What Kind of Unique Window Valance are You Looking For?

Windows aren’t just utilitarian anymore; they’re part of the actual décor. They can be beautifully-made and become the focal point of the room. Therefore, you may decide that you want to dress them up a bit, but you don’t want to hide them. That’s where a window valance may be the perfect window treatment. They come in many different fabrics and styles and can be used alone or in addition to other window treatments, such as drapes, sheers, blinds, and shutters. Some styles are even no-sew!

Choosing a Window Valance Style

It makes no difference if your room is formal or casual, you will be able to use window valances that will enhance any style. For a rich look you can choose heavy fabrics like elegant brocades and velvets. Simple cottons can be used for more casual looks. Valances can be made to look tight and boxy or something more light and airy. The list below will describe some of the most popular styles to you and tell you how they’re made.

Balloon Valance: Just like the name says, this valance is a ruffled sleeve which is pinched into puffy sections resembling balloons. Lightweight cottons are best for this type of treatment, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing colors and patterns. After hanging a curtain rod with the valance on it, you can use tissue paper to fill out the balloons and give the valance a puffier look.

Swag Valance: A swag is a very versatile type of window valance. It can be short or long and even long enough to for a pool on the floor if that’s a look you like. You will use very light or sheer fabrics for a swag. You will first need to hang two brackets, then fold the fabric across the width in accordion pleats. The fabric must then be draped over the brackets. If your windows are wider, you may have to add some type of center support such as another bracket or a hidden pin to keep the valance from hanging down too far.

Pleated valance: Made of rich, heavy fabrics, a pleated valance can be used in very formal applications. You can also use lighter fabrics if you line them with very stiff material. These valances are harder to make. The fabric and lining have to be cut and stitched together very carefully, because the finished valance will show parts of both sides. Therefore, you might want to enlist professional help for the construction of this valance. In addition to the valance itself, you’ll need a frame made of 2x4s to hang it from. Once the valance is stapled to the frame, the whole thing is then hung from L-brackets.

Make Your Window Work for You

You don’t just have to hang your window valance from the top of the window. For instance, if you have very short windows and want to make them look taller, hang your rod above the window so that the valance just covers the top edge of the window. You’ll be amazed at how much larger your window will appear.

You can also use your window valance to create the illusion of shorter windows. You could try making your valances a little longer, but never have them longer than 1/3 of the entire length of the window. If you have double hungs, you can use your valance in the middle of the window which will really seem to cut it down to size.

Anyone at any kind of skill level will be able to create some type of window valance. Many styles need very little or no sewing at all. Choose your valance to enhance the look of your room, but don’t make it so fancy as to become the room’s focal point.

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