For some people, nothing beats being able to look out a window and watch the world go by. If that is you, the last thing you want is to cover up the window and not be able to see. Yet, we want a little color and decoration for the window and to meet these two needs, a window valance is the perfect solution. There are many, many styles offered in window valances, so you will be sure to find the perfect one. If you prefer the window to be completely open at all times, just use the valance by itself, but if you want privacy at night, you can partner it with shutters or blinds, or a set of curtains or drapes.



Depending upon the style of your room, you can choose traditional styles, casual or very formal. A formal style might be a tapestry that is rather heavy and ornate. If you prefer casual, a light, sheet curtain would probably suit you better. The traditional style usually means using fabric that is stiffer and hangs straight, unlike the sheers that may billow in the wind.

One of the most popular types now is the balloon valance. It gets its name from the way it puffs out like a balloon. This look is achieved by pinching and bundling the fabric so that it "poufs" up. To keep the pouf in place, the inside of the valance is filled with tissue paper. Newspaper can also be used, but you have to be careful if the fabric is lightweight, that the writing doesn't show! Plain white tissue paper would be better if you are using a light fabric.

Another popular valance is the swag style. Usually, you have to use a lightweight fabric with this style as well, in order to do the swagging properly. Swags can be full length and hang to the floor (some people like it even longer so they can pool the fabric onto the floor), but you can also have a short swag. In order to create the swag, fancy brackets are mounted on each side of the window and the fabric draped through them. A wide window may need extra support in the center.

Pleated valances are popular for a neat, more formal look. Usually the fabric used is heavy so that it can retain its shape when it is pleated. It is important that each pleat be uniform so that it looks right, so it is not a style that most people can create on their own. If you want it to look good, consider the services of a professional-either a seamstress or a decorator. A pleated valance is hung from a wooden frame made expressly for this purpose. The fabric is stapled onto the board and the board is then placed in brackets.

Depending upon the style you choose, you can probably create your own beautiful window valance. To add an interesting accent to a room, without blocking the view, they are an ideal solution.