Window Valances
Window 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.
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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