When it comes to interior design, it is all too often that windows are overlooked and undervalued as the focal point of a room. Fortunately valances provide a quick and affordable way to bring attention to and enhance your windows, added to that the fact that they offer both aesthetic and practical purposes. Before we take a deeper look into how these window treatments work, we will answer the main question: what is a valance? From there, we can delve into how exactly window valances can add value to your home.

What Is a Valance?

A valance is a short drapery panel that covers only the top portion of a window to provide a decorative touch while hiding the hardware of other window treatments where necessary. They can be installed either using a curtain rod (most common) or by being stapled to a backboard. Window valances act as window toppers that can have either a casual or formal appearance, depending on their style.

Types of Valances

Casual Valance: The most common and casual styles of valance are the tailored or ruffled types. They typically comprise a slip of fabric that runs straight across a rod with no additional embellishments. These valance curtains provide a more casual appearance, especially when the fabric is in a contrasting color or pattern to other window treatments and decor elements in the room.

Formal Valance: There are many different types of more formal valances, all varying in complexity of design. Whether you choose a balloon, pointed, or swag valance design, their intricacy adds a more formal look, especially when the fabric is a matching color to other elements in the room.

Valance Mounts

Just like regular drapes, valances can be mounted in one of two ways – using either an inside or outside mount.

Inside Mount: An inside mount is when the curtain rod is mounted within the window frame, leaving the outside exposed. These valances tend to be more simple and use less fabric. In these cases, a tension rod is a quick non-permanent option that can simply be fitted between the studs, using tension to remain in place.

Outside Mount: As the name suggests – these rods are mounted outside of (and above) the window, typically hanging down and covering the edges of the frame too. The majority of valances are outside mount – especially those more elaborately draped ones. Regular single or double rods with mounting brackets are best used in these cases.

Once you've selected your mount type, you can decide if you want to layer your valance. It is possible to combine a valance with curtains, drapes, shades, or blinds. Typically the valance will be installed so it falls over the top of the other window treatments but it is also possible for a valance to be layered beneath drapes for a more unique look.

Tip!

Read Enjoy the View With Trendy Window Valance Ideas and Window Treatments 101: Layering Curtains & More
to get more styling inspiration.

What Is the Function of a Valance?

As mentioned before, valances have a broad range of aesthetic and practical purposes. They are all good reasons to consider installing a valance in your home.

1. Adds Visual Interest

A valance works well to draw attention to windows by adding texture and depth, as well providing a polished look no matter if the drapes are opened or closed. Thanks to the range of colors, patterns, and styles, you can easily add extra flair to any room with one of these treatments.

2. Frames the Window

The beauty of valances is they only top the upper part of a window, meaning they won't take attention away from its design or obscure an exterior view. Alternatively they can be used to alter the visual shape of a window – a scalloped or pointed valance will create a more arched look, while a tailored valance can be used to cover up an arched window frame to give an entirely new aesthetic.

3. Adds Height to a Room

A valance with an outside mount is closer to the ceiling, covering less of the window top. This works to draw your eye upward, making the room look and feel larger and taller, without hiding any of the outside view.

4. Covers Up Hardware

Since valances run straight across the window, they can work well to hide any of the mounting hardware of any other window treatments that may be there. It is also possible to find valances that form a box shape that covers the curtain rod entirely, hiding it from every angle.

5. Solution to Children & Pets

Little hands and paws can all too easily become tangled in drapes and even pull them down. Valances are situated out of reach of children and pets, as well as from dander and dirt that collects on the floor, meaning they look good for longer.

6. Tie a Room Together

Whether you use them alone or layered with other treatments, valances can help to bring a room together. Depending on the color and patterns you opt for, they could match pillows, throws, comforters, and even furniture to create a cohesive look.

If you are considering a new window treatment for your home, valances could be it. Shop our broad selection to bring a new design aesthetic to your space.

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