Super Quick Valances for Windows
If you are looking to give your window treatments the designer touch in super quick time you can easily do this with stylish valances for your windows. Here are some of the best ideas around for quick window valances.
1. Hang a Valance Like a Banner
Create a straight or shaped banner in fabric adding three or more fabric loops to the top edge (depending on the width of the window valance). Fix three (or however many loops you have on your valance) decorative hooks or curtain boss type hold backs above the curtain rod, where you want your valance to start, matching their position with the position of the loops. (This works best if you line the valance banner and include the loops within the top seam.)
A straight valance looks good if it is in a striped fabric running a different way from stripes in the curtains. If you want to use the same fabric as the curtains try a shaped window valance. You can make up a beautiful window valance from three or more lined triangles of fabric stitched together, with the middle triangle being longer or shorter than the triangles at the sides.
NoJo Jungle Babies Window Valance (Click Image for Details)
The banner shape for the valance (whatever form it takes) should be as wide as the window curtains when they are drawn back plus an inch or two. As for length, experment by creating a pattern with newspaper or old wallpaper and see what looks right with your curtains and window before cutting your fabric.
2. Use a Scarf
Add an attractive rod above your normal curtain rail and then use a long lined piece of fabric or an actual scarf (for a small window) and drape it decoratively over the rod. This looks best if there is enough fabric to loop down over the center and to trail at the sides of the window for a swag and tails effect. You can play with your scarf valance as much as you like until you get the right effect. If you are making your own window valances from lengths of fabric, experiment with a length of string or rope to get the right effect and length before cutting your fabric. Once you have an effect you like, stitch (or pin) your valance in place in strategic places along the rod so that it does not slip.
3. Order Custom Valances Online
There are many sites which specialize in providing custom valance window treatments at double quick speed. You can save yourself a lot of hassle by ordering online rather than making a valance for your windows yourself and you will be surprised at how many fabrics and styles are on offer to make your windows look exactly as you would wish. Take a look at a few sites and you’ll see exactly what I mean. The custom route is also a good solution for valances for bay windows and other shaped windows as these are particularly tricky to deal with yourself in a hurry.
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.
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