Window Valances

Window valances are great for dressing up plain curtains and blinds or even bare windows. You may have been inspired to think about decorating with these window treatments after seeing a great valance in someone’s home or in a decorating magazine but when it comes to finding the right valance for your own windows in a particular room it can be a difficult choice. The valance in that great picture is unlikely to be the right one for YOUR windows but you can still find a valance which will add style to your home.

1. Set a Budget

Think about how much you are willing to spend on your window valance and remember you will need drapery hardware from which to hang the valance too. While cheap window valances will not do much to enhance your room décor you don’t have to go overboard with designer draperies to have a beautiful home either. If you’re not sure about how much valances cost do a little research on prices online to get an idea so that you don’t get a shock when you go shopping.

2. Measure Your Windows

If you already have drapery rods in place then take a length measurement from these otherwise measure the width of your windows and add between 4 and 6 inches to the width depending where you want the rods to extend on each side of the window.

Simple Cream Swag Valance

3. Think about Styles

Valance window treatments come in so many styles from a simple curtain topper with pinch pleated heading to the fanciest set of swags and tails but the most important thing is that the valance you choose fits in with the style and theme of the room you have in mind. Is your room a boudoir fit for a princess or a formal dining room you will use for dinner parties? Are you looking to decorate a country kitchen window or a chic city bathroom? Always think about whether each particular style you are considering matches the room style or confuses it.

4. Think about Fabrics

Fabrics for window valances need to meet the following criteria

• does the fabric drape well or could it be pressed into crisp folds depending on the style of the valance
• is the fabric weight similar to the weight of the curtain fabric if relevant (if you think about light cotton curtains being topped by heavy velvet valances or heavy velvet drapes being topped by a sheer scarf valance you’ll see what I mean about weights needing to match)
• is the fabric design and color in keeping with the color and design of the curtains and the color and design of the room. You may want to choose the same fabric for your curtains and valance (perhaps with a contrast lining) to make life easy!

5. Go Browsing

Once you have an idea of your requirements browse around online to get some options. You may find just what you are looking for in ready made valances but you will find many more options if you look at custom valances for the windows. If you have not yet chosen curtains you may be able to buy coordinating drapes or shades and valances together. And if you are still not sure which to buy see our Checklist for Buying Valances so that you can weigh up the various options.

6. Place Your Order

Once you are happy with your choice place your order and wait for your wonderful window valances to arrive in the mail!

Window Valances are draperies which cover only the top part of the window. These window treatments can be used alone to create a decorative accent at the top of the window or they may be used with window shades or curtains in any combination.

They are very popular with interior designers as they conceal the rod or track used to hang curtains which is not always the most attractive part of decorating a window and they give windows a special touch even when the other window coverings are simple curtains or blinds.

Valances come in all shapes and sizes but there are three main categories – each suiting a particular style of room

1. Balloon Valances

Balloon valances are made with lightweight fabric and the fabric is gathered so that it puffs out (or “balloons” out) giving a look of fullness and opulence. This look tends to be very ornate and is only suitable for very formal rooms or rooms with a very romantic theme. This type of window valance is less fashionable than it once was as interiors are tending to be less formal and ornate.

Swag valances for a bedroom window

2. Swag Valances

For a swag valance the fabric is draped over the drapery rod and over the top of the window leaving some fabric (the tails) to hang down each side of the window. These valance window treatments can be formal in style where the tails are often arranged into crisp, neat folds or pleated jabots, often with some contrasting lining displayed. Or they may be informal for example where a sheer fabric is used and tails are left to hang naturally (often called a scarf valance)

3. Ascot Valances

With Ascot valances for windows the valance is formed to look like triangles of fabric hanging over the drapery rod at the top of the window. The triangles in the center of the window and sides may be longer giving a decorative effect. These valances are formal in nature and have a crisp rather than soft look so they can be made by many different fabrics including stiffer fabrics which don’t drape so well. These valances lend themselves well to further trimming with tassels, fringing and beading as the shapes are quite simple and they are suitable for contemporary interiors as well as rooms with one foot in a bygone era.

Of course within these three basic shapes there are so many variations that it would be impossible to list them all.

In addition to these soft draperies there are cornice valances (or pelmets) which are not so much draperies as shaped and stiffened fabric fixed to a board and they come in all kinds of shapes!

To get an idea of all the shapes which are available in curtain valances take a look at some stores selling ready made and custom window valances online. There you will be able to see some shapes and pick out ones you like for further consideration. If you’re not sure where to start take a look at our guide on how to choose window valances.