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Boost Living Room Style with Valance Window Treatments

Adding stylish window valance ideas is an easy and affordable way to elevate your living room decor. Valances serve both form and function by concealing unattractive window elements while providing privacy and light control. With the wide variety of textures, patterns, and installation styles available, valances can completely transform plain windows into striking focal points that complement your design aesthetic.

Different Types of Living Room Valances

From fringed to pleated options, unique living room valance styles can dramatically change the look and feel of any space. Consider your room's existing color scheme, furnishings, architectural details and overall vibe when selecting a valance type that aligns with your vision.

window valance ideas living room

Fringe Valances

Fringe valances add free-flowing texture perfect for relaxed, casual spaces. The longer the fringe, the lusher the look. Opt for thicker fringe on wider windows. Drape varying fringe lengths along the valance length for extra whimsy. Fringe catches the light beautifully but is prone to dust buildup. Vacuum gently to refresh.

Pleated Valances

Nothing says elegance like neatly tailored pleats. Crisp inverted box pleats or softer knife pleats both work wonders. Iron pleats after installation for that structured style. Pleated headers in coordinating solids or subtle patterns polish the presentation. For wider windows, break up pleats into sections to maintain crisp lines. Pleats hide wear well, retaining a neat appearance over time.

Sheer Valances

Lightweight, semi-transparent sheer valances filter sunlight beautifully. Layer over existing curtains or shades to soften edges and edges. Delicate sheers with subtle lace detailing, embroidery or beading inject ethereal texture without obscuring views or overwhelming the space. Hang sheers high to maximize light diffusion and visibility.

Fabrics and Textures for Valances

Choosing the right fabric is arguably the most critical decision when planning living room valances. Textiles introduce color, pattern and visual interest while supporting the room's overall aesthetic.

Sheers

Breezy, lightweight sheers make any room feel more open and airy. Diffusing light through semi-transparent weaves brightens dark corners naturally. Softly filtered sunlight prevents harsh glare without sacrificing views. For coverage, hang multiple sheer layers using decorative holdbacks on each side.

Velvets

Few fabrics exude luxury like velvet. With an elegantly draped valance, plush velvet lends instant sophistication. Deep jewel tones and inky blacks feel ultra-rich, while pale neutrals and pastels provide an approachable softness. Velvet attracts lint and requires gentle dry cleaning, so handle delicately after install.

Linens

Casual and textural, linen's rumpled texture energizes casual spaces. Rough-hewn linens contrast beautifully against sleek modern elements like metal curtain rods or decor accents. Tailored linen valances add rustic contrast to ornately detailed interiors. Linen softens over time, developing dimension through natural wear.

Functional Uses for Living Room Valances

Beyond style alone, living room valances serve many practical light and privacy functions.

Light Control

Strategic valance placement controls incoming daylight. Floor to ceiling lengths block light fully when layered over blackout shades. Sheer fabrics filter and diffuse without sacrificing views outdoors. For nighttime light blockage, opt for tightly woven, light absorbing fabrics to prevent streetlamp glare indoors.

Privacy

Length and fullness determine how much privacy a living room valance provides. Extra wide panels with tightly pleated headings offer more coverage from front views. Box pleated side panels reduce visibility from side sight lines. For screening side views only, corner valances limit outside lines of sight while opening up front views.

Crack Hiding

Do small gaps or uneven walls and window casings detract from your living room's clean sight lines? Extra long, strategically draped valances artfully disguise imperfections. A well-placed swag disguises wall flaws flawlessly. Deep pelmet valances and cornices extend lower to blanket troublesome cracks or flaws.

Styling Tips and Tricks

With limitless styling possibilities, it's easy to make ordinary living room valances extraordinary. Clever tricks transform basic window valances into striking centerpieces.

Mix and Match

Who says valances and curtains must match? Contrasting patterns and colors spotlight unique details in both. Coordinate complementary hues on the color wheel, or layer opposing textures like gossamer sheers over chunky woven valances. Unexpected combinations make unforgettable style statements.

Add Architectural Interest

Draw the eye upward by extending crown molding onto boxy cornice valances. Similarly, pelmet valances mounted directly to the wall or ceiling appear integrated rather than just attached. Wider pelmets better balance tall ceilings. For small rooms, oversized pelmets exaggerate height. Built out window frames visually expand narrow spaces.

Incorporate Wallpaper

Continue a striking wallpaper pattern straight onto the valance for a cohesive, head-to-toe look. Contrasting prints make an eye-catching statement. For a budget buy, cover inexpensive valances directly in leftover wallpaper rolls or swatches to recreate this built-in style affordably.

DIY Installation Guide

With proper measuring and mounting, even novices can DIY stunning, professional-looking window valances affordably. Follow this simple step-by-step for flawless results:

  1. Decide on mount type. Choose between wall, ceiling, or window mounts based on valance style and hardware needed.

  2. Measure precisely. Record window width and desired valance lengths/drops to ensure perfect proportions.

  3. Select hardware. Gather appropriate screws, anchors, brackets and rods for mounting surface and valance weight.

  4. Mark mount locations with pencil. Use a level to draw accurate guide lines.

  5. Drill pilot holes. Pre-drill holes for anchors to avoid cracking mounted surfaces.

  6. Secure hardware. Screw brackets and rods securely into studs or anchors.

  7. Hang valance. Drape fabric over rod, smoothing out wrinkles and adjusting gathers.

Forget curtains or additional window treatments. Hung alone without supplementary accents, living room valances make striking style statements as solitary focal features. Choose patterns and textures like embossed fabrics or conversational prints guaranteed to spark dialogue and delight.

The next time your living room windows need a facelift, look no further than the limitless potential of creatively styled window valances. With this comprehensive guide exploring styles, functional uses, fabrics and DIY tips, transforming lackluster windows into artistic focal features has never been easier. Reimagine your living room and boost its entire aesthetic appeal starting with inspiring window valance ideas tailored to match your unique style.