Valance Curtain Inspiration for Picture-Perfect Windows
Valance curtains are more than just a decorative accent above a window. With their soft lines and graceful shapes, these elegant additions can transform any room by framing views, adding privacy, and infusing color and texture. From luxurious living rooms to cozy bedrooms, a stunning valance provides the perfect finishing touch for picture-perfect style.
But with so many options, it can be tricky to choose the right valance to achieve your vision. To inspire your makeover dreams, here's an in-depth guide into valance design ideas, popular styles, creative materials, installation tips, and ways to showcase these windows to perfection.
An Introduction to Valance Curtains
A valance curtain refers to a decorative fabric treatment that hangs across the top portion of a window frame. Valances can serve practical needs like light control and privacy, while also providing a beautiful focal point.
Usually made of soft, draping fabrics like velvet or linen, valances are available in a variety of styles. You can choose tailored shapes like swags and cascades or flowing looks like scarf and balloon valances. This versatility makes valances ideal for accenting any room's windows with elegance and flair.
Key Benefits of Adding Valance Curtains
- Provide decorative accent
- Filter natural light
- Increase privacy
- Cover unsightly hardware or fixtures
- Tie together overall window treatment design
With the right style, fabric and placement, valances can make your windows stand out as the focal point of any space while also serving functional needs.
Most Popular Styles of Valance Curtains
The range of valance styles available means you can find the perfect look to achieve your ideal aesthetic. Here are some of the most popular valance curtain styles for inspiration.
Scarf Valances
True to their name, scarf valances resemble a length of draped fabric hung above a rod over a window. The fabric cascades down in soft ripples, often with elegant tails or points at the ends.
Scarf valances work especially well if you want to make a narrow window appear wider or taller. Their fluid lines give the illusion of extra height and width. Pair scarf valances with casual to elegant room designs from shabby chic to traditional spaces.
Swag Valances
Swag valances feature a decorative swoop or "swag" of fabric anchored in place by fabric strips or decorative hardware. The tails of the swags hang down to frame the window.
Swag valances have a formal, tailored appearance that lends well to traditional room decor. They make excellent accents for wide picture windows. Use shapely swag valances to accentuate the architecture in rooms with high ceilings.
Balloon Valances
As the name implies, balloon valances puff out from a gathered top portion, mimicking the shape of an upside-down balloon. The fullness of the fabric creates a playful, buoyant silhouette.
Balloon valances make a bold statement and balance out tall vertical windows. Pair them with equally dramatic elements like large-scale floral prints or vibrant colors. The whimsical style also suits kids' rooms or eclectic spaces.
Ascot Valances
An Ascot valance features distinctive pleats, often enhanced with decorative tabs, trim or tassels along the upper edges. The sleek, rectangular shape resembles men's Ascot neckties.
The tailored look of Ascot valances works wonders to create an elegant frame for windows. They feel right at home in formal living spaces and master bedrooms. Use crisp fabrics like cotton, linen or dupioni silk to craft a refined style statement.
Fabrics and Materials for Gorgeous Valances
From lush velvets to breezy sheers, fabric choice plays a pivotal role in valance design. But creative alternatives like wood, metal and faux materials also exist. Consider the overall look you want before selecting construction materials.
Best Fabrics for Valances
Look for fabrics with beautiful drapability and texture for fashioning elegant valances. Timeless classics include:
- Velvet: Luxe and decadent, velvet offers depth and sophistication
- Linen and Cotton: Natural textures with casual to formal appeal
- Silk: Shimmering sheen for glamour and softness
- Wool: Handsome structured look in sophistication
- Brocatelle and Damask: Intricately patterned with sheen
Creative Non-Fabric Options
For a unique twist, consider crafting your valances from unexpected materials like:
- Wood: Stained wood slats offer warmth
- Wallpaper: Whimsical prints or faux textures
- Faux wood blinds: Tailor crisp lines
- Capiz shells: Delicate framed pieces for cottage charm
Combining materials like fabric with wood or paper allows for gorgeous dimensional details. Don't be afraid to think outside conventional options.
Hanging Valances for Seamless Style
Installing your valance correctly ensures it enhances your windows to perfection. Pay attention to height, hardware and positioning details.
Ideal Height Placement
Hang your valance close to the top of the window trim for continuity. Place the rod just below the window framing. For inside mounts, keep it 1 to 3 inches below the inner frame. If desired, install a second lower rod for curtains below the valance.
Inside vs. Outside Mounting
Inside mounted valances nestle neatly within window openings for a streamlined look. Outside mounts extend beyond the frame making statements in rooms with high ceilings. Factor in the room's proportions when deciding on mounting methods.
Choosing the Right Hardware
Look for sturdy bracket rods in finishes that coordinate with your room's overall hardware. Valance clips, rings and holdbacks keep fabrics secure and gracefully draped. Pay attention to quality and durability.
Designing Stunning Valance Combinations
While valances shine on their own, using them alongside other window treatments ups the design ante. Layer, match and coordinate valances with shades, sheers and more.
Layering Valances with Other Window Treatments
Think of valances as the opening act to complete window performances. Valances play nicely with other window treatments. Flowy sheers filter light below balloon valances. Warm linen swags accentuate white plantation shutters. The possibilities are endless.
Coordinating Styles for Continuity
repeating similar shapes, lines and colors fosters cohesion with valance combos. Solid Roman shade fabrics could pick up colors from a patterned swag valance. Casement window treatments might echo the pleats of Ascot valance partners.
| Treatment 1 | Treatment 2 | Shared Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Scarf valance | Flowy sheers | Soft draping fabrics |
| Pleated Ascot valance | Pleated cellular shades | Crisp knife pleats |
| Neutral linen swags | White faux wood blinds | Crisp white background |
Tying aspects together results in cohesive style for artful appeal.
Valance Ideas for Different Room Types
While valances transcend most design schemes, tailoring their style towards room function adds an extra layer of polish.
Grand Entryways and Foyers
Make first impressions count with striking window accents to greet guests. Fluid scarf or balloon valances inject softness against intricate wallpaper or wainscoting. Multi-layer them over statement entry doors.
Refined Living Rooms
Formal living spaces call for tailored valances like swags, cascades and inverted pleats. Use them to frame large picture windows or accentuate the architecture surrounding tall ceilings. Coordinate with room colors.
Cozy Bedrooms
Lend delicate allure with breezy, scarf valances or relaxed swags in restful hues like ecru and silver blue. Pair them with billowing sheers and textured blankets for a comfortable sanctuary.
Kitchens and Dining Areas
Energize these busy spaces with crisp patterns like gingham checks or nautical stripes draping skylights and banquettes. Heat-reflective sizzle swags introduce sophisticated style near stovetops and ovens.
Soothing Bathrooms
Privacy takes center stage with densely woven water-resistant fabrics tailored into spa-worthy designs. Layer lavish swag valances over Roman shades near deep soaking tubs. Use washable medium-weight cottons and linens in humid zones.
Taking Valances to the Next Level
Once your perfect valance is mounted, think about decorative extras that make it truly outstanding. Embellished trims, creative framing and dimensional paint treatments enhance allure.
Trims and Embellishments
Tassels fluttering from swag points. Glimmering metallic cording tracing a balloon cascade's edges. Swaths of passementerie-style trim festooning an Ascot. Tactile details provide the ultimate grace notes.
Inventive Framing Concepts
Picture framing swag valances with overlapping wood slats plays up tailored elegance. Accenting the points of scarf valances with capiz shell insets echoes cottage style. The design options are boundless.
Painted Details
Affordable updates like stenciled designs, ombre dip-dyeing, antiquing and sponged details infuse personality. Painting wood valances or dyeing canvas over laminate ones transform their look.
With endless style possibilities, it's clear why valances make the perfect crowning glory for any window. Match their shapes and fabrics to room aesthetics and functions for a polished final touch. Their soft draping shapes frame views while regulating light and privacy. Luxurious fabrics like silk and velvet ensure lasting beauty. Mix and match valances with other treatments like sheers or shutters for stunning combinations with serious wow factor.
So whether you crave romantic whimsy or sophisticated architectural allure, valances help create the picture-perfect windows you've always envisioned. Embrace daring new designs or tailor elegant classics. With the right customized look, valances introduce effortless style and beauty into your space.