Window ValancesWindow valances
are treatment for the top of your windows. Typically, valances
cover the curtain rod to create a beautiful decoration for
your window covering. Valances can either be purchased with
your window drapes or they can be made afterwards. Usually,
you want to coordinate the design and color of your window
valance to match that of your drapes. |
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Valance Uses
Valances can be used as pure
decoration or to other functional purposes such as concealing a
headrail of your curtains or change the visual proportions of your
windows. Some window rods of curtains or drapes may not be visually
pleasing. In that case, you can add a valance to cover the headrail.
Of course, you need to make sure that your valance is wrapped over
its own valance rod so that you don¡¯t create a problem you are
trying fix. In another function, valances can change the proportion
of the window. For very tall windows, a valance can help to make the
window look more proportional. However, if your windows are more
wide than high, you may not want to consider putting a valance. It
might make the window look even more flat and unappealing.
Make or Buy Valances?
One question you may have
is whether you should buy or make your own valances. Depending on
your available time, skills, and interest, either way is a viable
solution. If you choose to make your own valances, remember to study
or research how to match patterns and fabric. The last thing you
want to do is spend a lot of time making your valances only to find
out that they do not fit with your current curtains or drapes and
make others question your design abilities and taste. If you made
your own curtains or drapes, then you are probably the type of
person who can make their own valances. There are many resources
online that show you how to make valances. It would be a good idea
to ask your neighborhood handy man or woman for advice as well.
Buying Valances
If you decide to buy valances,
there are many stores and types to choose from. Just a simple look
on the Internet will show you the huge selection out there. Cornice
valances offer a boxy, rigid look. It is useful for more traditional
classic styles. The Waverly brand of valances typically offers a
flowery design and wavy look on the bottom. This is a very popular
style to accent country curtains. Valance designs such as plaid and
dotted bring out the traditional home on the range look. Other
designs include cascade valances. These valances look like water
cascading down the sides. Cascade valances fit sheer curtains well.
Before you buy valances online, make sure that you have done your
research offline. By that we mean going to window treatments stores
and looking at valances and examining the colors and materials that
match your window curtains or drapes. That way you have an idea
before you buy online. Remember that photos and pictures of valances
will not look exactly like the real thing when you get it in the
mail.
Whether you decide to make your own valances or buy
them, make sure that you understand valances will shield out some
light from your windows. Unlike curtains and shades, valances
typically can not open or close ?they are part of your window
¡°frame?in a way. As long as you do your research, you should be
pleased with the valances you put on your windows.
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