Curtain Panels, Tiers, Valances and Swags: A Simple Guide to Farmhouse Window Treatments

The right curtains finish a room the way a frame finishes a picture. Farmhouse and cottage-style window treatments come in several shapes, and each one solves a different problem. Here is a plain-English guide to the styles you will find in our curtains and window treatments collection.

Curtain panels

Panels are the classic choice: long rectangles of fabric that hang from a rod on each side of the window. Short panels (around 63 inches long) suit windows above a radiator or counter, while long panels (around 84 inches) can hang closer to the floor for a taller, more finished look. Most of ours are sold as a set of two.

Prairie panels

Prairie panels have a gathered, ruffled header that sits above the rod pocket. The extra fabric at the top creates a soft, cottage look without needing a separate valance. They are a favorite in farmhouse living rooms and bedrooms.

Tiers (cafe curtains)

Tiers cover only the lower half of a window. They give privacy while still letting in light from above, which makes them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and street-facing windows. Pair tiers with a matching valance for a classic country look.

Valances and balloon valances

A valance is a short treatment that covers the top of the window. It hides hardware, adds color and works on its own or layered over tiers or panels. A balloon valance is gathered so the bottom edge puffs into soft scallops, adding a little more drama.

Swags and prairie swags

Swags drape down along the sides of the window in a curved shape, framing the glass while leaving the center open. Prairie swags add the same ruffled header as prairie panels. Swags look lovely layered with tiers in a kitchen window.

Door panels

Door panels are made to fit the glass in a front door or French door. They usually hang from rods at the top and bottom so the fabric stays flat when the door opens.

How to measure

• Width: Measure the width of the window or rod. For a full, gathered look, the combined width of your panels should be about 1.5 to 2 times the window width.
• Length: Measure from the rod down to where you want the curtain to end: the windowsill, just below the sill, or close to the floor.
• Rod placement: Mounting the rod a few inches above the window frame and extending it beyond the sides makes windows look taller and wider.

Mix and match

Many of our curtain lines come in matching tiers, valances, swags and panels, so you can combine them across a room. Bring the same pattern into the bath with a coordinating shower curtain, or into the kitchen with matching tea towels.

Shop all curtains, valances and window treatments, with free standard shipping on eligible orders over $70.

Shop the picks

• Sawyer Mill Charcoal Ticking Stripe Blackout Panel 84x40: A single 84x40-inch cotton panel with a blackout lining, a 3.25-inch rod pocket and a matching tie back.
• Simple Life Flax Khaki Ruffled Tier Set of 2 L24xW36: Two lined 24x36-inch ruffled tiers in textured khaki, a natural fit for kitchen, laundry room and small bathroom windows.
• Stitched Burlap White Tier Set of 2 L24xW36: Two 24x36-inch tab-top tiers in soft white burlap with dove grey stitching, lined to filter harsh light.
• Ashmont Ticking Stripe Valance 16x72: A lined 16x72-inch cotton valance in grey ticking stripes that hides curtain hardware and hangs by rod pocket or hidden loops.
• Annie Buffalo Blue Check Prairie Swag Set of 2 36x36x18: Two 36x36x18-inch prairie swags in light blue and white buffalo check with adjustable drawstring ties.

Coordinate your windows with bedding and living room decor in the same farmhouse palette. For the rest of the house, see How to Layer a Bed and our kitchen and bathroom refresh guide.