Finding The Right Valance for your Home

The design of your window adds a more uniform design to any room in your household. We will discuss different window top treatments known as valances. Depending on the room, you can use valances instead of full length window curtains or drapes. A valance is a short curtain that normally covers the top portion of a window curtain. Their primary function is to cover any unappealing hardware and to add more design to any given room in the house. There are many types of valances.

The rod pocket valance is made to look like a full length curtain. Along the top of the rod pocket there is a stitched casing that allows for a curtain rod. The final look created is shabby chic. The fabric is loosely gathered at the top so that it matches the design of any full length curtain. These window top treatments are the most popular around as they are the easiest to install. They are available in different patterns and fabric textures. 

The tab-top or tie-top is a valance that is designed by adding loops to the top of the curtain that can be wrapped around the curtain rod. An extra strip of fabric is added to be able to tie the valance to the top of the curtain rod. These curtains are also known as “stagecoach” because they resemble the back in the day look of moving carriages.

                                 

The festoon valance is designed by using a folded fabric that hangs in a curved shape and frame’s the top of the window. These are normally used for festive occasions as they are decorated and can be created using metallic fabric.

                                     

The swag valance is designed by draping the fabric in a semicircular motion to create a bunched-up ruffled styling. These valances can give a room a very elegant style or depending on the fabric, a more casual look. It is a modern design. 

The scarf valance is made of a light-weight sheer fabric that is twisted around the curtain rod. This provides a much more elegant look to the window design and the room. The beauty about this style is that you can hang them in any fashion you choose to create different looks to the window.

The jabot valance is a three piece fabric window treatment. The middle piece is the entire width of the curtain whilst the other two pieces hang on each side of the window. They are able to give the illusion that window is covered. They are primarily used along with swags in order to hide the seams of a swag.

                                        

The ascot valance is designed in either a triangular or v-shaped fashion. The term ascot also refers to a “tie” so these valances are able to be used without having a curtain. This valance may feature on single pointed piece in the center or more than one piece of fabric that extends across the width of the window.

The tailored valance is created similar to the swag valance but it has a crisp, ironed, and neat appearance rather than ruffled or distressed. These window treatments can be used solely or with a full length curtain. They are not designed to block out UV rays.

                              

The cornice valance is actually very different in its design. It uses hardwood or a board. The fabric used is pulled tightly against the board and does not allow the material to drape or become loose. They can be constructed in different shapes to create different styles and affects. It is measured to be the same width of the window frame. Cornices give a clean and sleek look to any curtain window treatments and therefore the room. 

A scalloped valance is designed by similar to the tailored valance but instead of the hem being straight and neat, it is tapered. This type of valance is used to spruce up a room as they are designed using different types of fabrics and prints.

         

A balloon valance is similar to a scalloped valance but there is more stitching at the bottom to give the appearance of air-filled. The bottom portion has more fabric that the top to also add to this effect. They are mostly made of light-weight material like cotton. These valances can be used as a stand alone or to accommodate a full length curtain. They are not design the block out light.