If you have a window in your home that is in a position where you find yourself looking at it on a regular basis, you may find yourself getting a bit bored with the plain look of a curtain or blind covering it. A window valance can be great in this situation, as it will quite often turn your dreary window into a focal point in your room, framing the view outside and giving your house more character.
Window valances were originally designed to disguise curtain rods and other hardware at the top of the window, but as their use became more and more prevalent, and new styles were created, people started using them simply for their aesthetic value. A valance is basically a topper for your window, meaning it doesn’t cover your entire window, but usually about the top third. Other than having the benefit of hiding your curtain rods, valances also provide a bit more shade from the sun, while still allowing you to look through the bottom section of your window. Another window topper that many people use is a cornice, which is a three sided box that sits along the top of your window frame. While these are no doubt popular, they are more structured and give your window a more formal appearance with their straight lines. A window valance, on the other hand, has soft curves and lines that gives your room a more relaxed atmosphere.
There are numerous types of valances, and people are always coming up with new ways of using this style on their windows.
Balloon valances are one of the most popular valances for windows. They are usually stuffed with tissue or paper, making the valance fuller and more three dimensional. In the right setting this can be quite a striking effect. Balloon valances are usually made of a light material.
Browse Our Selection Of Window Valances
The swag valance is a one piece valance that is generally hung over brackets or rods, and draped across the top of the window. A variation of this is to use lighter material; these are often referred to as a swag valance.
Ascot valances are presented in a triangular “V” shape. Depending on the size of the window, there may be more than one “V”, and this style of valance often utilises tassels at the bottom of each “V”. This style of valance is considered most useful on windows that use horizontal blinds, as they provide contrast and depth to your window.
Pleated valances are usually attached to a backing board, and the material is pleated at regular intervals. While this style is very popular, it tends to give a more uniform look than the other styles, and is best used in situations where your valance is not to be the focal point of your window.
On the more expensive end of the scale, you can get custom made window valances like you see in the posh motels. These toppings are usually mounted on a board to ensure they stay in place, and are usually created by professional seamstresses.
If you are looking to dress up your window, then valance window treatments are the perfect solution. You can install a valance over the top of your regular curtain, and if you choose wisely in patterns and styles, you can create anything from a delicate country style look to a rich regal atmosphere. Another thing you may want to consider along with your valance is jabots. Jabots are basically tapered lengths of material that run down the sides of your window. Ideally they should be of the same pattern as your valance, creating the appearance of a continuing length of fabric, running right along the top of your window and down the sides.