Clarifying What a Valance Curtain Is

A valance is a decorative window treatment that sits atop a window. Usually made of fabric, a valance can serve both form and function by adding visual interest while also concealing curtain rods and hardware. Valances come in many styles and serve various purposes, making them a versatile design element for any room.

We'll also cover measuring, installation, pros and cons, and creative customization tips. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of how to best utilize valances in your home.

Defining a Valance Curtain

A valance refers to a decorative fabric "valance" mounted across the top of a window. It can be used on its own or combined with other window treatments like curtains or blinds.

What is a Valance Curtain: Basic Description and Purpose

Specifically, a valance curtain is a short decorative window treatment that sits on top of the window. It often serves to hide the curtain rods and hardware. Valances can be made of various fabrics and come in different styles. Their main purpose is decorative rather than functional.

Valances add visual appeal, texture, and color to help tie a room's decor together. They draw the eye upwards and frame the window area. Many people use valances in combination with other window treatments like curtains or blinds. The valance provides decor, while the other treatments control light and privacy.

Types of Valances: Tiered, Flat, Tailored, Cascading

There are a few main types of valances:

• Tiered valances have layers of fabric for extra fullness.
• Flat valances lie smooth and flush against the mounting surface.
• Tailored valances have crisp, sleek lines and structure.
• Cascading valances have ripples and folds for a romantic flowing look.

Valance Styles: Traditional, Modern, Transitional

Valances come in an array of styles. Common design styles include:

• Traditional valances have decorative trims, patterns, and traditional shapes.
• Modern valances use sleek lines and often solid fabrics or subtle patterns.
• Transitional valances blend elements of traditional and modern with clean yet decorative styling.

Key Components: Length, Width, Fabrics

With valances, some key factors determine the overall look and effectiveness:

• The length impacts visual proportions and functionality.
• The width must extend beyond the window width to properly frame it.
• Fabric choice affects texture, light filtration, and fold drape.

Valance Curtain Forms and Functions

Valances may look nice, but they serve key practical functions as well. The form, or physical shape and style, ultimately allows valances to achieve certain interior design jobs.

Decorative Role of a Valance

One of the main appeals of a valance curtain is its decorative effect. Available in a spectrum of styles, colors, patterns and textures, valances introduce another layer of visual interest at the window. They immediately draw the eye upwards, framing and enhancing the window itself. This decorative upgrade contributes greatly to the overall ambiance and pulled-together feel of a nicely furnished room.

Concealing Function

Another useful aspect of valances is how they can discreetly conceal window elements you may wish to hide. Valances mount high enough to hide unattractive window frames or hardware. They also hide the tops of curtain rods, whether for aesthetic reasons or to achieve a certain floating drapery look.

Filtering Light and Adding Privacy

Certain fabric choices for valances can filter incoming light or boost privacy. Sheer fabrics filter and soften harsh light, while maintaining the light overall. Fabrics with substance help block more light entirely. And when layered together with blinds or other window treatments, valances can provide an extra measure of seclusion and privacy.

Completing the Window Treatment

Finally, valances put the finishing touch on layered window treatments. They unify the look visually by concealing hems and hardware. And they add further aesthetic value with color, texture and shapes that can tie into the room's decor. With all these combined benefits in one small package, it's easy to see why valances remain a favorite window treatment option.

Measuring and Installation

Achieving the perfect valance requires taking careful measurements and choosing suitable mounting options. This establishes proper fit, height, and fullness.

Taking Accurate Measurements

Like any window treatment, accurate sizing is key for a proper fit and beautiful look. Measure the exact width from outside edge to outside edge of your window frame. For the length, measure from the rod's top edge down to the desired lower edge length. Standard valance length is around 15 inches. But this can vary based on window size, position and ceiling height. Most experts recommend keeping the lower edge above the window frame itself.

Mounting Options: Rods, Tracks, Clips

Most valances utilize mounting rods or tracks across the top edge to hang the fabric. Oval, round or half-round rods work well, offering flexibility for adjusting fullness. Tracks give a more tailored look and taut fit. individual ring clips allow for rippled cascading folds. The rod or track gets secured firmly to the wall or window molding.

Hanging Methods: Ring Hooks, Back Tabs

Fabric gets attached via hooks sewn into a top hem ("ring hooks"), Velcro-style back tabs, or clip rings. Hooks allow the smoothest slide across rods. Tabs and clips attach at specific points for a more fixed, tailored appearance. The right approach depends on the type of valance and desired visual fullness.

Achieving Fullness and Flow

Fullness refers to how much fabric volume is present. More fabric stacked vertically creates increasingly dramatic folds and billows for a lux look. Less fabric remains smoother and sleeker. The fullness gets adjusted by the spacing and number of attachment rings or tabs. Wider spacing equals more tension for flatter shaping. Narrow, frequent attachments make ripply folds. So play with the spacing intervals when hanging to find your perfect amount of valance fullness.

Fabric and Design Choices

Choosing just the right fabric and design style completes a valance and achieves your desired decorative impact.

Materials: Cotton, Linen, Polyester Silk

Valance fabrics span a wide range. Lightweight cottons and linens have a soft, casual feel. Silks and other luxe materials make fancier valances mimicking draperies for a formal effect. Richly colored or thickly textured fabrics make a bold statement. Sheers keep things light and airy. Match the fabric texture and weight with the overall room decor theme.

Colors, Patterns and Textures

Play with colors, prints and textures when selecting valance material. Contrasting colors pop against subtler window treatments. Matching the color and pattern ties everything together. Combine textures like sheers with swags for dimensional interest. Place special details like trims, cords or contrast bands atop valances rather than lower down.

Combining Valances with Other Window Treatments

Use valances alone for an understated look, combined with drapes for a lux feel or alongside blinds to unite separate elements. Mixing design styles and textures prevents too matchy-matchy a result. But colors and base fabrics can coordinate for harmony. Place the valance above the other window treatments for proper order.