Adding the perfect decorative valances to windows can truly put together the entire look of a home. The type of window valances that will work best will not only depend on the personal preference of the homeowner, but also on the look and feel of the room and the overall shape of the windows. There are many different types of valances to choose from offering different looks, some of which do not require any sewing at all, like small valances for country decorating. Before choosing valances, it is important to take a look at the many different varieties and decide what each one would bring to the particular windows that are being covered.
When most people think of valances, they think of short toppers that sit at the top of a window, often times on top of curtains. The fact is that while many valances are short in height, many may have one or both sides that drape all of the way to the floor. One such valance is a swag valance. A swag valance is normally made from lightweight fabrics, which are draped across a curtain rod or decorative rod. Swags can also be pulled through decorative sconces to give it a different look. If the decorative valance is long, draping all the way to the floor or if it is a large window, it is best to have a center bracket or sconce in the middle of the window in order to insure the swag does not pull to one side or the other.
A balloon valance gets its name because it resembles a balloon when hanging from a window. The balloon effect is obtained by stuffing the inside with lightweight material, tissue paper or even newspaper. These light, fluffy decorative window valances tend to soften a room’s appearance and definitely add charm to any window.
Tab-top valances are flat, non-gathered valances that offer a tidier, customized look. These valances have small tabs attached at the top of the valance. These curtains are normally not very lengthy, similar to the balloon valance. Tab-tops are considered informal window-wear and are perfect for windows in bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms. Another common valance type is the rod pocket valance. These valances are usually double the width of the window they are used on. This is because these valances are gathered onto the curtain rod and pushed together to give a ruffled appearance. The pocket made to hold the rod, known as the rod pocket, is typically placed from 2 to 3 inches beneath the top of a valance. The rod pocket is placed lower so that there is a ruffled header at the top of the decorative valance, once it is placed on the curtain rod. This is only a small sampling of the different types of valances that can be purchased or made to compliment any window.
When adding a valance to a window, it is important to consider where you will want to place the covering, in order to achieve the desired effect. If the valances have been chosen to help make windows look longer, the valance should hang so that hem of the valance covers the window’s top. In contrast, if a window is too long, it can appear shorter simply by hanging the decorative covering lower down on the window. Many different effects can be created by simply choosing the right valance and then placing it in the right position. Once the different types of valances are understood, it is relatively easy to find decorative valances that will work in most any room in the home and that can go with any decor.
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