Refresh Your Look with Inventive Living Room Valance Ideas
Are your living room windows looking a little lackluster? Valances offer a fun, innovative way to reinvent your space. More than just a pretty fabric, valances can completely transform the look and feel of your room. It's time to think beyond basic drapes and embrace the limitless potential of the often underutilized valance.
Valances are decorative fabric treatments that hang at the top of your window. They can be used alone or layered with other window coverings. From modern straight lines to ornate romantic ruffles, valances introduce color, texture and interest. Take advantage of their decor power to refresh your living room style.
Mix and Match Patterns for Depth and Dimension
Don't feel that you have to stick to a single valance pattern in your living room. Combining multiple prints and designs makes for a lively, eclectic look. A large geometric print paired with a smaller floral pattern immediately adds visual interest.
Mix up the scale of patterns for contrast. A mini print valance sets off a large buffalo check one beautifully. Just be sure complementary colors are pulled from each pattern to tie the look together. If you want to get really creative, don't be afraid to incorporate three or more patterns!
Consider the Living Room's Function
Before selecting your perfect valances, examine how your living room is used. Formal living rooms meant for entertaining call for elegant valances that elevate the aesthetic. Family rooms designed for movie nights might prioritize blackout fabrics that prevent light leakage.
If your living room doubles as a home theater, look for light-blocking valance styles to limit glare on the screen. For east-facing rooms prone to early morning sunshine, a soft valance combined with blackout drapes makes sense. Think about how to best enhance functionality through strategic valance choices.
Layer Textures for Subtle Visual Interest
Valances constructed using different textiles instantly add depth to your decor. Combining complementary textures creates appealing contrast. Try pairing a nubby linen valance with sleek velvet drapes for an ultra-luxe look. Or mix sheer organza with rich cotton for filtered light and a hint of privacy.
Use texture to direct the eye where desired. A bold tiered cotton valance draws focus to the window as a focal point. Sheer mesh valances obscure the window frame, subtly downplaying it. Get creative with textural elements to enhance overall ambiance.
Play with Length for Dramatic Impact
Cascading floor-length valances make a serious style statement. Measuring your window height, add a foot or two to the valance length. Gather the fabric at the hanging rod for beautiful draping folds. Pair with simple sheer curtains to allow light through the bottom.
Or try mixing a standard mid-length valance with a super short ruffled one stacked on top. This dynamic look adds flair without overpowering the room. For smaller rooms, avoid massive valances to prevent a closed-in feeling. But don't shy away from generous lengths to inject liveliness.
Functional Valances for Light and Privacy
While valances tend to be decorative, functionality need not be sacrificed for fashion. Look for styles with built-in blackout lining to prevent unwanted light from disrupting sleep or media viewing. Top down/bottom up cellular shades combined with a stylish valance offer the best of both worlds.
For maximum control, install separate blackout curtains on a second rod layered behind your pretty valance. This allows you to adjust privacy and lighting as needed. With some creativity, you can implement light-blocking valances that also complement your decor aesthetic.
Enliven Your Space with Vibrant Colors
Color selection plays a huge role in the overall effect of your valances. Go for bold, saturated hues if you want them to become the focal point of the room. Rich emeralds and deep plums make an impact. More subdued neutrals like cream and tan recede gently into the background.
Look at existing furniture and paint colors when coordinating valance shades. For a unified palette, choose a vibrant accent color reflected elsewhere in the room. Contrasting colors can also make valances stand out. Just ensure they tie into other elements through texture or pattern.
DIY Valances for Custom Style
With some simple sewing skills, you can create your own custom valances and save on designer costs. Take accurate window measurements and add desired length. Select your preferred fabric, allowing several inches extra width and length for hemming and gathering. Stitch together panels to match your windows.
For no-sew options, use iron-on adhesives and decorative trim to finish fabric edges. Clip curtain rings in place to hang. Add details like ruffles, contrasting bands or decorative medallions in your own signature style. Embrace the opportunity for personalized flair.
Draw Design Inspiration from Splendid Examples
Looking for fresh valance concepts to jumpstart your planning? Scope out designer portfolios and decor magazines to discover what's trending. Note elements that appeal to your tastes - color combinations, lengths, embellishments. Build a vision board with valances styles compatible with your existing decor.
Modern spaces shine with graphic printed valances in bold colors. Rustic cottages warm up with burlap valances and wood rings. Classic elegance comes from swagged silk valances with tassel trim. See how others have creatively utilized valances to enhance their living room style for a dose of inspiration.
Don't relegate valances to an afterthought - they hold amazing potential for refreshing your living room's look. With some thoughtful creativity, you can wield valances to inject new energy into your space. Revive outdated windows with coordinated color schemes, varied textures, and custom DIY projects.
Use them functionally for light control and privacy or purely for aesthetic flair. However you utilize inventive valance techniques, your living room will benefit from a much-needed boost of style and personality.