Curtain Toppers for an Elegant Living Room

A curtain topper, also known as a valance, is a decorative window treatment that can transform the look and feel of your living room. Strategically placed over a window or doorway, valances add softness, texture, and beauty while providing privacy. With the right curtain topper, you can elevate your living room decor from drab to fab.

From fabrics and styles to proper installation, read on for useful tips, inspiring ideas, and factors to consider when shopping for these decorative accents.

Types of Curtain Toppers for Living Rooms

Valances come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to complement any decor scheme. Here are some of the most popular styles of living room curtain toppers:

• Swags - These half-circle flounces add a soft, romantic vibe. Swags can be hung alone over a window or combined with cascades.
• Cascades - Also called tails, these vertical pieces of fabric hang down from swags to frame windows with graceful lines.
• Scalloped Valances - The scalloped hem and gentle curves add a touch of charm. This style works especially well over arched windows.
• Gathered Valances - Multiple fabric pieces gathered onto a header create a ruffled effect. Choose sheer fabrics to preserve light.
• Pleated Valances - Crisp knife pleats maintain structure while adding depth. Pleats work well with more formal decors.
• Tiered Valances - Two or three stacked tiers lend dimension while allowing light through. Opt for delicate, filmy fabrics.
• Jabots - These scarf-like flourishes add flair and texture when draped gracefully on swags and cascades.

Fabrics and Materials for Living Room Valances

From faux silk to cotton, polyester to linen, the fabric you choose impacts the overall look, feel, and function of your curtain topper. Consider these factors when selecting fabrics:

• Appearance - Do you want an elegant, tailored look or soft, romantic vibe? The fabric's color, print, and texture influence aesthetic appeal.
• Light control - Sheers permit daylight while blocking views. Blackouts offer total light blockage for media rooms. Optical whites filter light gently.
• Durability - Silks and linens are refined but delicate. Polyester blends stand up well to sunlight and cleaning.
• Insulation - Lined, interlined, or insulated fabrics in materials like velvet and brocade can retain heat in winter.
• Care - Look for machine washable, wrinkle-free fabrics if easy care is preferred. Dry clean only fabrics add luxury.

Knowing how the room is used can help guide your fabric choice. For high-traffic family spaces, durable, easy-care fabrics make practical sense. Light-diffusing sheers work well over living room windows. Save velvets and brocades for formal spaces or occasional use valances.

Measuring for Curtain Toppers

Like any window treatment, accurate measurements are key to selecting the right size curtain topper. Consider the height and width of your window or door opening. Will you mount the valance above or over the window frame? Do you want the valance to extend beyond the frame width?

Here are some best practices for measuring for living room valances:

• Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. Standard windows are 36-84 inches wide.
• For width, measure from outside edge to outside edge of the window or wall opening. Add extra width as desired.
• For height, measure from top of window/wall opening to desired mounting height. Add overlap.
• Account for stacking space if using swags, cascades or multilayer valances.
• Include any clearance needed for existing blinds or shades.

Having your exact window dimensions will make shopping easier. Many valances come in standard sizes but custom options are available. Provide measurements to your valance provider to confirm the perfect size.

Styling Tips for Living Room Valances

Beyond fabrics and measurements, keep these style tips in mind when planning your living room valances:

• Match valance color to your wall color for a cohesive look.
• Introduce contrast with a bright, bold valance against neutral walls.
• Layer curtains and valances in similar colors and fabrics for a tailored effect.
• Choose wider valances for wider windows and narrower pieces for smaller openings.
• Incorporate design elements like trims, tassels, and fringe for extra flair.
• Display sophisticated pleats and luxe fabrics in formal living rooms.
• Go for an asymmetrical, artfully draped look for casual cottage-style rooms.

You can also use valances to alter the window proportions. An arch-shaped valance over a standard window adds height. Extending the valance beyond window edges tricks the eye into seeing a wider space. Experiment and have fun finding the perfect look for your room.

Hanging Curtain Toppers

Installing your valance properly ensures it hangs beautifully. Most valances come ready to mount with pockets, tabs or a rod pocket. You'll need the right hardware and some simple skills.

Follow this process for hanging living room curtain toppers:

1. Mount the curtain rod, using secure anchors suited to your wall/ceiling material.
2. Slide rings or clip curtain hooks in place, evenly spaced across the rod.
3. Thread the valance onto the rod through the top pockets or loops.
4. Arrange swags, cascades and jabots using additional hooks if needed.
5. Fine tune placement and adjust gathers or lengths as needed.

Check that the valance hangs evenly and does not droop in the middle. Use weights in bottom hems or additional hooks to keep sides uniform. For an extra lush look with swags and cascades, add layers of soft curtain panels underneath.

Get the Look: Valance Ideas for Living Rooms

Need a little inspiration to find the perfect valances to elevate your living room? Here are just a few ideas for gorgeous yet attainable looks:

• Modern Glam: A sleek, solid charcoal velvet valance contrasts beautifully with ivory velvet curtains. Polished and elegant.
• Cottage Cozy: Soft teal chambray fabric cut into swooping scallops and swags. Warm and welcoming.
• Rustic Farmhouse: Crisp white cotton tiered valance accented with red gingham trim. Timeless and casual.
• Romantic Whimsy: Filmy cream sheers in a delicate leaf pattern, ruched onto twinkling fairy lights. Magical!
• Prairie Eclectic: Wide panels of subtly striped linen, punctuated with oversized matte black buttons. Rustic yet refined.

Whether you favor traditional to modern aesthetics, soft and breezy or formal and tailored, there is a living room valance to match your personal style. Visit fabric shops and decor retailers to view swatches and products in person. And do not hesitate to explore DIY valance projects to create a truly custom look on a budget.