Does this have to be hung with a thin pole type curtain rod or will it fit the wide old fashioned 2 inch flat kind or curtain rod?

It will fit the 2" wide flat curtain rod. :-)

Does this have a matching bedskirt?

This has ONLY ONE panel. 84" x 50". It is a curtain panel. Not a bed set. So it does not have a bedskirt that comes with this product. If bought separately, yes it does have a matching bed spread kit.

How do i order a valance for the set of curtains I am going to order?

Hello Georgia H, Unfortunately there is no matching valance for the set curtains. Sincerely, JLA-Home

What percentage of extra width does one need for good looking pleats in addition to the actual width.?

Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. This really depends on the width of your window and the look you want to achieve. You may want to measure the width of the area to cover. For example, if the curtains must hang clear of the window when in the open position, add an additional 25 percent of the window width to the actual window width; use this figure for the width of the area to cover. Thank you, JLA Home