Window Valances

The Best Valance Window Treatments

The best valance window treatments are those which suit all the following perfectly

1. the shape and style of your windows
2. the accompanying curtains or window blinds
3. the style and color scheme of your room

Get all three right when choosing your window valances for best results : you will have the most perfect of all window top treatments for your situation.

Matching Your Window valance to Your Windows

Adjust the length of your valance to suit the height of the window and of your ceiling.  A small window will look ridiculous with a huge long valance on top whereas a tall window and room will look out of proportion with a six inch valance. If you have a window with a curved top or a round window then choose a tapered valance to follow the arch of the window, although if your window is exceptionally beautiful I would hesitate to cover it with curtains and valances at all.

Matching the Color and Style of the Curtains or Blinds

If you have already chosen other window treatments then make sure that your valances go well with these. Although they don’t have to be a perfect match there should be some way of tying the two together if you use a contrasting fabric or color. For example, your valance may be trimmed with the curtain fabric or the curtains may be trimmed with a color found in the valance.

Matching the Color and Style of Your Room

If we start with the style of your room then this will have a level of formality which needs to be mirrored in the style of your window treatments. It goes without saying that formal rooms need a certain formality in accessories and window valances are no exception. A formal bedroom or lounge will look good with a tailored valance either an acsot style or neatly pleated swags and tails. Or even a covered simple shaped cornice board. If you room is less formal in style then simple scarf valance window treatments become an option.

Matching the Color of the Room

If you have yet to buy window blinds or curtains for your room then consider how you can make your valance window treatments and your curtains or blinds work together with the whole color scheme. You could pick out a color from other accessories in the room and use it in your curtains and valances in some way, either in the main fabric or trimming.

The Unexpected

Having given all these rules I have to say that while the best valance window treatments give a nod to these rules, they also have something of the unique or unexpected in them. Like  an outfit with too many matching accessories adding something to make your valances stand out will truly make them a cut above the rest. This may be a trimming or a way of hanging them, an unusual shape or a way of combining the colors in the room. Experiment a little and have fun when choosing your valances to see if you can come up with an unusual combination which works.

Discount Window Valances : Great Time to Buy

If you’re looking for discount window valances then look no further than all the sales you will see in stores and online right now. You see with vacation time coming up most of are less  interested in decorating  our homes meaning that  stores are keener to sell us their goods.

In fact, the best times to find valances on sale are always July and January although if you’re reading this outside those times don’t worry these days you can get some  bargains  all year round (It seems that stores have to keep offering great deals to keep us interested). You’ll also find some further ideas here to save money on valances all year round.

Department Stores

Buy Valances on Sale to Save Money

Buy Valances on Sale to Save Money

You’ll find the best deals in the clearance racks of the ready-made curtain section of large department stores where you’ll often find ends of lines, reductions for damaged packaging and special purchases. If the store is left with the valance and no matching curtain you can usually get these for very little. They are great for pairing with a plain blind or curtain.

You’ll also often find special deals in the custom curtains area of these stores where special deals often include reductions on fabric  and free making. If you can get your valances made for free then you will be able to get exactly what you want at a very  reasonable price or you can use the money you saved on your custom curtains during the sale to buy matching valances.

Look for Window Valances Online

You will find the best selection of valances and other window treatments online and by buying in this way you will be able to “shop around” without too much effort and save yourself some cash.  Online stores have sales and special deals too at this time of year in particular so watch out for them. The best sites offer a tailor-made solution to suit your windows as well as plenty of ready made valances. When buying check the terms as shipping costs can add considerably to the overall cost  and if you forget about them they can be quite a blow to your budget.

Can’t Afford Designer Valances?

If fancy valances are beyond your budget don’t give up on the idea altogether, buy plain valances and trim them to make them beautiful. Add a braid edging or fringing or beaded trimming to make them special. You can pick up many trimmings from the same department stores which sell the designer valances that ae beyond your budget.  Of course the best trimming isn’t cheap and you’ll have a pay for a few yards but it’s a lot cheaper than an expensive valance.

Don’t Forget to Save on Drapery Hardware

When you are hanging both a curtain and a valance you will need double drapery rods so that the valance does not affect the operation of the curtains. While looking for discount valances don’t forget to cast an eye over any discounts on curtain rods that you can take advantage of.  After all the final cost of window valances has to include the price of actually getting them hanging above your windows.

Window Valances : A Buying Checklist

Window valances can be expensive so don’t rush into buying your valances without running your choice through our buying checklist. This checklist will help you weigh up your options when it comes to buying window valances and make sure they are a wonderful topper to your windows rather than a window treatment nightmare.

1. Measurements

Are your sure about your measurements? Many valances are custom made to fit and so can’t be returned. Check again that you have measured the length of your drapery rod correctly (and have measured the rod not just the window!) Remember the old adage measure twice, cut once.

Rich red swag valances

Rich red swag valances

2. Valance Style

Is the window valance you have chosen in keeping with the style of your room? The valance you have chosen may be beautiful but if it does not fit the décor and mood of the room it will stand out like a sore thumb. A casual informal style of room will look plain weird with a complicated arrangement of swags and tails while a soft feminine bedroom needs a soft feminine valance and not a crisp angular Ascot type valance.

3. Fabric

If you have chosen a custom valance will the fabric you have chosen work well with the style of valance? (Think how well it drapes or makes crisp edges depending on the style). Does the valance coordinate with the other window treatments hanging at the window (blinds, curtains)? Are the colors right? Do you have too many patterns going on in your room? Is the fabric of good quality?

4. Valance Size

Is the valance in proportion with the window? Nothing looks less elegant than a top heavy window because of an overly large valance or a tiny valance on top of huge tall windows. See Window Valances FAQ for more details about checking the proportions.

5. Practical Issues

  • Is the price of the valance within the budget you have set for yourself?
  • Have you included the cost of a drapery rod and fitting (if necessary)?
  • What are the making up, sales tax and shipping charges (where applicable)?
  • How long will it be before your valance is delivered? Is that acceptable to you?
  • Can you buy matching items from the same store such as curtain panels or cushions (or additional fabric) to help with coordinating your room décor?

Once you have been through this Window Valances Online check list you should have a good idea of which valances on your short list are suitable for your requirements then you are ready to shop and it is simply a case of ordering the best valance that meets your needs.

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