Valances
Valances for windows bring more personality to a space with functional advantages you’ll love, especially with roller shades to conceal their equipment. While valances aren’t required for windows adorned with blinds or shades, we encourage all homeowners to consider them for the aesthetics and benefits. Adding these top treatments elevates the appearance and ties the window treatments together.
Our House To A Home Interiors designers are here to help you learn more about our collection of valances and how to find the right fabric and style for your home.
What Is a Valance?
A valance is a decorative fabric top treatment that gives windows a polished appearance. They’re much shorter than drapery or curtains. Valances come in various styles and materials and can be mounted on a board or rod.
You can also use valances on windows without blinds or shades. Kitchen windows are an excellent example of where to use a valance as a solo treatment to create a cozier atmosphere.
Popular Window Valance Styles
Fortunately, the interior design world has broadened its horizons and doesn’t default to the large, elaborate valances of the past.
Traditional valances are ideal for some interiors, but you can choose from many modern styles for other spaces, such as:
- Faux Roman Shade: This valance is perfect for those who want the aesthetic of a raised Roman shade but don’t need the functionality.
- Layered Valance: A layered valance has a sheer material on top of a heavier fabric. It’s an excellent pick for chic, contemporary décor.
- Box Pleat Valance: A tailored style with crisp pleats ideal for formal spaces, like dining rooms.
Benefits of Valances for Windows
Valances create depth and visual weight while making windows appear taller and wider. They offer several other practical advantages, including:
- Concealing window treatment hardware.
- Increasing insulation, privacy, and light control.
- Enhancing your home’s design.
- Reducing outside noise from creeping inside.
Valances for the Living Room
Living room aesthetics can vary from casual to formal décor. When deciding on valances for the living room, choose one that complements the whole room. Traditional interiors are the place to use luxe materials and opulent designs, like swags. A modern living room looks best with the clean edges of flat valances.
The fabric you select affects the valance style. For solid-colored materials, you can have interesting details, like pleats, scalloped edges, or arches. If you love bold patterns, consider a flat panel style so the pattern is discernible. You can also choose a fabric that contrasts with the window treatment for a fun pop of color.
Unique Window Valance Ideas
Embracing unique window valance ideas lets you step out of your comfort zone without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few unique ideas for your custom valances:
- Create fun accents, like throw pillows, with fabric that matches the valance.
- Give your valances visual interest using materials like linen or canvas.
- Add energy to a room by choosing fabric with stripes or a bold pattern.
- Define individual windows by mounting shades inside the frame with a valance above.
When to Consider a Valance
Rooms with a lot of metal, stone, or wood can feel uninviting. A valance can coordinate with the décor while softening the stark accents. Remember, valances don’t need to feature heavy fabrics and intricate folds, so you can easily work them into a room with a more industrial or minimalist vibe.
When you’re unsure how to tie a space together, custom valances step up to the plate. You can use the same fabric for valances, cushions, and pillows to give the room an intentional look.
Valances can also disguise the shape of a window. If you’re tired of generic square windows, a valance constructs the illusion of a taller window with a unique scalloped shape. Conversely, a flat panel valance can cover unusual trim or blemishes to give your windows a sleek, uniform appearance.
Tips to Design Stunning Valances for Windows
Explore some of our favorite design tips to ensure your valances for windows look stunning:
- Explore all your options before deciding.
- Incorporate some colors in a single room. Most color palettes feature three colors, giving you variety without making the room look chaotic or cluttered.
- Avoid underestimating the power of a color wheel. If you’re unsure which colors go well together, check their positions on the color wheel.
Shop Custom Window Valances Near Springfield, IL
Michael and Karen Burns opened House To A Home Interiors to provide a one-stop shop for various decorating needs. Your time is valuable, and we’re proud to be a convenient resource with experienced designers to help you realize your décor dreams.
Contact us today to request a consultation. House To A Home Interiors is in Springfield, IL, proudly serving the greater Springfield area, including Chatham, Taylorville, and Decatur.