Curtains and Window Treatments

A valance is great idea to decorate your window. It serves the same purpose as a window cornice, that is, to conceal curtain rods and other drapery hardware. Here are some valance window treatment ideas.

Use a wall to wall valance. The wall to wall valance spans width of the wall. The valance can be affixed starting from the level of ceiling or just above the curtain rods. When you choose to start valance from the ceiling, the extended horizon of the valance accentuates not only the window but the ceiling as well. It is also a good way to hide electrical moldings or any hardware which you have running on the edges of the ceiling. You can choose from a lot of fabric patterns to match the overall design of the room.

Use a galvanized metal valance. There is no hard and fast rule that valances should be made strictly with fabric or poplar wood. You can construct valances from any material. A metallic valance provides a futuristic look for your window. Metal valances works best with soft curtains in order to provide contrast in texture, but it also can work with vertical blinds or drapes.

Add pleats to your valances. Adding pleats to your valances adds a certain complexity and sophistication. You can vary the distances between the pleats to suit your taste. Box pleats adds a good geometrical texture because they are spaced quite far apart, on the other hand, you can opt for pinch-pleats wherein the pleats are closer to each other to achieve a more complex wavy texture.

Use tab stops for valances. Instead of using traditional curtain rods, you can use tab stops to hang the valances. A better idea is to use decorative pieces as tab stops. The basic idea behind this treatment is to suspend the valance across the tab stops which produces a wavy valance. This works best with a roman shade because the wave of roman shade when partially lifted will complement the wavy suspensions of the valance.

Use a V-shaped valance. You can cut the fabric in a V-shaped manner to achieve a geometrical effect on the valance. You can use this idea on plain and straight valances or even pleated valances.

Create a storage valance. This valance idea is both aesthetic as it functional. You can construct a box valance using wood or any sturdy material, but keep the front of the valance open. Imagine using a single layer bookshelf as a valance.

Use crazy and fun shapes as valances. An idea that comes to mind is a cloud-shaped valance. You can construct this quite easily using Styrofoam or any other light materials. This idea works best for kids nursery or a kids room.

There are a lot more valance window treatment ideas, they are only limited by your imagination and skill.