Drapery valances ideas

8 curtain valances to dress windows |

(Image credit: Future)

There’s something charming about a window valance – the pretty ruffles and pleats have a lovely softness that can break up the hard visual lines of the window frame. And of course, they hide the curtain pole or track between drapes – that being their functional purpose, after all.

Full and opulent, these window treatment ideas have a grandeur about them which means they’re ideal for giving a sense of occasion to windows of period properties – they also act as a fabulous draught excluder in the winter.

Window valance ideas

If you're considering curtain ideas now, it makes sense to take a look at window valance ideas, too. Below, we've listed our favorite window valance ideas – and valance lookalike designs – so that you can dress your windows in style.

1. Deep window valance ideas work well with florals

(Image credit: Carlos Garcia Interiors)

Interior designer Carlos Garcia spends his time between London and Norfolk. His beautiful country home is the epitome of elegant yet lived in style and is full of fabulous fabrics, antique finds and classic furniture.

Carlos uses window valance ideas in a few of his rooms, including this delightful country bedroom where they add a cozy feel to this quintessentially English look.

2. Double stripes and a hint of gold on top

(Image credit: Penny Morrison/Mike Garlick)

‘For me, window valances exude luxury and they are an extra attention to detail and give a very finished feel,’ says renowned interior designer Penny Morrison .

‘Valances add a sense of height and can balance particularly tall windows and long living room drape ideas. Equally, they are a neat way to hide the tracks on which curtains are hung as well as any blinds set behind.

The proportion of a valance is key, you do not want them so narrow that they look mean, neither too wide that they look heavy or block too much light. Shaped valances and fringe trims are the real icing on the cake!’

(Image credit: Molly Mahon )

Famous for her stunning block print fabrics, textile designer Molly Mahon also loves a valance.

Uber pretty, Molly’s Greencombe fabric design looks great as drapes with a slightly raised valence in the middle. It completes the look and almost finishes the top of the window frame perfectly. Add in a brightly colored tie-back and you’ll wonder why you never had one before.

4. Fewer frills and more pleats create a sophisticated look

(Image credit: VSP Interiors )

This elegant valence in this living room designed by VSP Interiors is a less ruffly version for those who want a more refined look.

‘Some windows have dead spaces above them and others just need a grander window treatment – I generally like to keep mine simple, and without swags,’ explains creative director Henriette Von Stockhausen.

‘It’s important that the valance doesn’t cover too much of the window as a large percentage of light comes in through the top 25% of the window.’

5. Use a valance to bridge the gap when your window is wide

(Image credit: Kit Kemp/Firmdale Hotels)

If you have a wide window then a window valance is ideal for bridging that expanse between your drapes.

Kit Kemp, founder and creative director of Firmdale Hotels and Kit Kemp Design Studio , shows how well this works in the Charlotte Street Hotel drawing room. It softens the window whilst adding color and pattern to the room and you can use the same fabric design with your cushions too so the whole room has a cohesive and cozy feel.

6. Create a lighter look with a flat, fluted valance

(Image credit: Jon Day)

While the thought of a bold colored and patterned room may seem jarring and over the top, it can be achieved with thoughtful beauty.

‘Take into consideration what will happen to the pattern when it is wrapped around an armchair – will it get chopped about or will a large scale pattern disappear around over the edge of an arm? Does this matter or does it even enhance the effect?’ advises textile designer Neisha Crosland .

Keeping to rounded shapes, from the scalloped pelmet to the curved arms of the chair, helps to create an overall softness, which makes the contrasting patterns seem to hug in on one another rather than creating harsh lines of divergence.

7. Create a window valance look with a flop-over frill

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnot)

For window valance ideas that echo rustic romance, consider a flop-over-frill at the top of your curtains. Popular in France, this detail looks best with ticking or a smart stripe in a contrasting color picked out from the main fabric and can be hung using curtain tape with positions for the hooks.

Having your made-to-measure curtains finished with a leading edge (along the vertical side) in a heavier, darker fabric will not only protect them, it’s another way to introduce a contrasting shade.

8. Choose a deep window valance to exaggerate a window's height

(Image credit: Penny Morrison)

A window valance doesn't have to be hung over the window itself – here, it is hung above the window to create the impression of a much taller window.

'This is a classic decorator's trick that interior designers use successfully to make windows feel larger – a desirable feature, even in the smallest of cottages,' says H&G's Editor in Chief Lucy Searle.

What is the difference between a pelmet and a valance?

Valances are often confused with pelmets, they both run between your drapes and hide poles and tracks, but a pelmet is usually a flat layer of fabric over a wood frame, so it’s a hard covering rather than soft and frilly like a valance.

Are valances in style?

Although they are something more often found in a period property, a window valance can be as ‘in style’ as the fabric it’s made from. Choose a ditsy trad floral and it won’t look contemporary, however, using a modern print and an ‘on trend’ color will give it a more updated look.

Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.

Window Valance Ideas & Valance Window Treatment Ideas

April 19, 2021 by Chelle

I am always searching for ideas to rejuvenate my home whether it be a new pillow on my sofa, rearranging a vignette on my mantle, or if I’m feeling super adventurous, even repainting a room. A wonderful tip to refresh your space is to add a valance over any window in your home. Valances were first popularized during the Baroque period and although their shapes and fabric choices have grown in those 400 years, they have never gone out of style. There are various window valance ideas, but choosing the perfect idea may come easier if you follow this guide to top your windows with any of the following valance window treatment ideas.

Sources: FarmHouse Room

Why Choose a Valance?

Window valances are a decorative accessory, but finishing off your windows with a valance will make them appear taller, conceal drapery hardware, add depth and detail to the room, and hide architectural flaws such as differing window heights. Valances are a stylish choice for every room in your home and are an especially nice touch in kitchens and bathrooms as they add softness to their surroundings.

It’s amazing how much taller these windows look after adding a valance!

Valances also offer the chance to display your unique design personality. Choose a fun, bright fabric if you dare to be bold or match your valances to your drapes for a more traditional approach. You can create a coordinated designer look by taking inspiration from the ambiance and colors already within your space including walls, sofas, rugs and window treatments by choosing a complementary valance window treatment idea. Before you choose a valance, balance the window proportions to the size of your chosen valance. Remember the adage of Goldilocks: “not too small, not too big, just right!” But don’t worry, it’s not intimidating. Just know the height of your valance should be 1/6th the overall height of your whole window treatment, whether it be drapery, cellular shades, or a bare window.

Valance Styles

Below you will see the variety of styles you can choose when selecting your personal balance, but don’t let the words confuse you. At BG we make it simple as we offer you a more curated assortment.

Old School

These draped and fluffy ruffles veer to the romantic, more flamboyant design valance style. Classic style and draped valances make a lovely addition. A valance with more draped details will give you a more traditional look.

Modern Flair

A more tailored and traditional look can be designed with color coordinated drapery and valance or you can mix up your window treatments and fabric choices. They do not have to be matchy-matchy, just color coordinated.

On My Own

Valances are bold enough to stand on their own as a simple touch can have a big effect. Any design style can benefit by adding a dainty sheer or a splash of color over a window. It can make quite an impression but remember you do not need to have window blinds or drapery to highlight your design style. A valance is perfectly pretty on its own, letting all the natural light shine through. If you are a DIYer, making a simple but unique window topping can easily be styled with some bright scarves, colorful bandanas, a stenciled piece of burlap, an interesting piece of driftwood or any patchwork of materials that evoke the mood of your room. Check out Pinterest to pique your imagination.

Be Colorful

Whether you are going for a pop of color or want to coordinate with a bold wall, valances make it easy to introduce different hues and tones into a room. Adding a colorful valance will turn your windows into a focal point.

Accessorize

Valances are the topping to beautiful windows, but you can make these accessories even more interesting. Look for decorative piping, beads, sashes, or fringe details. Adding these special touches will give your windows another layer of interest. This is an especially good technique if your valance and drapes are the same fabric.

Valances are a beautiful and practical window accessory that will enhance the ambiance of any room. Give your windows a little extra attention and enliven your view with your favorite valance design that will return the favor with endless compliments.

If you think a window valance or a cornice will give your windows a much needed refresh, explore our selections at Blindsgalore.

Tags: accessory, addition, colorful, conceal, cover, decorative accessories, drape, flair, hardware, practical, romantic, style, swath, top, top of window, traditional, treatment, valance, window treatments

Chelle April 19, 2021

ways of drapery and decor (80+ photos) - Home and Garden

Curtains appeared at least a thousand years ago, but they learned how to decorate them beautifully only in the 16th century. It was relevant then and now. Previously, a trained person did this - now you can do it yourself. You just need to know how to beautifully hang curtains in the hall and how to drape.

Methods of drapery

Drapery, the method of laying curtains in folds, and the first thing you need to know before hanging curtains correctly. A very simple decor, but requiring certain knowledge. There are a lot of drapery methods, but the most popular are only 2.

Classic

The simplest method, which requires curtains 2 times wider than the window frame. Exactly in the center of the window, they are divided into 2 parts and are assigned to the edges. Folds do not need to be aligned - this is the essence of the classics. At a height of one third from the floor, you need to hem a ribbon so that they do not open.

This drapery is popular because:

Made in just 1 minute. In this case, you can not even hem. It is enough to buy beautiful ribbons to match and tie them up. This will create a neat frame. nine0023
Does not wrinkle the fabric and does not need to be ironed.
Creases are neat. True, they are formed haphazardly and, depending on the tissue, they can be larger or smaller.

Viennese style

You can hang curtains beautifully in an ordinary apartment according to the Viennese style, but it requires French and Roman curtains. Both curtains already have a built-in drapery mechanism.

But they are recommended in spacious rooms with a large window. nine0004

Ideally, a panoramic frame covering almost the entire wall or stained-glass window.

The only drawback is the design requirements. Loft or minimalism will not accept the Viennese method. These curtains are directly related to the era of romance, renaissance and enlightenment, which justifies their splendor.

Drapery also depends on the method of fastening. What do curtains hang on?

4 main fasteners:

Eyelets. This is a plastic or metal sleeve built into the curtain. A pole is threaded through them, thanks to which it is easy to create an even drapery.
Hinges. The most diverse category that allows you to change the width of individual folds.
Rings. Similar to loops - a popular way.
Curtain tape. A relatively new type of fastening, which raises the question for many, "how to hang curtains on a curtain tape." This is a long strip with threads, by moving which you can create a drapery of any shape. Hooks on the eaves are passed through the same threads. nine0023

Curtain decoration

It's not enough just to hang curtains beautifully. It would be nice to also bring them to mind with the help of jewelry. Designers call it the key to home comfort and you can't argue with that.

For curtains, there are a number of accessories that really enhance the design and get to know them better.

Lambrequins

Many people ask what is the name of a small piece of fabric that is hung over the curtain. This is a lambrequin, that is, a classic decoration for curtains, used since the preclassical era. nine0004

In fact, this is a small accent piece of fabric that spreads over the curtains.

Available in 2 types:

Soft. The fabric is soft, not easy to drape. Now they are rarely used, but in Provence or country they are indispensable.
Frame. Under the fabric is a solid frame. They perfectly retain the shape that is given to them. But they cannot be washed.

Design can be anything. The most common classical forms. nine0004

Considering the advantages of lambrequins, you can find the following:

Sophistication and simplicity. Any classic or rustic design is not complete without hanging a pelmet.
Hanging curtains often try to hide some of the flaws in the pre-ceiling area of the wall. There it is difficult to perfectly align the plane, from which you have to resort to masking. A lambrequin will create an additional layer that will hide the lack of finish.
How to hang a curtain to diversify the style? Again, just adding this element is enough. nine0023

Tie-downs

This was discussed in the previous paragraph. If you need to hang the curtains on one side, then they will need a pickup. This is a ring tape that holds back the curtains. In addition, it really increases the comfort of the room.

These are optional. They are easily sewn on their own from any strip of fabric. They can also be decorated, for example, with artificial flowers, stones, beads.

Puffs

This is such a magnificent collection of fabric, most often from tulle or satin. At first they were an ornament for a dress, but then they began to be used in the design of curtains. nine0004

Hanging curtains without them can be incomplete, especially in pompous designs. If you need to give a little airiness and volume (for example, if the curtains are very heavy), you can use puffs.

It is also not necessary to buy and many sew them on their own. You just need to achieve a special assembly.

Curtain tying techniques

Hanging curtains and curtain tying determines their place in the design. By doing this clumsily, you can get a pretentious and unaesthetic detail that is not at all necessary. But it's not as difficult as it might seem. nine0004

There are several factors to consider before gartering:

1. Type of fabric. It is desirable that the tiebacks be from the same material, complementary or related.

2. Weight. If it is necessary to direct the curtains to one side and the fabric is too heavy, a light tie will not hold it. Therefore, for example, classic heavy curtains are tied up with a thick decorative cord that can withstand them.

3. Interior. Tacks are not the periphery. It is at the forefront of the interior, so they must fit well. nine0004

If we talk about the technique itself, then there is nothing complicated here. Basic techniques 2:

For very long curtains, it is advisable to use a multi-level garter. That is, at a certain interval, you need to install ring strips in order to build an even slope. For very long curtains, one garter will not work. They will fold unevenly. Although this is appropriate in some styles, in its mass it only disfigures the curtains.
Visually expand the window opening with medium curtains will help one garter at the level of the window sill. By the way, if the curtains are wound on one side, then it is easier to regulate the amount of light in this way. nine0023
Short curtains are well fastened with thin ties. Often they are done on buttons.

You can see how these tricks look in the photo below.

Photo

Entry Ideas how to hang curtains beautifully in the hall: ways of drapery and decor (80+ photos) first appeared.

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Curtain drapery - do-it-yourself photo ideas

Surely many people, having heard the word drapery, immediately begin to imagine exquisite, royal interiors of the eighteenth century. Indeed, that era, like no other, was characterized by wealth and splendor, although in translation from English, drapery simply means a canvas lined with folds. nine0004

Of course, anything can be draped, but this decorative technique is especially often used for curtains. If you look at the photo examples, it becomes clear that simple curtains look rather boring, but lush or soft folds give the design some kind of completeness and elegance. Moreover, you can always create elegant draperies with your own hands, because there are quite a few types of them, it all depends on how you use the style of the curtains and what material they are made of. nine0004

It is very easy to drape curtains gracefully. Drapery can be a separate decorative element of your window, or it can be a way to create basic curtains. You can decorate the window opening in an original and elegant way by experimenting a little with the textures of the materials. But when creating draperies with your own hands, remember that they are not always appropriate. If your main curtains are sewn from a brightly colored embossed fabric, then such textiles already look quite impressive in themselves, and additional drapery can make it vulgar. nine0004

Not all curtains need drapery

In the photo you can see different types of draperies that are most often used in the interior: classic interior;

lambrequins - a functional element of the window opening decor, closing the cornice;

cascades - a material that elegantly falls in soft waves, etc. nine0023

Without draperies, it is rather difficult to imagine the interiors of rooms decorated in the direction of art deco, empire, modern, neoclassicism and others. But in modern design, draped curtains will look appropriate and bewitching.

If we talk about the fabrics that are most often used in the creation of draperies, then it can be velvet, velor, cambric, organza, taffeta, silk and many others.

Creating an exquisite window decoration

As already mentioned, it is quite simple to effectively highlight a window by elegantly draping curtains. The easiest way to do this with your own hands is to sew a special curtain tape to the curtains, in which every step of the folds is already laid. When the braid is sewn, you only need to pull out the excess thread so that the folds are laid evenly.

The photo shows the most popular types of fastening curtains with tape, including:

accordion tape for creating narrow vertical pleats;
French braid and similar "glass" fasteners;
as well as standard pleated curtain tapes to create soft folds.

An even more unusual option for creating curtain draperies can be ties and loops.