Types of Valances
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Types of Valances

A valance is a form of window treatment that covers the uppermost part of the window. They can be hung alone or with shades, blinds, shutters, or curtains.

beautiful living room valance

 

Fancy valances offer an extremely versatile and popular way of adding a lot of polish to your desired look. They can be customized greatly or kept simple. We will address the basic categories below.

 

So let's dive in to different types of valances.

 

Valance over draperies. Adding a valance over your drapery will add dimension, texture, and style over drapery panels. A valance can also add a touch of formality to your window treatments. The polish as we sometimes refer to it. 

  • To measure for a valance, add 4 inches on either side of your finished drapery, the resulting width is your valance width.
  • Since this measurement is based on finished drapery, the stack is already accounted for.

valance over drapery

 

    Ascot Valances. These are a more tailored and formal valance style which are used over drapery. Designed to be used with curtains or drapes, ascot shaped valances add a touch of elegance and class. These valances are often made of fancy materials, like silk and velvet, and may also be adorned with tassels, fringe, and other forms of decoration.

     

    ascot valance

     

    Stand-alone valances. A stand-alone valance is a perfect addition to dress windows with blinds or shades, adding a simple yet elegant touch.

    • The measuring guidelines for a stand-alone valance is the same as for a sheer drapery. Add 3 to 4 inches on both sides, measured from frame to frame of the window.

     

    stand-alone valance

     

     

    These following types of fancy valances can either be valance over draperies or stand-alone:


    Balloon Valances. Just as the name implies, the fabric of this type of valance "balloons" out, providing a full, puffy sort of appearance. Balloon valances are usually made of lightweight cotton material and come in many different colors and prints.

     

    balloon valance

     


    Swag Valances. A swag is an elaborate window treatment which drapes across as one piece of material that can be hung on brackets and draped over the top of a window, with tails hanging down on each side. You can use almost any type of fabric for these valances.

     

    swag valance

     


    Scarf Valances. A scarf valance much like a swag consists of one piece of fabric which is draped across the top of the window with its ends falling down the sides in the form of tails. The scarf is generally regarded as one of the easier valances to put up and is usually made of sheer or lightweight fabrics.

     

    scarf valance

     

     

    We have plenty more, customized valance ideas. Just send us a note or give us a call. Our experts love sharing their knowledge!

       

      CWF PRO TIPS: Follow these simple rules for hanging valances and you’ll have yourself a neat and professional installation.

      • When having your valance on a rod, you should make sure you have enough material to cover the required area including any additional length needed to wrap around the returns.
      • Valances should not cover more than the top third of the window. A valance that is too large and out of proportion will make windows look smaller.
      • Alternatively, if you want to create the illusion of a smaller window, use a longer style of valance.