A valance is a short treatment across the top of a window that acts as a border to the decoration on the window area. Generally, we think of fabric valances; however, other materials, such as wood, tile, etc., are also used. While curtains or shades cover the main part of the window area, valances across the top tend to “finish off” the decoration and add interest or luxury to the window treatment.
Many Varieties of Valances
There are so many different kinds of window valances available that it can be overwhelming to choose one! I’ve seen them in various styles and materials, so you can find one that matches your personal taste and home décor. If you like a cozy, country, look, you might consider a valance made of cotton or homespun fabric. But if you’re going for something more formal, there are plenty of rich textures, laces, and satins to choose from.
The possibilities are endless when designing your valance, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make something uniquely yours. The best part is that valances can work well in any room of the house, from the living room to the bedroom to the kitchen. So add some flair to your windows with a valance that perfectly complements your style.
Selecting Window Valances
Choosing a window valance can be an exciting part of designing your window treatments. Generally, a valance is placed at the top of the window treatment and can either blend with the fabric of the curtains or provide a striking contrast. You have many options for the actual window treatment itself, including fabric, vertical or mini blinds, honeycomb shades, bamboo, or almost any other material you might desire. When choosing a valance to complement the treatment, it’s important to think about the style you want to achieve.
Some valances are simple, such as fabric pleated onto a rod, while others are very elaborate. If you’re purchasing ready-made valances from a department store, you’ll find many different designs. For a delicate, airy look, you might consider filmy scarves or sheers draping gracefully across the window’s top. Alternatively, swags of sheer or opaque materials can create a dramatic effect. The blouson and waterfall styles drape down for a soft, romantic look. Then there’s the ascot style, which looks much like the ascot men used to wear with their jackets – it’s a classic look that adds a touch of sophistication to your window treatment.
Ultimately, your window valance choice should reflect your style and complement the other elements of your room’s design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and materials until you find the perfect look for your space!
Window Valance Ideas
If you’re looking for inspiration for your window valances, there are plenty of different styles to choose from! For a layered look, you might try a valance like the Peek-a-boo style offered by Waverly, which has ruffled edges that allow a different fabric to peek through from behind. This creates a fun, playful effect that can add some personality to your windows.
On the other hand, if your window style is more formal or tailored, you might prefer a less frilly valance. Tab top valances are a great option for a sophisticated look that’s still conservative. They feature loops or tabs along the top that slip over the curtain rod, creating a neat, tailored appearance.
You might try a valance with grommets across the top if you want something more contemporary. This style adds interest to the window in a more modern, streamlined manner. A rod is run through the grommets, giving the valance a clean, uncluttered look that’s perfect for a minimalist space.
No matter what valance style you choose, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and colors to create a look that’s uniquely you. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and materials until you find the perfect combination for your windows!
Valances and Spaces
When selecting a valance for your windows, it’s important to consider the room it will be used in. The level of formality in the space should influence your choice of valance style. For example, a kitchen or nursery might benefit from a less formal valance, while a living room or dining room might call for something more sophisticated.
Just like with other aspects of your décor, you’ll want to choose a valance that fits with the room’s overall aesthetic. This means considering the colors, patterns, and fabrics already present in the space. You can choose a valance that matches the window treatment exactly or opt for a complementary fabric with added detailing.
While a valance can add a great finishing touch to your window treatment, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t clash with the rest of the design. A valance that’s too bold or out of sync with the rest of the room can be jarring and detract from the overall effect. For example, a valance with a print of pink bunny rabbits might not work well with an English hunting print on the window treatment. However, a children’s print with a nice fabric valance in a complementary color could be a fun and playful addition to the room.
Ultimately, selecting a valance is an art form. It’s one of the tools you can use to create a cohesive and visually appealing look in your home. By considering the style and mood of the room and the other elements of your décor, you can choose a valance that adds the perfect finishing touch to your windows.
Do It Yourself
If you’re feeling crafty, constructing a valance can be fun and rewarding. While we’ve mostly been discussing fabric valances so far, it’s possible to create a valance using a piece of nicely finished wood or by covering a wooden valance with beautiful fabric or other materials. This allows you to create a unique and personalized look for your windows.
Luckily, many resources are available to help you create your own valances. You can find directions and tutorials online and in fabric stores. With a few basic sewing skills and some materials, you can create a variety of fabric valances, from simple rod-pocket styles to more elaborate pleated or layered designs.
If you’re interested in creating a wooden valance, you can find plans and instructions online for constructing one from scratch or repurposing an existing piece of furniture. This can be a great way to add a rustic or vintage touch to your décor.
By taking on a DIY valance project, you can save money and be satisfied knowing you created a unique and personalized element for your home. Plus, you’ll have a unique piece that perfectly complements your window treatment and adds that extra style to your space.
Popular Choice
When choosing a valance, the Waverly Company is a popular choice. They are a well-known producer and designer of window valances, and its products can be found easily in stores and online. One of the advantages of choosing Waverly is that they offer a wide range of styles and fabrics, making it easy to find a valance that matches your taste and décor.
You can even order just the fabric from them to create your valance, a great way to add a personal touch to your window treatment. Waverly’s valances are made with high-quality materials and are constructed to last, so you can be sure that your investment will pay off in the long run.
With their vast selection of styles and fabrics, it’s easy to see why Waverly has become a go-to brand for window valances. So if you want to give your windows a professional and polished look, consider adding a Waverly valance to your window treatment.