Window valance styles ideas


8 curtain valances to dress windows |

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. 

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

best photo ideas for your home - INMYROOM

In order to update or refresh the interior of an apartment, sometimes it is enough to change the design of windows and the level of illumination. Blinds do an excellent job of both. Due to the variety of types and materials, you can choose a model for rooms of different purposes and styles. Design features allow you to adjust with their help the light transmission and the atmosphere in the house. And ease of maintenance saves time and money for owners.

The advantages of blinds also include:

Horizontal blinds

Designed as a "ladder", that is, the plates (lamellas) are located one above the other. The slats are fastened together with cords that run through the entire structure on the sides. Thanks to this fastening, the plates acquire the ability to move simultaneously, opening or closing the window. The rotation is regulated by a chain connected to the cords. Such models allow you to completely prevent light from entering the room.

Such blinds were one of the first to appear in the interior of houses, immediately gaining special popularity. Often found in a classic interior, but they will also look organic in a strict, concisely decorated room. Great for narrow rooms, visually adjusting their shape. Examples of horizontal blinds in the interior in the photo can be seen below.

Vertical blinds

Here the movement and rotation of the slats is carried out with the help of sliders attached to the eaves. The slats are able to move relative to the eaves to the right or left, opening the window completely. There are also models that open from the center to the edges. At the bottom, the lamellas are interconnected by a rope with weights. The plates are controlled by a cord and a chain. Such blinds most of all allow you to adjust the level of illumination in the room.

Vertical blinds are most often seen in modern interiors. Designers working in the style of hi-tech and minimalism often prefer just such options. They will look good in the kitchen, bathroom or even a nursery. Vertical blinds in the interior in the photo are shown below.

Cassette blinds

Can only be horizontal, and not only in the form of slats, but also available with a single leaf. Mounted directly on the window frame, covering only the glass. This option is convenient because it takes up little space, while the window sill remains free.

The basis of the construction is a light pipe. Rigid strings are attached to it on both sides, setting the canvas in motion. They are stretched in such a way that the canvas does not sag. From above, the pipe is covered with a box, creating a solid and aesthetic body.

Roller blinds

This design assumes that the fabric sheet is wound onto a roller using guides. The mechanism is set in motion thanks to the control cord. In this case, the canvas is collected from the bottom up, forming a roll.

The fabric can be either translucent or completely opaque. Thicker options are great for bedrooms, reliably protecting the room from the sun and providing the necessary twilight for a comfortable stay.

Materials

Plastic

Plastic blinds were among the first on the market. They are relatively cheap and therefore very popular. The dense opaque material is suitable for offices and municipal institutions. Reliable and easy to use, does not require special care. To remove dust, you just need to wipe the slats with a damp cloth. Sufficiently heavy construction requires an additional frame.

It is worth noting that white plastic is the most faded in the sun. Therefore, it is worth choosing colors that do not lose their attractiveness over time due to exposure to sunlight. When closed, they almost completely block out light, so they can be used not only at home, but even in warehouses or grocery stores. Differs in big service life.

Aluminum

The most practical material. In addition to the light-shielding function, aluminum does not heat up, does not conduct heat and is not afraid of temperature changes. Equally well performs its functions, both in a dry room and in conditions of high humidity. Therefore, this option is perfect for the kitchen, bathroom, pool room. Can be cleaned with plain water or, in some cases, soapy water. It practically does not wear out over time, so the service life of such blinds is very long.

Wood

Eco-friendly and expensive material for blinds. Gives the room solidity and elegance. Different types of wood are used, including such as pine, cedar. The color of the paint can also be different, depending on the environment. It will fit well into a cozy home interior, classic style. Among other things, wood reflects light well and provides sound insulation.

Usually the lamellas are varnished, anti-dust, anti-dirt, antistatic agents. Wooden blinds are not recommended for use in the kitchen, near heat sources, as they can be deformed from constant temperature changes and high humidity. Do not wash them with water, a slightly damp cloth will suffice.

Under conditions of competent operation, such models will last a long time, to prolong life, polishing can sometimes be done.

Fabric

Very popular type of blinds today. People prefer it because of its similarity with ordinary curtains. Therefore, there are many options for interior design. You can choose a canvas for a room of any purpose and style.

The most commonly used material is polyester, but there are also cotton blinds and even fiberglass options. Like wood, fabric canvases are treated with compounds against moisture, dust, static electricity, and also against fading.

However, fabric blinds are the most difficult to care for. They wear out quickly, get dirty, despite all sorts of modern impregnations. Cleaning them at home is quite difficult. Most likely, you will have to resort to dry cleaning, and this is an additional cost and extra time. In addition, structures consisting of lamellas will have to be disassembled one at a time in order to perform a full cleaning. But still, finding the best option is possible due to the variety of fabrics, colors, textures.

The best ideas for your interior

A wide variety of options allows you to choose a design option for absolutely any interior.

For modern high-tech environments or offices, simple and concise versions made of plastic and aluminium. Light shades emphasize the stylish design and simple forms of furniture.

Wooden blinds in warm deep colors are perfect for country design and classic interiors. They will create a feeling of warmth and home comfort, proximity to nature.

Fabric canvases will effectively fit into any interior, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of design.

To add uniqueness and originality to your interior, blinds can be combined with classic curtains, tassels, laces, lambrequins. Blinds will be completely invisible if you use modern inter-frame structures that cover only the glass of the window.

Colors are not only plain. It is possible to draw a pattern on the fabric canvases on request. It looks very fresh in a modern interior. The subjects of the drawings are diverse: from geometric shapes and abstract images to natural landscapes or views of the night city.

Also, blinds made of dense materials such as plastic and aluminum can be used as a partition, thus zoning the room into several functional areas.

Beautiful blinds can be matched to absolutely any room style, thanks to a wide variety of shapes and materials.

Photo

See our gallery for more ideas on using blinds in the interior of the apartment.

Video

Check out our video for some more tips to help you make your choice.

100+ photos of blinds in the interior

What are blinds?

Blinds are light-shielding structures made of adjustable slats (lamellas) interconnected, the mechanism of operation of which differs depending on the type of structure.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main pros and cons of using in the interior.

Benefits Disadvantages
Vertical slats visually increase the height of the room and raise the ceiling. These strips are not designed to be installed on the sash.

Horizontal blinds have many mounting options. They are very convenient, practical and can significantly save space.

Some models are particularly fragile. Aluminum horizontal slats create noise when gusts of wind or when raised and lowered.
Pleated blinds are suitable for designing non-standard window openings. They are very compact. Items made from paper cannot be washed.

How to choose window blinds?

Several options to choose from:

What types of blinds are there?

There are two types of blinds, which are determined by the type of location of the rails:

The photo shows a spacious living room with a bay window.

Other types of blinds for windows

There is another group according to visual and functional features:

Consider the description of each type in more detail.

Pleated

Accordion pleated fabric that can be attached to the window with Velcro. Such models are very convenient and compact, and when assembled, they are practically invisible on the window opening. Often used on skylights.

In the photo, the window sash, decorated with bright corrugated pleats, allows you to ventilate the kitchen without unnecessary movements.

Multiimpressive

Thanks to the combination of combined slats made of various materials, this design can decorate any interior and give it a very stylish look.

Photoblinds

Lamellas with a colorful realistic image printed on them look very original and emphasize the look of the window, giving the interior a creative touch.

The photo shows vertical slats with photo printing in the shape of a butterfly.

Mounting types

Consider the types of window blinds mounting:

Control methods

There are several options for how to lower or raise the blinds.

Venetian blind slat material

Louvers can be made from a variety of materials.

The photo shows white blinds on a large window with a beautiful view of the city in the interior of the bathroom.

Size classification

There are basic lengths:

Which styles are best to use?

The use of sun blinds for interiors in various styles has no limits.

For Provence, wooden slats covered with colorless varnish will be appropriate. They will create a pleasant atmosphere in the room and will not spoil the natural beauty of Provence with their appearance.

The photo shows light wooden slats in the Provence style bedroom.

And for a loft-style interior, aluminum or plastic blinds in light colors are suitable. Such models will look very stylish and keep the feeling of a wide space in the room.

In a modern style, the main thing is that the blinds match the color scheme of the room and are effectively combined with surface textures.

The photo shows wooden blinds in the interior of the living room in a modern style.

Metal overlays, perforated or reflective structures in silver, gold, steel, bronze colors will not stand out against the general background and will perfectly emphasize the high-tech interior.

The photo shows silver horizontal slats in a high-tech kitchen.

When decorating a room in a classic style, you can use both horizontal and vertical strips of light shades, which will be repeated in the interior decor.

For a Scandinavian interior, the main selection criterion is color - white, black and white or gray colors dominate. Horizontal blinds are suitable, well emphasizing the originality of the Scandinavian style.

Color palette

Certain colors create a unique design and give the room the necessary lightness, freshness or depth.

Red or burgundy slats look strict and respectable, but at the same time they add brightness and individuality to the room.

The photo shows red horizontal slats in the nursery interior.

A room with brown slats creates a solid and noble, but very cozy interior.

Green is the main favorite of modern design. Green strips give the room an attractive and expressive look.

The photo shows a living room and bright green vertical slats.

Blue looks fresh and stylish. Blue or blue blinds form a soft, delicate, but at the same time deep interior.

Yellow - cheerful and bright. Such a sunny shade gives the room warmth and light.

The photo shows a kitchen with a door and window opening decorated with yellow pleated blinds.

Golden color belongs to the warm colors, so they add even more space and light to the room.

Orange brings dynamism to the interior of the room and creates a sensual, carefree and cheerful atmosphere in it.

The photo shows orange vertical blinds in the interior of the dining room.

White planks look very expressive and stylish, and make the light coming through them even brighter.

Stylish black color adds a touch of spice to the interior, such blinds look very strict and ascetic and create a monolithic design.

Beige is an enveloping and relaxing color that calms and creates a favorable atmosphere in the room.

Elegant designs in gray, do not distract attention and blend harmoniously with the general background of the room.

The photo shows window openings with gray pleated blinds in the office interior.

Pink shades create a particularly elegant and delicate interior.

The photo shows pink vertical blinds in a nursery for a girl.

Design, patterns and form

Gives you the opportunity to create an expressive and individual interior design.

Flower patterns on the blinds will give the room lightness and comfort, and add liveliness and brightness to it. Often used on windows in the interior of the kitchen.

Various geometric shapes make the interior unique and unforgettable, and also bring a unique atmosphere to it. Look great on the windows in the interior of the children's room.

Blinds with photo printing look very original and non-standard, and allow you to get away from the ordinary and dullness. This window design will emphasize the creativity of the owner of the apartment.

The photo shows the interior of the kitchen and white blinds with photo printing on the window opening.

The shape of the arch is created using planks of different lengths. Blinds in the form of an arch emphasize the aesthetics of the interior of the room.

Urban landscapes - night cities, capitals of various states or their sights, will be an excellent option for decorating almost any room. Such a pattern on the curtains increases the size of the room and allows you to enjoy your favorite city panoramas without leaving your home.

Natural scenery images make any room truly unique.

Alternating colors on the slats gives them a more voluminous look and adds brightness. Such decor is able to diversify the appearance of the room.

In the photo, the windows in the interior of the dining room are decorated with figured two-color blinds.

Choosing transparent blinds is a great opportunity to give the room a trendy and stylish look.

Combination ideas

Slats also have many successful combinations with other types of curtains, such combinations require special experience in interior design, so you should carefully use this decorative technique.

Curtains made of tulle will smooth out the austere look of blinds and add aesthetics to window decoration.

The combination of blinds with linen or cotton curtains is a win-win option in interior design, because it gives the window a more cozy look.

The photo shows pleated blinds combined with dark curtains in the living room.

Horizontal planks in combination with a hard lambrequin will look very harmonious.

On the photo is a dining room and horizontal slats in combination with a hard gang lambrequin.

Options for interior design of rooms

When choosing blinds, first of all, you need to take into account the individual characteristics of the room.

Such designs will be an ideal and high-quality solution for the kitchen. Blinds in the kitchen make the operation of the window very comfortable.

The use of blinds on the windows in the bedroom not only provides good protection from the sun and heat, but is also a great way to decorate.

Horizontal, vertical slats or pleated blinds in various bright shades of pink, turquoise, yellow or lilac, due to their practicality and functionality, are perfect for both a nursery and a teenager's room.

The photo shows a teenager's room and bright two-tone pleated blinds on the window openings.

Various models, intelligently combined with the overall palette of the living room, will create a unique and stylish interior.

The photo shows the living room interior with horizontal bamboo slats on the windows.

Blinds on balcony windows are the most optimal and correct solution, they make it cozy and modern.

For the bathroom, choose products from materials that are not afraid of high humidity and temperature changes. In addition, in the bathroom, lamellas can be used not only to decorate a window opening, but also to mask communications or niches in which washing machines are located.

If the toilet has a window opening, then it can be decorated with both vertical and horizontal models, which can also be used as a screen and hide water or sewer pipes behind them.

The photo shows horizontal blinds on the window opening in the bathroom.

Blinds for non-standard windows

Decorating such windows requires a special original approach.

Roof windows

Blinds with rails, especially suitable for roof windows. Various modifications, materials and methods of fastening to the window sash provide an opportunity for convenient use.

Arched windows

Closed slats accentuate the original shape of the arched window.

With balcony door

The simplest and most practical way of decorating, which harmonizes perfectly with this shape of the window opening.

Panoramic windows

Most often these are spacious interiors that especially require protection from the sun and competent decor. For large windows choose long blinds in the color scheme of the interior.

Slanting

Pleated blinds with convenient attachment to the sashes emphasize the interesting shape of the sloping opening and complement it with their unusual texture.

In the photo, the interior of the bathroom in white with soft green pleats gives the room tenderness and freshness.

Triangular

For such non-standard architectural geometries, both lamella and pleated models are suitable.

The photo shows vertical blinds on a triangular window in the attic.

Bay windows

Planks fit perfectly into the bay window, close it, while letting the right amount of light into the room.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with a bay window and large windows decorated with horizontal wood-like slats.

Trapezoidal

Vertical products or pleated blinds with certain installation features will be appropriate here.

Roof windows

These windows are decorated with models mounted directly on the frame itself.

Round

Horizontal or pleated options will look very attractive and highlight the unusual shape of a round or oval window opening.

Corner windows

These windows are exposed to direct sunlight and therefore require special protection.

The photo shows a living room and a corner window opening decorated with blinds.

Air vent

Despite the irrelevance of the air vent in modern design, if it is present on the window, then it can be decorated in the same style with the window decor or to focus on it.

Sliding windows

For such window structures, models with a ceiling mounting option are suitable. They will not interfere with the free functioning of windows.

Photo gallery

Blinds are a very interesting decoration.


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