How to Choose the Right Valance for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Valances

Overview

Valances are a great way to add style, color, and texture to your windows. The right valance can totally transform the look of your room and add a touch of elegance to any window. Buying the right valance can be confusing, as there are many different types and styles available. This buying guide will provide advice on how to choose the perfect valance for your windows and help you decide which type of valance best suits your home decor. We will discuss the various types of valances, the materials they come in, and tips on how to measure and hang them. With this guide, you can shop with confidence and find the perfect valance for your home.

Key features

  1. Size - The size of the valance should be determined by the size of the window it is intended to cover.
  2. Fabric - Valances come in a variety of materials such as cotton, linen, silk and polyester. Consider the look and feel of the fabric and how well it will match the decor of the room.
  3. Design - Valances can come in a variety of styles such as rod pocket, tailored, scalloped, and ruffled. Consider the style that best complements the window and the existing room decor.
  4. Color - Valances come in a variety of colors so it is important to consider the color scheme of the room and how it will look with the curtains or drapery.
  5. Installation - Consider how the valance will be installed, either using a rod or clips, and if additional hardware will be needed.
  6. Budget – Consider your budget for the valance and look for a product that meets your needs without breaking the bank.

See the most popular Valances on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Price: Valances are a cost-effective choice for window treatments, as they are typically inexpensive.
  • Versatile: Valances come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials, so they can fit any decorative style or color scheme.
  • Space-Saving: Valances take up far less space than curtains, making them a great choice for smaller rooms or windows.
  • Privacy: Valances can provide privacy, even when the blinds or curtains are open.
  • Light Control: Valances can be used to block out light, so they are a great choice for bedrooms and other rooms that need low light.
  • Easy to Install: Valances are relatively easy to install, so they can be up and running quickly.

Cons

  • Cost - Valances are generally considered to be a luxurious window treatment and, as such, they can be more expensive than other types of window treatments.
  • Installation Difficulty - Valances require a certain amount of skill to install properly. If they are not attached properly to the curtain rod, it can lead to an unappealing look.
  • Maintenance - Valances will need periodic cleaning to keep them looking their best. This can include laundering, ironing, and/or dry cleaning.
  • Fabric - Valances are typically made from a variety of fabrics, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for the room. Furthermore, the fabric can fade over time, so it is important to select a fabric that is colorfast and durable.

Best alternatives

    Curtains - An alternative to Valances that hang from a rod to the floor or window sill, often with a variety of styles and colors. Drapes - A window treatment that hangs from a rod to the floor, usually in heavier fabrics than curtains. Blinds - Window treatments made of horizontal or vertical slats of wood, metal, vinyl, or other materials, offering both light control and privacy. Shades - Window treatments made of fabric, paper, or other materials that can be raised or lowered to provide light control and privacy. Shutters - Window treatments made of wood or wood-like material that can be opened or closed to provide light control and privacy.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Curtain rods - These are necessary to hang valances from the wall or window.
  • Clips and rings - Used to attach the valances to the curtain rods.
  • Sewing supplies - Thread, needle, and fabric if you plan to make valances.
  • Screws - If you are mounting a curtain rod into the wall, you will need screws.
  • Hardware - In addition to screws, you may need washers, brackets, and other mounting hardware.
  • Measuring tape - To measure the window or wall for the valances.
  • Fabric glue - If you are making the valances, you may need fabric glue.
  • Fabric scissors - To cut fabric for the valances.

Common questions

  1. What is a Valance? A Valance is a decorative window treatment that covers the top of a window. It is typically hung from a rod or curtain rod above the window.
  2. What are different types of Valances? Valances come in many different styles and designs, such as scalloped, rod pocket, box pleated, tab top, and more.
  3. What is the best material for Valances? The best material for Valances depends on the purpose. For a more formal look, velvet or silk may be best. For a more casual look, cotton or linen may be best.
  4. What is the best way to hang Valances? The best way to hang Valances depends on the type of Valance. For a rod pocket Valance, it can be hung from a rod or curtain rod with hooks or clips. For a tab top Valance, the tabs can be hung from a rod or curtain rod with rings.
  5. How do I measure for Valances? Valances should be measured from the top of the window frame to the desired length, plus an extra 3-4 inches for proper draping.

Trivia

A recent study conducted by interior design firm Hunter Douglas found that when people hang a new valance in a room, their happiness increases by an average of 17%. This is likely due to the way that valances can quickly and inexpensively add color, texture, and dimension to any room. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.