Valance Window Treatments

If you would like to make your windows a focal point of the decor of your room, consider adding valance window treatments. With all the options available, they really can make a dramatic decorating statement. Some consider them the height of high fasion and style while others find them overblown and distracting. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you like dramatic decorating, give them some thought. As with almost all window treatments, you can make them yourself, or buy them ready-made.

Think of a valance as an "add on." You have draw curtains covering a four foot wide section of casement windows. A valance window treatement would extend over the front of the existing curtains and add a framing effect to the window. Most valances cover the top portion of the windows and some extend down the sides of the outer windows to create a complete framing effect. While they are usually hung on additional rods, there are some exceptions.

Swag valances are like long fabric scarves that are draped directly over the window and down the sides. Sometimes they are secured on brackets with decorative rope or fabric ties. Swags can also be draped directly onto a curtain rod. For those who really want to go with a custom look you can construct a wooden box that extends over the entire window and staple your fabric directly to it. This kind of valance window treatment frequently features designs cut into the wooden box using a scroll saw. Scallops are probably the most common shape used.

If you like a formal look, think about a simple pleated valance. The pleats add weight so lighter fabrics with stiffer backings are generally needed here. Balloon valances are perhaps the showiest of all valances. Think of the puffy shoulders and sleeves in Victorian style women's clothing and you'll get the idea. They might better be called "cloud" valances as some advocates of this style of valance window treatment like to think of them as clouds rather than balloons. In any case, to create the balloon or cloud, sections of the valance are filled with tissue paper or even newspaper. But obviously you wouldn't use newspaper with a sheer fabric!

While it is possible to make your own valance window treatment, most online retailers and "brick and mortar" window treatment and fabric stores offer ready made valances. Indeed you will frequently find accompanying valanced window treatments available to match the curtains you select exactly. While most people think of valances as used only in conjunction with curtains and drapes, if you check the high fashion decorating and home decor magazines and websites you'll find valance window treatments used to enhance windows covered with mini-blinds. Sewing your own valances can be a complex and time consuming task so if you are going to go the "do it yourself" route, make sure you have the time, patience, and skill needed to get the job done before you proceed. Good luck with your valance window treatments.