Window Valances

Choosing the correct window valances for your bay window can change or dramatically enhance the feel and attractiveness of a room. The effective use of color, fabric, style and light can bring a drab room to life or soften the tones of morning’s first rays to provide a pleasant waking experience. All windows should be treated in such a way as to accommodate your décor. Bay windows, by their very nature, require special attention.

If adding light and texture to your room is an important consideration, choosing to use curtain valances, may be your best bet. Valances can be used alone or with other window treatments. Window curtain valances can allow the natural light to enter the room while still providing a pleasing effect that works well with the over-all design and décor of the home. While other curtain styles may cause a window to appear too busy or just plain dark and crowded, valances can be used effectively to soften the lines of windows, increase the appearance of size or brighten the interior.

Using window treatments effectively to modify a room’s appearance is a skill well worth learning, especially when it comes to bay windows. These are some of the trickiest windows to work with. Tapestry works well with both contemporary and traditional décors; solids and prints look great in country and cottage kitchen windows and sheers can always be relied on to blend well with modern or transitional designs. Whether you choose ruffles, a tailored design, or something in between, bay window curtain valances will highlight your window without distracting the view or impeding the entrance of light; they can also provide a feeling of openness and space to small or dark-walled rooms.

How long are most curtain valances? Most come in either 13″ or 14″ length. The 1″ difference in length should not create a problem when deciding the style that is right for you window, as long as the window measures a minimum of 36” in height. Heavier materials or tailored valances should measure slightly shorter than sheers or ruffled curtains. Plan on 74″ widths to cover a 30″– 45″ window when buying the former and 120″ widths to accommodate a 30″- 60″ window when purchasing the latter; add a second width for windows greater than 60″ in width and a third for bay windows over 90″. Lighter materials will lend themselves to pleating and bunching much easier than the more cumbersome ones. No need to worry about the weight of the heavier materials; most window frames provide adequate curtain valance support.

When choosing the right bay window valances, do not forget that shopping online can take the tedium out of looking for the style that best fits your room. You no longer need to drive from store to store, search for parking on busy streets or crowded parking lots or walk through malls and shopping centers to find the correct style to meet your needs. Shopping in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office is now easier than ever.

Window treatments can be an easy to accomplish answer to dramatically changing a room’s appearance. Using window valances for bay windows can add a feeling of space and lightness without interfering with the room’s décor. They go well with any design and are available in literally hundreds of styles, colors, prints and fabrics; and finding the right style for your window can be a fun and interesting adventure when you can do all your shopping from the convenience of your own home.

Some do-it-yourself decorators never consider sprucing up the bathroom area with window valances for their windows. In this article you will receive few decorating pointers that will aid you in converting your normal bathroom into something exquisite by just adding a bathroom window valance, and maybe a few other accessories.

The first thing that should be considered for the window treatment is what type of fabric is going to be used. Since we are talking about sprucing up the bathroom area it is recommend that you go with something that is not going to wrinkle or get spotty due to the steam from the shower. It is a good idea to use a material that is lightweight, and one that will allow sunlight in and still give you adequate privacy. This will create a more open and soothing feeling as well as give the illusion of a larger area.

You will also want to consider the length of the window. If you have a long narrow window, you may want to go with a longer swag valance with matching ties. A padded valance works well with a country theme bathroom and there are many textures of fabrics that you can use to complement your decor. If you choose this option, you can save a little money by creating your own padded bathroom valances. You can find several free templates and step-by-step instruction websites that will help you with this project.

It is not recommended that you use to thick of a fabric due to the problem of water collecting on the valances top draping folds. This could lead to mildew build up and cause an odor that will be hard to find at first. Consider what is called Sunshine Stripes on the bathroom window valance to brighten up the look of your bathroom.

If you are decorating a secondary bathroom that really does not get that much traffic such as a half-bath, your can go bold and simple. Do not be afraid to make a bold statement with the window treatments in this area. Sometimes bold is better, and a bold color balance for a bathroom with minimal accessories will give your small half-bath a little flair and class.

You can also add a luxurious inviting feel to the bathroom by simply matching the accessories with your window treatments, i.e. towels, and maybe a little throw rug. Depending on the location of your window, you can add a lightweight long flowing curtain and accent the curtain by adding a glass vase to sink counter with a matching artificial arrangement.

If you have a large window in your primary bathroom, you can optimize the natural light by dressing your window treatment. Blinds look appealing and daring with a long flowing valance that tie back on the sides. If you have a short or a half window in your restroom consider going with just a top valance of and nothing else.

Keep in mind that the look and feel of your bathroom will dictate the overall energy. Something as simple as tiled walls can give you a clean contemporary look, while your choice of colors and accents will make the area more inviting. Do not be afraid to be creative when it comes to thinking of your bathroom valance ideas. You may want to look at a few interior decorating magazines for some few bathroom valances for windows ideas; you never know where you may find your inspiration.

While curtains and blinds are commonly found on windows for both privacy, reduction of light pollution and style, many overlook the need for window valances to top off their window decor. Home decor is a popular trend amongst homeowners who take pride in their character and portraying it within the home. From the windows to the walls, every aspect of a home can be decorated to offer a seamless design that compliments furnishings. Window treatments are one of the easiest ways to spruce up a home and add aesthetics that are appealing to both the owner and guests. With online drapery websites, offering both descriptions of accessories and discounted pricing, purchasing the right valance style and pattern has never been easier.

Homeowners can either match curtain and valance fabrics or use complimentary color coordination, depending on the ambiance they are aiming for. Pleated valances are perhaps one of the most popular treatment options found throughout a home or business. With the custom blend of elegance and sophistication the pleated valance offers, there is no better way to top off and highlight your drapes and give your room a perfect focal point. The frills a pleated window valance adds to your window decor give any room from the dining room to the living room a refined and put-together look.

Pinch pleated valances come in all sizes and fabrics as can be seen when browsing online. While inventory locally may be limited for windows smaller or larger than normal, consumers have the option to customize sizes and fabrics when ordering online for a higher cost. Made to order valances are perfect for those who know exactly what they want, and can afford the additional cost associated. These made-to-order customizable pleated valance styles can be found on numerous drapery supplier websites that give you many style, fabric, pattern and sizing options. While these orders will take longer than standard orders of valances already in stock, it is a great option for those who cannot quite find what they are looking for.

Pleated valance patterns can vary from simplistic and elegant to modern and detailed. It is important to either request a sample of the fabric or print the fabric sample and test it throughout the home to make sure it will compliment the theme of the home as well as the color scheme. Most websites will offer detailed fabric close-ups so that the consumer knows exactly what to expect prior to purchase.

Online retailers offer valances and window treatments at well below normal retail price due to the lower overhead costs associated with running an online store. For consumers, not only is the option to buy online far more convenient, but it is also far more affordable. For homeowners looking to remodel their homes and add some decor to the chaos, consider purchasing quality pleated valance at a fraction of the price online. Save gas, time and money by surfing the web and comparing prices, quality and styles through various drapery suppliers. You will truly appreciate how much style such a small piece of fabric adds to your home.

Window treatments are like the icing on a cake in a room. Whereas many windows look fine without them, once they are on the window, the room all of a sudden looks complete. Layered window valances are easy to do and by using tab top valances, they not only look great and are simple to hang, but they add even more style to any window.

The tab tops add a neat and clean look while at the same time taking the place of any additional hanging hardware. Remember, though, the rod will be visible and will become part of the treatment. Make sure it matches the rest of the decor in the room.

Tab top window valances can be hung alone, or with another type of window treatment. They look nice hanging over sheer treatments, or even a solid heavier cloth. The valance itself can be the star of the window, being made of more ornate fabric or having a print or design on it. They look really fun in a child’s room with a garden, sports or animal theme on the valance hanging over a solid panel.

If using a tab top valance in connection with another panel, try to find a double rod. This makes hanging the window treatment much easier as the main rod has an extended arm and another rod that fits into the arm for the valance to hang. This combination works well not only over windows, but also as a creative closet door.

Do not be afraid to experiment with the use of window panels and valances for other areas besides windows. Not only can they work as a closet door, but also as a shower curtain, and the tab tops are perfect to hang on a shower rod; the valance can go right over the shower curtain for a special touch.

With tab tops, the tabs themselves can also be embellished. Perhaps a big button can be sewn on the juncture of the tab and the valance, or a big gingham bow in a coordinating color for a little girl’s room. Some people like to experiment with different size tab tops for valances or tabs of different fabrics than the valance itself. The tab tops themselves can also be made of ribbons to add a feminine touch and can be added onto an already made window treatment.

In a room like a kitchen or breakfast area, valances with tab tops work well almost like a cafe curtain. The simple but stylish look of these window treatments keeps clean lines without a lot of fuss. Whether it is a solid color valance or one with more color and pattern, the valance alone can stand as a complete window treatment when a long drape is not needed for privacy or light control.

Valances are always a nice accent on any window, and the tab top look is a particularly stylish one as it works in almost any setting and decor. It is easy to install and the tabs can be designed with a custom flair to make the whole treatment quite special.

So many window valances are extremely practical and decorative items to add to your room’s window décor, and when set thematically with the rest of your home, it can have a stunning effect on the atmosphere of the room. Many of these valances are custom designed to fit a particular décor, so it is a good idea to look over the general area you have to work with before considering a certain type for your utility. These types of elegant valances come in many different styles and colors, each of which can gracefully blend into the room’s atmosphere with proper application and consideration.

Selecting the proper elegant valance for your home will depend largely on how much area you wish for the valance to cover, how much money you wish to spend on the valance, and the overall thematic appearance of the valance in question. Many of the valances are specially designed for more traditionally driven decors, with the delicate designing options specially made to fit artistic furnishings and environments. Elegant valances for windows may come in varying colors, each of which can be utilized to have a certain effect on your room’s present décor. Contrasting colors will work exceptionally well in bringing out the finer details of your room, and presenting the room’s appearance in small parts that can each individually greet the viewer. On the other hand, blending colors will effectively convey the room’s splendor in a single eyeful, easing the viewer’s transition into the room and allowing them to look over the environment as is comfortable to them. Depending on how you want the appearance of your room to be conveyed, you may wish to select the valances to either contrast or blend in with the rest of the décor.

The material for your elegant window valances is certainly worth taking into consideration as well. Most are made of heavy fabrics, such as reinforced and overlapping cotton and satin, but there are certain synthetic fabrics that you may wish to avoid unless their design cannot be found within any natural fabrics. Synthetic fabrics may warp after extended use in the sunlight, while natural fabrics will last longer under proper maintenance and care. Many people may choose a blend of both of these fibers for their cheaper cost and durability. Though the aesthetic value of each valance is important, one must always take practical effect into account first, especially with items whose purpose is one of necessity. The shape and thickness of these articles are important to account for as well, as they too play an important part in their presentation in your home.

Because of the wide variety of different window valances available, it can often be difficult to decide which one is right for your home. Lighter elegant valances may be considered for more contemporary homes, though the vast majority available on the market will cater to decors of a more traditional style. By preparing with prior research and looking over the design options available in your room, you will no doubt be able to purchase a valance sure to leave a lasting impression.

A wood valance is a decorative element placed over the upper portion of curtains, draperies, unusually shaped windows, or wooden blinds for the purpose of hiding hardware and covering the top of the window itself. These window valances are a popular way to enhance window treatments and add to the beauty of a room. They can easily be made to coordinate with a room’s decorative style or add an unexpected and dramatic flair and contrast.

Wood valances have been popular since at least the 14th century. In the earliest period, they were frequently made of carved wood. In addition to wood, fabric hangings also were used to decorate beds. The material had painted or embroidered designs depending upon the fashion of the day. At that point, in time valances usually were used to hold bed draperies and give a bed a finished and beautiful look. An early wood window valance that has been found is French from the end of the 1800s. It was gilded as was typical of wooden furnishings in that period and much of the gilding still remains.

Modern wood valances for windows are made of different kinds of wood especially Ramin wood or Basswood. Ramin wood from Southeast Asia is frequently used for picture frames. It is very desirable because it has a very straight grain and accepts glue and finishes well. Basswood is a lightweight, somewhat soft American wood especially desired for carving objects and is a favorite of hobbyists. Both woods can be made into any style and painted or stained to achieve the desired look. Even though these are the preferred woods, a valance can be made of any wood available. Lesser quality wood should probably be painted instead of stained.

In the present day, a wood valance for windows can be found to match a wide variety of draperies or wood blinds. They are sometimes fabricated from crown molding that gives them an elegant look. Depending upon the decorations that are either glued on or carved into the wood they also can have the graceful lines of colonial. Hand carved ones are available in any style such as a dramatic imported Asian piece complete with designs you might find on an ancient vase. Some are built to be used for storage or display and even have plate grooves at the back. Gingerbread, scalloped and arched wood styles are also available. Needless to say, the list goes on and on. The finishes can be anything you like and will help set the mood of the room whether it is formal elegance or warm country cottage.

There are thousands of places where wood valances can be purchased. They range from small custom wooden blind makers to giant department stores. They are available in prices of under $20 to thousands of dollars. You can buy the most sleek modern designs or antique valances mellowed with age. Whatever choice you make, you can be assured you will add an extra element of quality and style to any room.

Although white curtains can call attention to the beauty of a setting that is just beyond the windows; they can also make a room less interesting. If white curtains and window valances hang in a room full of white covered furniture, then that room could use a spot of color. Changing it up a bit and adding a red window valance could furnish such a room with an extra bit of color.

Sometimes such a valance can emphasize the red in a design, a design perhaps in the rug on the floor of that same room. The January 2010 catalog from Pottery Barn contains the picture of sleeping quarters with a white curtain. That picture makes it clear that no valance covers the top of those curtains.

Yet a lovely Persian carpet covers the floor. That carpet contains bits of red. A valance of red colored patterns would serve to emphasize the red in that carpet design. It would add needed color to the sleeping area depicted in that catalog photo.

Red window valances can enhance the beauty of the finest curtains. The same catalog has one photo taken in a room with a daybed. The curtains in that room are white ones, excellent examples of the quality found in the Cameron Collection. Still, those beautiful curtains have no valance covering the bar from which they hang.

The daybed is brown, and lacks a colorful covering. Moreover, there are no colorful pillows on that daybed. The walls of that room are an off-white color. The rug on the wooden floor is a natural color. In short, that room could use a spot of color, such as the color that would come from placement of a scarlet valance at the top of the window.

Now a red valance does not have to pick up on color in a floor covering. It could call attention to the red in a pillow, one that has been placed on a bed or a sofa. It could enhance the deep red color in a room’s wooden furniture. It could even match the red in the leaves of a plant, such as a plant that receives sunshine from the window that has been enhanced by a valance.

In a bedroom, red valances can supplement the red that has been included in a print on the bedspread. A bed with a quilt might have a decided amount of red. A smart decorator would consider placing a valance of red at the top of the window in any room with such a quilt.

The editing division for the PB catalog has done a terrific job of backing up the statement printed above. It has provided the readers with a glimpse at a room with just such a quilt. That same room has a woven rug, a rug with a natural color. It has a white desk and a white chair. It does have some colorful pillows, but it seems to beg for something more.

That room appears to lack any sort of curtain. It cannot possibly have any type of valance. Yet that is exactly what it needs. Moreover, it could use a red window dressing. That enhancement to the window would accentuate the beauty of the entire room. It would emphasize the wisdom of the decorator, someone who has chosen to put wicker baskets in the storage space under the room’s white frame bed.

Used tastefully, an element of red can add an unmistakable note of sophistication to any room decor. Why don’t you set aside time for taking a walk around your home? Perhaps you have a room in that could benefit from placement there of a bold-colored valance.

Decorators understand the reason for adding a note of contrast to any room. They can do that with a window valance, blue or otherwise. But such colored window valances help play up the contrast between the blue of the of the sky and the green of the foliage since valances don’t cover the entire window. They allow a natural contrast to contribute to the important color combination within the room. In this article, we will focus on the color blue, as it makes a well rounded color for contrast with most rooms.

Blue window valances do not have to be placed in juxtaposition to some green object. They can be used with white, in order to create an eye-catching contrast. Even a blue tailored valance in a kitchen would look quite striking, if that kitchen had plain white appliances.

A navy blue window valance might seem like a simple and uninteresting addition to any room. However, such a valance could be given a white trim. That trimmed valance would probably seize the attention of any person who stepped into that room. Its effect could be heightened through the use of fine white curtains.

A wise decorator could think of ways to accentuate the effect of the blue and white combination. A wise decorator might seek out some beautiful wooden furniture to place in the room with the blue and white window decorations. Combined with the blue valance, the white curtains would help to enhance the beauty of any natural wood furniture.

Blue valances for windows could add a note of sophistication to a young girl’s room. Maybe that girl once enjoyed having a few fairy tale characters on her wall, but is now beginning to outgrow her interest in those characters. However, depictions of those characters could contain bits of blue. A window valance that is blue in color would manage to play up that bluish shade, and thus give her room a more sophisticated look.

Blue could be used with white in a festoon. A decorator might want to have a blue centerpiece and two white scarves on each side. The beauty of the overall design would supplement the delightful contrast created through juxtaposition of blue and white materials.

If you want to create a study in contrasts, then you might want to put white and blue jabots across the top of the windows. If you plan to fill a room with antiques, a blue Austrian valance might be what you need.

The Austrian valance has a “puffy” look. It is designed for use in a more formal setting. Yet it does share many of the characteristics found in a balloon valance. Therefore, it would probably not look totally out of place in a child’s room.

If you like the Austrian curves, but you can do without the “puffy” look, you are ready to look at some scalloped valances. If you do not want a valance to keep out any natural sunlight, then you need to purchase a tie up window decoration. You might also want to take a look at the sheer and lace window decorations.

A blue valance could be used to show off your patriotism. It would certainly guide the decorating decisions, if one were trying to create a red, white and blue room. It could become the centerpiece of great window dressing, in the home office of someone who plans to run for a public office.

A lover of jazz might want to consider having a blue valance in his or her room. After all, the original jazz bands aided creation of the music called “the blues”. A sports fan might want to have blue above his or her window, if that fan supported a team that had blue in its uniforms. A high school student might want to use blue over the windows, as a reminder that at least one Ivy League school waves a combination of blue and white at its big games.

Cheap valances are easy to find if you know where to look. Discount stores and outlets can offer not only inexpensive window valances but also decorative and stylish designs. Many cheap window valances can be found at discounts of nearly 70% though their total variety may be limited. However, there are still a great many options to satisfy your valance needs.

If soft color is the primary factor driving what type of cheap valance you want, Isabella styles offer several lace swags and valances for less than five dollars. The white or cream designs carry heavy woven lace with beautiful leaf designs swirling over the fabric. They are made of 100% polyester, so they are machine washable. The swags are 80 inches long by 36 inches wide and include a split insert for wider windows. The cream design includes a tailored valance that measures 60 inches wide by 16 inches long.

Isabella valances

Weathermate offers other color options in its discount valances. Options include sage stripe and terracotta stripe. Both these colors are available in a double layer valance or a box-pleated valance. All options cost less than $15. These valances are made with all natural cotton in its combination of terracotta stripe with solid terracotta underneath or sage stripe with solid sage underneath. These extra long valances measure 84 inches wide by 17 inches long for the double layer options while the box-pleated valances are shorter with measurements of 42 inches wide by 16 inches long. The box pleated sets also have a small decorative edge with matching buttons accenting each pleat. All these valances are machine washable for easy care.

Weathermate valances

If these options are not right, Shari Queen Anne valances are available in white lace or ivory. These elegant styles boast a swirling floral design and its delicately woven lace have a decorative scallop shape at the bottom. They are medium size with measurements of 55 inches wide and 12 inches long. These valances are made of 100% polyester and are machine washable. This sophisticated design costs less than six dollars.

Tribute also has a few unique options in discount valances particular the Celadon Green lace swag. This beautiful design is a heavy weight woven lace made of polyester. This long design measures 76 inches wide by 30 inches long. The floral design swirls all over and ends with a scalloped bottom. This valance is available for less than six dollars. Tribute’s lace tailored options are available in sand and white. Like the other lace valances, this one is made from the woven lace made from polyester and its swirling floral designs end with scalloped bottoms. However, this is a medium –sized curtain measuring 51 inches wide by 14 inches long. These beautiful lace designs come less than five dollars.

Of course, there are many other cheap valances for windows in many types of colors and designs available if you need a range beyond soft pastels and lace. Amalfi, Antwerp, Brussels, Camden, Courtyard, Concord, Dalton, Poet’s Peak, Reflections, Suzanne and Westport carry designs in solid colors such as beige, burgundy, gold and sage. In addition, designs such as the ballooned valance are options for those who prefer a little whimsy and fun in their décor. Most of these designs are available at large discounted prices from five to 20 dollars. However, since these are usually closeout prices, many of these designs are only available in a limited quantity for short amounts of time so you should chose soon.

One of the most attractive accessories for any home’s window is the velvet valance, which can complement your window’s space in a way that catches the eye while being a practical addition. By understanding a few key elements of design, you will be able to purchase window valances made from velvet that is sure to please.

The most important thing to do before purchasing velvet valances is to look over the décor of your room in which you want your valance set. Depending on the effect that you want your valance to have, you may want to have its color match or contrast with the rest of the room’s color scheme. If your room has many lighter themed colors and furniture decorations and you want your valance to draw attention to the rest of the room, it is a good idea to present the valance with a slight variation in color scheme. For darker rooms, the valance will need to be just as darkly toned as the rest of the room’s furnishings to bring attention to its entirety. However if you plan on drawing attention only to the window’s decorations and the valance itself, it is a good idea to purchase one that can attractively contrast with the rest of the room. The best way to do this is to purchase a black velvet valance and apply it within a room that is lightly colored – though not entirely white. In the same way, a lighter colored valance can be applied to a room of a darker tone to provide the best effect and draw the most attention to the window.

Though the aforementioned colors are the easiest to mix and match, there are many other colors that can be chosen to set and match the feel of your area. If your home bears a distinctly traditional and quaint ambiance, you will no doubt want your valance to reflect that as well. Because of the richness that can be conveyed with the color red, purchasing a red velvet valance is a recommended course of action for those types of homes. On the other hand, in more modern homes with contemporary decors, the valance can be a more subtle color and focus on its practical minimalism instead of any single color’s design options.

The style of the valance will play as large a role in the room’s overall aura as its color. Depending on what predominate theme is present in the room, be it traditional or contemporary, you will want to select a valance to reflect it. Traditional valances are easier to pick out in the larger variety of them that is available for sale in general retailers. With the varying design patterns and billowing hems that can outline such a valance, purchasing one for a traditional décor often provides a larger degree of customization for your home than purchasing one for a modern décor would. Though not particularly difficult, there are certainly less design options available for contemporary valances, with a large part owing to the simplicity of the modern valance design. No matter your home’s décor, with careful planning and consultation with the store’s representatives, you will no doubt be able to buy the ideal valance for your home.