generally parallel with the vertical wall.

[0010] A method is also shown for mounting a window treatment on a vertical wall containing a window opening. In the method of the invention, a valance rod is provided having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove having a length which is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod. The channel groove forms a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a plurality of insertion elements of a discrete length, each of which lengths is less than the length of the channel groove. A valance material is coupled to the plurality of insertion elements along one extent of the material by wrapping regions of the valance material about each insertion element and installing each insertion element with its associated valance material within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall. A pair of end brackets are mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having a support region for supporting an opposite extent of the valance rod.

[0011] Preferably, the insertion elements are sections of dowel rod which are six inches in length or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, a napkin ring is passed over each region of the valance material containing an associated insertion element prior to installing each insertion element within a respective channel groove.

[0012] Additional objects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the treatment of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of one embodiment of the valance rod and continuous insertion means of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 wherein the insertion means is inserted into the valance rod;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the insertion means of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion means in FIG. 4 being inserted into a valance rod of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the treatment;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a close-up of the valance in FIG. 6 being inserted into the valance rod of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an end bracket used with the valance rod of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a side view of the end bracket inserted into the valance rod of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate window treatment of the invention which utilizes a plurality of insertion elements for coupling the valance material to the valance rod; and

[0024] FIGS. 11-16 illustrate the sequential steps involved in coupling the valance material to the valance rod of FIG. 10 using the plurality of insertion elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention is a window treatment designed to be mounted on a vertical wall containing a window. Typically, the treatment is a drapery or valance placed adjacent a window, the valance being both decorative and functional in blocking light and acting as an insulator. Hereinafter, the term “valance material” is used to refer to any fabric (synthetic or naturally derived), wood, metal, plastic, or other type of material that is draped or hung from a valance rod for decorative and/or insulation purposes. The term is intended to include traditional curtains, drapes, fabric valance materials, shadeboards and other decorative and functional treatments that are hung adjacent windows. When traditional fabric drapes or curtains are used as the valance material, the drapes may have associated drawing apparatuses. The term “valance rod” will be understood to mean the horizontal member which is used to support the valance material adjacent the window opening.

[0026] The valance rod is best described as having a central axis and also having at least one channel groove. The valance rod can be cylindrical in shape, square or rectangular in cross-section, oval, or other shapes. Preferably, the valance rod should be of such a strength that it can hold drapery or wood structures (the valance material) from at least 1-10 lbs. The valance rod is typically mounted to the wall or other vertical structure by at least two brackets such that the rod is substantially parallel with the horizon, or level. The brackets can be any solid structure that can hold the entire treatment to the wall. The valance rod can be made of wood, metal, suitably molded plastics or other sturdy materials.

[0027] The channel groove forms a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a continuous insertion element. The groove end openings allow the valance material and an associated insertion element to slide inside the channel groove. Cording or a small dowel rod can act as the continuous insertion element and hold the valance material in place on the valance rod. The valance material or fabric can be hand-folded as well to create a variety of drapery treatments. The valance rod and continuous insertion element are designed such that no hooks, pleats, rings, tabs, or hook-and-loop material is needed to hold the fabric or other valance material in place.

[0028] There may be more than one channel groove cut into the valance rod. However, in the preferred embodiment, there is one channel groove in the valance rod that is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod. The groove can be of any desirable shape and size, depending upon the shape and size of the continuous insertion element used. For example, if the insertion element is a cylindrical dowel or cording of a specific diameter, then the channel groove should have an inside surface that will allow the diameter of the dowel or cording to slide within the channel groove throughout its length.

[0029] The valance material with its associated insertion means and the valance rod are coupled together to form a unit. This unit is supported at either end by end brackets which are, in turn, fastened to the surrounding vertical wall at the appropriate height relative to the window opening. The valance material is inserted using manual force into the valance rod through the channel groove and end openings, thus forming the treatment of the invention. The treatment, when assembled, comprises the valance rod being coupled to the vertical wall with the continuous insertion element being fitted within the channel groove, thus allowing the valance material to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall. The valance material can be of any length, and may be of a width less than or equal to the length of the valance rod itself.

[0030] In a preferred form, the continuous insertion element is a dowel rod, wherein the dowel rod is removably retained within the channel groove created within the valance. The dowel rod can be made from either a solid material such as wood or metal, or made from a flexible material such as a natural or synthetic fiber or mesh formed into an appropriate shape (cylindrical, square, triangular, hexagonal, etc.) that fits the width of the valance to be used. In one embodiment of the invention to be described, the dowel has a length which approximates that of the valance rod itself. In another embodiment of the invention, the insertion means is made up of a plurality of insertion elements comprising sections of dowel rod which are six inches of less in length.

[0031] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Turning to FIG. 1, the window treatment 11 of the invention includes a valance rod 13 having a central axis A, and a depending valance material 15. Valance material 15 can be made from a variety of soft or solid materials. The soft material may be such materials as cotton, nylon, polyester, or other woven and non-woven material, while the solid material may be such materials as metal or wood. The valance material 15 is typically of a decorative nature such that it may have pleats, various colors and/or designs. Also, valance material 15 maybe designed so that it can be drawn upwards or downwards with a drawing means such as drawstrings and pulley systems well known in the art.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the valance rod 13 also has a channel groove 17 extending through valance rod 13. Valance rod 13 also has a central axis A. The channel groove 17 runs parallel or through the central axis A, the groove forming a uniform groove cavity and a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive an insertion element or elements. The uniform groove opening and end openings on the rod 13 allow the insertion element or elements to be placed therein. Finally, the treatment 11 may have decorative end pieces 23 and 25, the treatment being mounted on a vertical wall with end brackets 19 and 21. End pieces are typically mounted after the valance material is inserted into the valance rod 13.

[0033] One form of the insertion element of the invention will be described in further detail with reference to FIG. 2. The valance rod end 27 of valance rod 13 is shown having the channel groove 17 therein. Further, the valance rod 13 has a rod surface 29 through which the channel groove 17 forms a groove or cavity along the outside surface extending inward into valance rod 13. In the present embodiment, the groove consists of surfaces 101 and 103 that form an initial groove between the surface 29 and the groove 17, and surfaces 105, 107, and 109 which form the inside surface of the groove 17 wherein the continuous insertion means resides once inserted. The opening 101 will represent the channel groove opening while the groove end openings can be seen to exist generally at 17 in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

[0034] The channel groove 17 may take any shape or form that is appropriate for securing the insertion means (31 in FIG. 2) within the channel groove. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the insertion means 31 is generally cylindrical and is inserted into a loop or wrap 35 created by fabric valance material 15. In this embodiment, the insertion means 31 is a dowel made of such materials as wood, metal, or a rigid polymer or plastic material. Once the insertion means 31 has been fed through the fabric loop 35, the insertion means and associated fabric valance material can then be inserted into the channel groove 17 starting at the groove end opening. Although only one channel groove is shown in FIG. 2, it is to be understood that more than one channel groove can be formed into the valance rod 13, such that two, three or more valances can be hung from the rod.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a cutaway end view of valance rod 13 with the continuous insertion element 31 installed therein. End bracket 19 supports the valance rod 13 against a vertical wall structure 33. The end bracket 19 is supported by a fastening means 37 such as a screw, nail, adhesive, or other suitable fastening means. As shown in FIG. 8, special end brackets 80 may be used to hold the fabric valance 15 in place. The end brackets 80 have a decorative front plate 90 and a support region 82 for supporting a respective end of the valance rod 13. The support region terminates at one extent in a mating profile 88 or engagement region which is sized for receipt within the groove end openings of the channel groove 17 in the valance rod. Perpendicularly extending from the arm 86 of the support region 82 is a horizontal support member 84. The length of the horizontal support member 84 is at least the radius of the valance rod 13. Since the valance rod 13 is supported by the special brackets there must be sufficient area between the vertical structure 33 and the special bracket 80 to allow for placement and support of the valance rod 13. The horizontal support member 84 terminates in a perpendicular mounting region 89 having openings 91 for receiving suitable fastening means. While the end bracket shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a general “U” shaped profile, it may have any profile that will fulfill the function of supporting the valance rod 13. Also, while the support region 82 terminates in a “T” shaped profile or engagement region 88 (FIG. 9), it could terminate in any other profile that would fit into channel groove 17.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the valance material 15 (in this case a fabric material) is wrapped or sewn around continuous insertion means 31. The fabric thus formed constitutes a sleeve or wrap 35 which encloses the insertion means, in this case dowel 31. In general, channel groove 17 should be formed such that the distance between surface 101 and 103 is smaller than the distance between surface 105 and 107. This allows the continuous insertion means 31, which can be either a dowel or a cord formed into the fabric material, to be secured within the groove 17 while the associated valance material hangs down from the channel to the exterior of the valance rod.

[0037] Another embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to FIG. 4, wherein flexible dowel 39 forms the continuous insertion means of the invention. The dowel 39 is made of a flexible material such as a flexible polymer like nylon or polyester, woven tightly enough to form a cylindrically-shaped dowel. This dowel 39 is either inserted into a sleeve 41 or the fabric valance material 15 is wrapped around the dowel 39, forming the sleeve or wrap 41. The manual insertion of dowel 39 having an associated valance material 15 is shown with reference to FIG. 5, wherein the valance rod 13 is manually manipulated while also manipulating the dowel 13 and associated valance material 15. The dowel is inserted into channel 17 with the fabric valance material hanging free from the channel formed by channel groove 17. The dowel 39 can be inserted continuously until it forms one continuous support as shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood that the length of dowel 31, and hence the width of valance material 15, can be equal to or less than the length of valance rod 13.

[0038] The invention can be easily assembled by one person as shown in FIG. 5, wherein a cording of about ¾ inch coupled to a drapery valance is being inserted into the channel groove. While one hand is gripping the rod, another hand grips the valance material. The insertion means is then inserted into the channel 17 at either end of the rod, followed by insertion of the valance material into the channel. The valance material is slid into the channel as one continuous piece.

[0039] Another embodiment of the invention is shown specifically with reference to FIG. 6. A solid valance material 43 or “shadeboard” is made of wood, plastic or metal and cut to any design or shape. These arrangements are known as “hard-treatments” in the industry. The valance material 43 has a width W that, in the present embodiment, is less than the length of the valance rod. The shadeboard also allows the wall space above the window openings to be covered. Covering the wall space above a window opening allows the window fashion treatment to have increased height. In window fashions, height is a desirable element of design. The solid valance material 43 hangs from valance rod 13 in a similar manner to a fabric valance material such as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] Referring further to FIG. 7, solid valance material 43 has a routed T-slot tenon joint 45 cut into the upper portion of the valance material, thus forming the continuous insertion means of the present invention. The T-slot joint 45 is cut such that it matches the inside structure of channel groove 17 (mortise). The T-slot joint 45 forms two lips 47 (other not shown) on either side of valance material 43, thus contacting surfaces 49 and 51 once inserted into groove 17. The joint 45 can be any number of geometries, the shape and size being determined by the shape, size, and fit of the continuous insertion means used. It is to be understood that the total width W of the valance material 43 can be equal to or less than the length of valance rod 13.

[0041] FIGS. 10-16 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The window treatment shown in FIG. 10 includes a valance rod 213 and end caps 223, 225. The valance rod also has a channel groove (not shown in FIG. 10) for engaging a plurality of insertion elements located generally at the gathered material regions 227. A plurality of napkin rings 229 are used to gather the fabric at spaced locations along the top portion of the fabric valance material 215.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the valance material 215 is coupled to the valance rod 213 by means of a plurality of insertion elements (231 in FIG. 11). Preferably the insertion elements 231 are sections of wooden dowel rod less than about six inches in length and preferably about 1-1.5 inches in length. As shown in FIG. 12, the fabric valance material is wrapped around a selected insertion element 231 to form a sleeve for the insertion element. A napkin ring 235 (FIG. 13) is passed over each region of the valance material containing an associated insertion element 231. As shown in FIG. 14, the insertion element with its associated valance material is then inserted within the channel groove 17 by passing the insertion element through the groove end opening. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the valance rod 13 can then be supported on the vertical wall by means of the end brackets 21 which form a contoured shelf 222. The groove 17 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 15 on the shelf 222 so that the groove opening 17 is not visible to a viewer in the surrounding room.

[0043] There are several advantages to the present invention. In this window treatment, flat solid or fabric panels may be attached to wooden valance rods without the use of traditional hooks, tabs, rings, plastic, or metal slides. The elimination of such accessories makes the present invention much simpler to use than the prior art, thereby also lowering the associated cost.

[0044] The treatment of the present invention has the advantage of requiring a minimum of only two components to produce the treatment: a valance rod and the valance material. Prior art methods of making treatments required many parts such as hooks or VELCRO along with two or more parts of the valance rod and additionally a rod system that may have required hooks, lines, and/or pulleys.

[0045] Another advantage to the present invention is that the cording often used merely for decorative purposes on draperies can be used functionally in the present invention, whereby the cording is inserted into an appropriately shaped and sized channel groove, thus serving as a support for the associated valance material.

[0046] The treatment, once assembled, creates a system for a variety of design applications. The fabric can be designed in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to create swags, traditional valances, Roman shades, balloons, and stationary panels.

[0047] Yet another advantage to the present invention is that it allows the use of solid (wood, metal) and fabric valances on the same structure, both of which can be easily changed out. This is not possible in the prior art, wherein one rod was made exclusively for hanging fabric drapes using hooks or other means that would not easily be adaptable to a heavier, solid wood or metal structure.

[0048] The special end brackets used to support the valance rod have special engagement regions which utilize the same channel groove as the insertion means, thereby further simplifying the design and installation of the window treatment.

[0049] While the invention has been shown in only three of its forms, it is not thus limited but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. A window treatment for mounting on a vertical wall containing a window opening, the treatment comprising: a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove being substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a continuous insertion element; a valance material coupled to the continuous insertion element along one extent of the material, the continuous insertion element with its associated valance material being received within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall; a pair of end brackets mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having an engagement region which forms a mating profile for receipt within respective opposing ones of the groove end openings of the valance rod; and wherein each of the end brackets also has a mounting region for receiving fastening elements which mount the end brackets onto the vertical wall about the window opening, whereby mounting the end brackets on the vertical wall with the engagement region of each end bracket received within a respective groove end opening of the valance rod serves to support the valance rod and valance material on the vertical wall with the valance material depending downwardly from the valance rod generally parallel with the vertical wall.

2. The window treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion element is a cording coupled to a fabric valance.

3. The window treatment of claim 1, wherein the continuous insertion element is a dowel rod.

4. The window treatment of claim 3, wherein the valance material is a soft fabric which is coupled to the dowel rod by passing the fabric over the dowel rod to form a loop.

5. The window treatment of claim 1, wherein the valance material is a solid, decorative material and the continuous insertion element is a border on the solid, decorative material which has been sized to mate with a respective groove end opening of the valance rod.

6. The window treatment of claim 1, wherein each end bracket also has a decorative portion which extends in front of the valance rod when the valance rod is supported on the vertical wall.

7. A method for mounting a window treatment on a vertical wall containing a window opening, the method comprising the steps of: providing a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove being substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a continuous insertion element; coupling a valance material to the continuous insertion element along one extent of the material and installing the continuous insertion element with its associated valance material within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall; providing a pair of end brackets mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having an engagement region which forms a mating profile for receipt within respective opposing ones of the groove end openings of the valance rod; and mounting each of the end brackets on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening by passing fastening elements through a mounting region of each end bracket, whereby mounting the end brackets on the vertical wall with the engagement region of each end bracket received within a respective groove end opening of the valance rod serves to support the valance rod and valance material on the vertical wall with the valance material depending downwardly from the valance rod generally parallel with the vertical wall.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the continuous insertion element is a cording coupled to a fabric valance, the cording being inserted into a respective one of the groove end openings to install the continuous insertion element within the channel groove.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the continuous insertion element is a dowel rod.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the valance material is a soft fabric which is coupled to the dowel rod by passing the fabric over the dowel rod to form a loop.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the valance material is a solid, decorative material and the continuous insertion element is a border on the solid, decorative material which has been sized to mate with a respective groove end opening of the valance rod.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein each end bracket is also provided with a decorative portion which extends in front of the valance rod when the valance rod is supported on the vertical wall.

13. A method for mounting a window treatment on a vertical wall of a room containing a window opening, the method comprising the steps of: providing a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove having a length which is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a plurality of insertion elements of a discrete length, each of which lengths is less than the length of the channel groove; coupling a valance material to the plurality of insertion elements along one extent of the material by wrapping regions of the valance material about each insertion element and installing each insertion element with its associated valance material within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall; providing a pair of end brackets mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having a support region for supporting a portion of the valance rod; and mounting each of the end brackets on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening and engaging the valance rod with the end brackets, whereby mounting the end brackets on the vertical wall with the support region of each end bracket supporting the valance rod serves to support the valance rod and valance material on the vertical wall with the valance material depending downwardly from the valance rod generally parallel with the vertical wall.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the insertion elements are sections of dowel rod which are six inches in length or less.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein a napkin ring is passed over each region of the valance material containing an associated insertion element prior to installing each insertion element within a respective channel groove.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the support region of each of the end brackets forms a contoured shelf and wherein the valance rod is rotated on the contoured shelf after installing the insertion elements within the channel groove so that the channel groove is rotated toward the vertical wall out of sight of an observer in the room.

17. A method for mounting a window treatment on a vertical wall containing a window opening, the method comprising the steps of: providing a valance rod having a central axis and a channel groove, the channel groove having a length which is substantially parallel with the central axis of the valance rod, the channel groove forming a uniform groove opening on the rod surface and opposing end openings which are sized to receive a plurality of insertion elements of a discrete length, each of which lengths is less than the length of the channel groove; coupling a valance material to the plurality of insertion elements along one extent of the material by wrapping regions of the valance material about each insertion element and installing each insertion element with its associated valance material within the channel groove by passing the insertion element through the groove end openings, whereby the valance material is allowed to hang substantially parallel to the vertical wall; providing a pair of end brackets mounted on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening, each of the end brackets having a support region for supporting a portion of the valance rod; and mounting each of the end brackets on the vertical wall adjacent the window opening by passing fastening elements through a mounting region of each end bracket, whereby mounting the end brackets on the vertical wall with the support region supporting a respective end of the valance rod serves to support the valance rod and valance material on the vertical wall with the valance material depending downwardly from the valance rod generally parallel with the vertical wall.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the insertion elements are sections of dowel rod which are six inches in length or less.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein a napkin ring is passed over each region of the valance material containing an associated insertion element prior to installing each insertion element within a respective channel groove.