Valances And Blinds Are Key Room Design Features

Valances are a decorative window treatment for use in any type of decor. They are available in many fabric choices and varieties. The most common materials are synthetic blends made from polyester, cotton and acrylic.

  Before you set out to purchase your window treatments you should measure the dimensions of your windows and curtains. It would be a good idea also to bring a picture of your current style so you can make the best color and design choices. Find out what the stores return policy is in the event you have not made the right decision in choosing your valances.

A valance is basically a style of window treatment. They are often very ornamental and add a touch of distinctiveness to the window space. A valance is a short drape or curtain that covers the top half of the window and any exposed hardware.

Window valances are also used to control climates in conservatories or sunrooms built adjacent to the home.  Normally, walls and ceilings are constructed using clear glass panels that allow sunlight to enter. Conservatory blinds allow you to control the light, regulate temperatures and protect furnishings. By changing out the blinds and adding valances you can redesign the room quite inexpensively.  Window blinds are a great way to enhance that barebones look with dashes of color.

Valances can also soften hard angles if your window spaces are drastically different. They can also be used as your only form of window treatment, providing both privacy and energy efficiency blinds solution. If you have a small space a valances can create the illusion of a larger room.

Often you will hear the word cornice used instead of valance. A cornice is the decorative framework used to conceal curtain fixtures. It is typically made of a solid substance such as plaster and adorned with fabric or trim to create eye catching detail. Add to that some plantation shutters from the outside and you’ve have a very inexpensive look that rivals any professional design.

Window curtains can sometime become an experiment towards getting the exact look you want as the end result. Since a window valance is typically made of fabric it is the perfect solution to enhance boring windows and inexpensively experiment to you get the design that goes perfectly in the room.

Some of the different types of valances that are easy to work with and generally provide the most versatility in window design are the swag jabot and balloon valance.
 
The balloon valance is layered with fillers that delineate a dimensional perspective. A swag valance easily accents a room with defined longer ends and fabric creatively raised in the center to create the illusion of a larger window space. There are many other window valance patterns to choose from that can be easily adjusted to fit any window size.

Comfort, function, style are the basic ingredients for any well designed room containing a few or many windows.  The room needs to be pleasing to the eye.  So what better way to accomplish this than focusing on the window dressings that feature valances and blinds.