Windows were invented to let in light and air, and, sometimes, let us look out onto the world around us. If we do not have a nice view, we may want to cover up a window as much as possible, but if we have a beautiful view, we want to pick a window treatment that will not obsure it. Enter window valances.



Window valances come in as many choices of size, design, color and texture as any other curtain, and can be used alone or in conjunction with another type of curtain. They work beautifully with shades, blinds and shutters, because you can open the shade, blind or shutter to expose the view and still have a decorative accent on your window, or you can close the shade, blind or shutter for light or privacy at night. You can find valances in no sew patterns or you can have elaborate valances that have been crafted by a professional. Just as with other window coverings, valances can match your décor and be formal, casual, heavy or light. Some valances are soft and loosely shaped, while others can be very shaped and stiff. There are many types of valances.

Here are just a few:

A balloon valance is a puffed up piece of double fabric. The top piece over the rod is made to be gathered and stand up. The fabric of the valance is pinched together, puffing out the areas between. Frequently, tissue is placed between the pieces of fabric so that the balloon effect is even more exagerated. Light cottons and other such fabric are used for this type of valance. Solids, patterns or stripes all work well for balloon valances.

The swag valance does just what its name implies: it swags down from the rod. It can be very short, and just hang down a short way, or go all the way down to the floor. Decorative brackets are used to hold each end of the fabric before it swags down. The fabric is folded, accordion style, then passed through the brackets to fall gracefully down. If a window is very wide, an additional support may be needed between the two brackets to support the exta length of fabric. Depending on the look that is desired, sheer fabric works very well, but a dramatic effect can be achieved with heavy draping fabric. A pleated valance is a more formal look, with the shape of the valance cut and lined so it maintains its pleats. Valances such as this are frequently scalloped on the bottom, with a trim or border. Usually such valances are custom made by professionals. The pleated valance is hung on a board with brackets and the fabric is attached to the shelf created by the board.

Whatever kind of valance you use, make the most of this design technique by using the proper placement. Short windows need a valance that is placed very high and creates an illusion of height. A tall window can be made to appear shorter by placing the valance lower on the window surface. For it to look the best, don't put the valance more than a third down the window. However, if you have tall double hung windows, you can put a valance at the top of the lower part of the window and give the whole window the appearance of being lower.

Except for the very formal pleated valances, anyone can make window valances, even if they have no experience with sewing. The most important guideline is to follow the décor of the room. The window valances should blend in with the decoration of the room and not compete with it.