Window Valances Are Unique Options

Window valances look fabulous displayed alone or with coordinating curtains and window treatments. They come in a variety of solid color fabrics, print fabrics, country print fabrics, gingham prints, plaid prints, floral print fabrics, stripe prints and nearly any other color and fabric combination you need to complete the look of your windows.

The selection of valances for windows is never ending. From custom valances to out of the box styles, it seems to be one of the easiest designs to create because of the endless fabric, fringe and sizing options. There is simply no excuse to put up with ugly window covers any longer. It seems the more difficult and unique the window, the more it can be dressed to stand as the focal point of the room or blend in the background to compliment an existing theme.

Just imagine having a set of double doors side by side in a spacious well-appointed dining area. You’ll get inspired just by looking at some of the options available to further enhance the ambience and feeling in the room. And then when you go shopping at the retail outlet, you can browse the styles, pick your favorites and let your custom design unfold.

As you begin your exploration into the world of valances, you’ll come across a number of terms and descriptions that may seem confusing and even appear difficult to include on your windows.

For example, a window scarf valance is just a long length of curtain fabric usually about 55 inches wide. You can hang them from a decorative rod or pole or from swag holders. A curtain swag holder is a decorative piece of drapery hardware attached between two points. The scarf valance is drawn through these rings. You can also pull them through sconces or tiebacks in unique designs to compliment the shape of the window.

One of the more unique challenges would be designers have is properly measuring the valance, whether it is a stand alone or in combination with a coordinating set of curtains. When taking measurements, consider how deep you want the valance to be. In other words, how long, wide and bulked is should be depends on the overall window treatment design. You want to avoid it being top heavy, which means it’s too deep. You also don’t want it to look to shallow, which means you’ll have a long narrow look.

The easy solution to get it just right is to decide where you want the top of the valance. Then begin your measurement from there to the sill or the floor. Next, divide that measurement by 5 or 6. This number will tell you how deep the valance needs to be to give it the proper proportions.

Whether you prefer a sheer scarf-style window treatment, fabric window valances or swags made of luxurious silk, redesigning is a snap. You can rearrange and drape it differently whenever you choose until you get the perfect window valance.