Bathroom Window Valance Design Ideas

When decorating a bathroom, window treatments are a crucial design element that can make or break the look and feel of the space. Bathroom window valances in particular offer privacy and style to this intimate yet often overlooked area of the home.

Valances not only add softness, texture, and visual interest around windows, but they can also help disguise unattractive window elements like blinds and hardware. Whether your goal is to filter light, enhance privacy, or simply dress up your bathroom windows with fabric and color, valances present the perfect decorative opportunity.

Measurements and Planning

Before selecting and installing any window valance, accurate measurements are key. You'll want to measure the exact width and length of each window to customize the valances perfectly. Consider drawing out a floor plan with the window measurements noted to visualize different valance placement options.

Also factor in how much privacy you need. Bathrooms often require more discretion than other rooms. Layered window treatments like a sheer curtain underneath a soft valance could provide privacy along with beautiful embellishment.

Choose Valance Style and Fabric

The style of valance and fabric you select will impact the overall look, so weigh your choices carefully. Classic tailored valances offer a crisp, clean look, while tiered or swag valances provide a softer, more romantic feel. Linens and cottons complement traditional bathrooms, while bold graphic prints can lend a contemporary edge.

Fabrics and Materials

From breezy sheers to lush velvets, fabric options for valances are virtually endless. Lightweight and easy-to-maintain cottons work well for moisture-prone bathroom windows, as do polyester blends and synthetic silks.

Common Fabrics

• 100% cotton - breathable & absorbent
• Linen - natural texture with drape
• Polyester - colorfast & resists mildew

Consider surface interest through textures like damask or subtle patterns like tone-on-tone stripes. This adds depth without overwhelming a small space. For privacy, choose light-filtering fabrics over blackout to still allow healthy natural light in.

Styles and Designs

From tailored shapes to lavish draping forms, valances unlock countless design possibilities. Before selecting a style, consider your bathroom's architectural details and decor style to complement both.

Tiered and Tailored Valances

Clean-lined tiered valances feature two to three stacked horizontal bands of fabric. These tailored treatments suit modern or contemporary rooms. For traditional bathrooms, a jabot valance with softly gathered side ruffles offers timeless elegance. Crisp pleats also introduce charming texture.

Swag and Cascade Valances

Swag and cascade valances incorporate gentle waves of luxurious fabric that gracefully frame windows. The lush, romantically voluminous look pairs beautifully with clawfoot tubs and vintage-style decor. For a lighter effect, relaxed drapery panels hung from rings or rods also enhance windows gracefully.

Tie-Top and Rod-Pocket Valances

Economical rod-pocket valances slide right onto existing curtain rods without requiring additional mounting hardware. Arrange gathers down the middle or to each side for different looks. Tie-top bathroom valances feature strips of fabric ready to tie onto rods for breezy, casual embellishment above windows.

Colors and Patterns

Introduce character through color and patterns styled thoughtfully to your bathroom. Coordinate valances with towels, walls or floors for a cohesive feel. Contrast the frame color for definition. Play with textures and prints for added flair.

Bold Prints or Subtle Solids

Smaller bathrooms benefit from solid colored valances, which recede gently into the background. Larger rooms can handle bolder patterns like floral chintzes or geometric medallions on dramatic shower curtains. Coordinate colors with tiles, counters or art for a polished, designer look.

Installation and Hanging

Hanging a window valance properly impacts its visual appeal in the room. Most valances utilize easy DIY installation. Carefully measure and use the manufacturer's included hardware for best results.

Inside vs Outside Mount

An inside mount attaches a valance directly to the window frame itself, creating a built-in, seamless look. Outside mounts overlay a window to soften the wall space around it. This adds dimension while hiding flaws or window elements you want less visible behind draped fabric.

Hardware and Mounting Options

Look for complete valance hardware kits that contain everything needed for hanging inside or outside the window frame securely. Kits include mounting brackets, decorative holdbacks and finials. Mini blinds and drapery rods also offer built-in valance attachment options.

Decorative Touches

Take your bathroom window valance from simple to spectacular by personalizing it with creative embellishments. Trims, tassels, ribbons and fabric flowers add special designer flair with minimal effort or expense.

Trims, Fringes and Accents

Sew strips of ribbon or trim across valances for texture. Fringes or ball tassels on swag ends create a luxe hotel vibe. For contemporary cool style, gray velvet valances with silver nailheads and drapery pins lend visual edge.

Scarves, Ribbons and Bows

Repurpose scarves from your closet to make easy DIY valances with personality. Loop ribbons through rod pocket tops. Cluster fabric flowers in one corner or sprinkle them across entire valances. The options are endless for infusing your unique taste.

DIY vs Professional Installation

If handy with basic sewing skills or interior design vision, DIY bathroom valances promise a fun weekend project. Custom-made or intricately swagged designs, however, often benefit from hiring professional window treatment specialists.

Assess Complexity and Skills

First assess the complexity of your desired valances. Simple rod pocket or relaxed drapery styles are beginner-friendly. Expert precision is required for tailored inverted box pleats or smoothly sculpted swags, making custom workroom fabrication ideal.

DIY Tutorial Walkthrough

Before DIY-ing, study online tutorials that walk through every step from taking measurements to cutting fabric to achieving perfect gather fullness. Having the right tools, workspace and patience is key.

Hire Window Treatment Installer

Consult experienced window fashion designers to create a flawlessly fabricated and fitted custom valance. Hiring a specialist ensures proper installation for both aesthetics and optimal function. Enjoy your windows worry-free.

Costs and Budget

You can find basic valances ranging anywhere from $20 to $150 depending on size and materials. More elaborate designs with intricate details, custom shapes or upscale fabrics climb up to $500 or above.

Factors Affecting Price

Consider width measurements, specialty shapes, header styles, embellishments, content and custom tailoring or shaping when balancing cost. Two 12-inch valances on small windows starts around $30-60. A single extra-wide valance could reach $300.

Affordable vs High-End Materials

Pricing reflects fabric quality and type. Sheer cottons and poly blends keep costs lower. Designer upholstery fabrics, silks or elaborate trims raise prices. Semi-custom design options blend affordability with luxury.

Maintenance

Protect your fabric investment and the beautiful look of your custom bathroom valances with proper care and cleaning.

Regular Dusting and Cleaning

Dust valances frequently with a feather duster or vacuum attachment to prevent buildup. Spot clean stains gently with a lightly dampened white cloth and mild detergent. Allow valances to fully air dry before rehanging to prevent mildew.

Stain Treatment

Address spills and soiled spots immediately for best results removing stains. Each fabric requires special care, so consult manufacturer's recommendations. Avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing delicate materials vigorously.

Washing Methods

Most cotton, polyester or machine-washable valances can be gently washed on a delicate cycle and air dried. Dry clean embellished, custom or delicate designer valances professionally to protect special details.

Valance Alternatives

While versatile and decorative, drapery valances aren't the only option for styling bathroom windows. Explore these popular alternatives.

Blinds

Sleek aluminum mini blinds maintain privacy, filter light and layer easily with valances. Wood blinds offer natural texture. For moisture resistance, bamboo and faux wood styles work well.

Shutters

Painted louvered shutters suit coastal or cottage-inspired bathrooms. Framed panel shutters built into window openings appear neat and built-in. Both regulate light effectively.

Layered Window Treatments

Sheer, light-filtering curtains hung beneath framed top valances maximize privacy, light control and design options with layered luxe. Floor-length curtain panels also amplify impact.

The right bathroom window valance introduces your unique style to one of the most private spaces of home. Before investing in new valances, carefully measure your windows and bathroom space. Determine the amount of light control and privacy needed as well. From tailored cotton to lushly swagged silk, selections of style, color, pattern and fabrication await. Hire specialty workrooms for truly custom creations or experiment with DIY tutorials. However you choose to treat them, keep windows fresh and functional for bathing beauty throughout the years.