DIY RV Window Valance Makeover (No Sewing Required)

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We loved the floorplan and functionality of our fifth wheel, but some of the interior design details were atrocious! One particularly hideous feature was the window valances (the boxes at the top of each window).

The valances were covered in a dated, shiny brown fabric that had to go. Instead of completely removing the window treatments, we re-covered the valances for a quick and easy transformation. Keep reading to learn how to complete this easy RV window valance makeover.

Why Re-Cover RV Window Valances

You may be thinking, why not just remove the window valances and replace them with more modern curtains or shades? There are several reasons why re-covering the window valances is a more practical solution.

Easier

When you remove the valance above an RV window, you will expose holes from screws. If you don’t replace the valance, these holes must be filled. Since it would be difficult to find a putty that matches your RV wallpaper, you would also need to paint the walls to have a clean finished look without the valances.

If you don’t want to remodel your entire RV, re-covering the window valances in the fabric of your choice is a simple project.

More Cost Effective

Re-covering the valances is also much more cost-effective than buying new window treatments. Buying curtains and new curtain hardware is expensive, especially if you do not know how to sew. On the other hand, re-covering the window valances just requires a few yards of new fabric.

Built for Travel

When we remodeled our fifth wheel RV, we re-covered the valances in the bedroom. However, we removed the valances and replaced them with roller shades in the main living area. The re-covered valances held up great.

However, over time, the new roller shades in the living area began to fall off the wall on travel days. The walls were too thin for long screws, and the weight of the shades caused them to slowly come unscrewed as they shook on bumpy roads.

We ended up replacing the roller shades with curtains. We remove the curtains and rods on travel days so they did not bounce around.

If you choose to replace the window treatments, try to find a solution that is well-secured or can be taken down for travel.

How to Re-Cover RV Window Valances

Follow this step-by-step guide to re-cover your RV window valances.

Tools Used

• Fabric
• Staple Remover
• Staple Gun
• Short Staples
• Scissors

Remove the Valances

Start by unscrewing the valances from the wall. Make sure to save the screws for re-installation. Also, label each valance so it can be re-installed over the same window. Even if windows are the same size, the screw holes may not be the same distance.

Remove Old Fabric

Most RV valances have fabric stapled onto a thin piece of wood. To uncover the valance remove the staples using a staple remover or the end of a flathead screwdriver. Be prepared, many valances have a staple for every inch of fabric so this process may take a while.

Many RV valances have two boxes with the smaller box nested in the top one. If these boxes are screwed together, remove the screws and save them for reinstallation.

Measure and Buy New Fabric

Measure each valance box so you know how much fabric to purchase. You should measure the length of the valance box, plus the length of the side (times 2) so you have extra fabric to fold over the sides. To be safe, always purchase a bit more fabric than you think you need.

When selecting a fabric, it is also important to consider the pattern. I chose a striped fabric, which made the re-covering process a bit more difficult as I wanted the stripes for both windows to match.

Select a solid fabric or print without any lines to make your window valance makeover easier. If your valance has two layers, you may want to select a different fabric for each layer. We used a striped fabric on the top box and a simple, white fabric on the bottom.

Re-Cover the Valance

Position the Fabric

• Place the fabric on a flat surface with the wrong side facing up. Position the valance in the center of the fabric with the front side facing down, ensuring there is enough excess fabric on all sides to wrap around to the back of the valance.

Staple the Top Edge:

• Pull the fabric up over the top edge of the valance and down over the back.
• Starting from the center and moving outwards, pull the fabric taut and staple along the top, inside edge of the valance, approximately 1-2 inches from the edge.

Wrap and Staple the Bottom Edge:

• Repeat the same process for the bottom edge. Pull the fabric tightly around the valance, ensuring it’s smooth on the front side, and staple along the back, keeping the fabric taut.

Fold the Corners:

• For the corners, create a neat fold by pulling the fabric diagonally towards the back, forming a triangle. Then, fold the fabric over one side at a time, like wrapping a gift. Make sure the front corner is smooth and neat.

Secure the Corners:

• Hold the folded corner in place and staple it down at the back of the valance. Use several staples to secure the layers of fabric, ensuring the corner is tight and tidy.

Finish the Sides:

• Pull the fabric from each side over to the back of the valance, keeping it smooth and tight. Staple along the sides, checking the front to ensure there are not any wrinkles or loose fabric.

Trim Excess Fabric:

• After all sides are stapled, trim any excess fabric close to the staples, being careful not to cut too close to avoid fraying.

Repeat this process for all valance layers.

Pro Tip: I detailed the exact steps I used to recover our RV valances. If you are unsure of how to cut and fold the fabric, pay close attention when removing the original fabric and use it as a guide.

Re-Assemble the Valance

If your RV window valance has two boxes reassemble them using the screws you saved when disassembling.

Re-Hang the Valance

Screw the valances back into the wall using the original screws. Step back and enjoy your new windows!

More DIY RV Makeover Projects

Looking for more ideas to personalize your RV? Check out these 11 easy DIY RV remodel projects.

Happy Camping!