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The Daily Insight

What does a valance look like

Author

Nathan Sanders

Published Feb 24, 2026

A valance is sort of like a very short drapery panel that only sits at the top of the window. Installed with either a curtain or drapery rod or stapled to a back board, a valance always has a soft appearance that can look casual or formal depending on which style your going for.

What is the purpose of a valance?

What is the Purpose of a Valance or Cornice Board? Valances and cornice boards are usually made of fabric, wood, or metal, depending on the type of style of your window covering. They are meant to hiding the top hardware of your window coverings and give your windows a more tidy, interesting look.

What are the three types of Valance?

  • Scarf Valances. Scarf or swag valances, as the name suggests, are a drapery fabric simply swagged across the top of the window. …
  • Tailored Valances. …
  • Cornice Valances. …
  • Jabot Valances.

Are valances out of style 2021?

So, to answer the question above, Yes, valances are still in style when made out of trending fabrics, colors and designs! Plus, classic designs are always in style, they just may need to be updated in a more current fabric pattern or color.

What is a valance on shades?

A window valance is a shorter drapery panel that hangs at the top of a window. Valances are installed over the top of curtains on a curtain or drapery rod, and help to add texture and depth to a room, in addition to the window treatment itself.

Do valances go over blinds?

These can be installed above any window treatments, blinds, shades or drapes. A valance is a length of decorative drapery over the top of the window. They often help to hide hardware like drapery rods, hooks, etc.

Are valances out dated?

If you imagine white, overly ruffled valances and curtains, then the answer is probably yes. … If when you think of valances, you imagine droopy valances without form made of some cheap polyester jacquard, then they definitely are dated and most definitely out of style.

What is the trend for window treatments in 2021?

Interior design experts and trend analysts see emerging color trends around soft neutrals, monochromatic color schemes, and bright, nature-inspired elements for 2021. We also see a continued rise in popularity for gray and gray-tone shutters, including cooler and gray-tinted natural browns for wood window coverings.

What is the most popular window treatment for 2021?

  • Roller Shades & Drapery Panels.
  • Cellular or Honeycomb Shades.
  • Flat Roman Shade in Vintage Floral Fabric.
  • Bedroom Drapery Panels.
  • White Cordless Bamboo Shades.
How long should valances be?

The length of the valance should be 1/4 the window height plus one inch. Using these measurements, cut a rectangle from your fabric and lining.

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What is a common valance?

A common valance is shared between multiple window blinds and the valance covers each headrail. Because this upgrade is not offered through our website simply give us a call at the time your order is placed and we can adjust your order for a shared valance.

What type of valances are in style?

  • Scalloped Valance. …
  • Ascot Valance. …
  • Scarf Valance. …
  • Cornice Valance. …
  • Tailored Valance. …
  • Balloon Valance.

What is a kitchen valance?

A valance is a piece of fabric that hangs across the top of a window to hide other window treatment’s hardware and add softness, color, and pattern. … Designer Tip: Simple valances can be used alone or layered over other window treatments.

What do valance curtains look like?

A valance is sort of like a very short drapery panel that only sits at the top of the window. Installed with either a curtain or drapery rod or stapled to a back board, a valance always has a soft appearance that can look casual or formal depending on which style your going for.

What are Windsor valances?

Windsor Layered Valance A scalloped valance by Stylemaster that features a multi-color stripe layered over a solid.

What can I replace valances with?

Factory-installed cornices (sometimes called valances–I had to look up the difference to be sure I was using the correct term!) can be easily removed and replaced with regular curtain hardware and traditional curtains, although floor-length curtains purchased from a store may need to be cut and hemmed to be shorter.

How wide should a valance be?

Most valances should only be 1-1/2 to 5 inches wider than the window if the valance hangs by itself or over a Roman shade. It should be 10 to 30 inches wider than the window if it’s hung over a pair of custom drapes. If the valance is gathered, its total, flat width should be 2 to 3.5 times the width of the window.

How do you hang a valance?

For most windows, a valance should cover about 2 to 6 inches of the top of the window and window frame (this is called the window overlap), with the rest of the valance covering the wall above the window. If there is not enough room to do this, then the valance should be hung immediately under the ceiling.

Are window treatments dated?

Dated: Old Window Treatments Heavy fabrics, ties, fringed trim and roller shades belong in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Dirty blinds or cracked blinds also make a home look dated.

Are valances necessary?

Window valances are a must if you’d like to add dimension and weight to your window. … However, it’s very popular nowadays to put a valance under a drapery as well to make a window look modern. Either way, by layering your window treatments you will have a unique look that most people don’t have in their homes.

What is the latest trend for window treatments?

  • These stylish Roman shades add texture to the space. …
  • Shutters can increase your home’s energy efficiency. …
  • Faux wood blinds may be a better option in the bathroom. …
  • The right hardware can bring the entire look together. …
  • Motorized window treatments are convenient.

Is plantation shutters worth the money?

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your home or save on energy costs, plantation shutters have something to offer. Overall, plantation shutters are worth the investment. … Plantation shutters are durable, long-lasting, and practical.

What type of blinds are in style 2021?

2: Roller blinds are the most popular blinds of 2021. 3: Surprise entry in second place: Vertical blinds. 4: Blackout blinds remain hot property for your property. 5: Roman blinds are still the apex predators of the style world.

Are house shutters outdated?

According to All About Shutters, shutters are believed to have originated in ancient Greece to control light and ventilation both inside and outside of dwellings and buildings. Today, shutters are used extensively all over the world, for functional and aesthetic purposes.

Are plantation shutters going out of style?

When looking at the trend chart, it appears “plantation shutters” as a search term online is trending slightly downward, but that was a few years ago after reaching it’s most popular era. It’s flat-lined for now which means while it’s not trending upward, it’s sufficiently popular so as to not be “out of style”.

How short can a valance be?

Your valance should ideally have an 18-24-inch drop. Anything less than 16 inches is too short and only works in situations where the role of the valance is to be a mere accent or when the ceiling or the window itself is too low.

What is a quilted valance?

Quilted valances are the ultimate way to give your bed a smart, tailored look. These all over fitted valances feature padded vertical quilting and are finished in a microfibre fabric and are available in 3 colours.

What size valance do I need for a 40 inch window?

Our example window is 40 inches wide, including the window frame. That means that the valance should cover a total width of about 42 to 44 inches once gathered. Using a 2- to 2-1/2 times fullness calculation, that means that the valance (when laid flat) needs to be between 84 and 106 inches wide.

What is a pleated valance?

This valance is usually board-mounted and usually has a projection of about 3 to 4 inches from the wall. This valance can also be short. … Notice how the fabric has an additional box pleat on each end and then wraps around the board towards the wall. These pleats are often also called kick pleats or corner pleats.

What's the difference between a swag and a valance?

A valance is simply a term that represents a top window treatment. A swag is a part of a valance. It’s a piece of fabric that’s usually pleated or gathered to create a half-circle shape. Some swags can also be flat.

What is an insert valance?

The Insert Valance measures 42 inches wide by 13 inches long, and has a 2 rod pocket and 1-1/2 inch header. Use it with the swag pair to accommodate a wider window.