Country valances are a great way to add a touch of home and hearth to your windows. From chickens and roosters to barns and baby chicks, the world of homey window coverings is filled with darling designs. The trend towards whimsical window valances has definitely caught on. Gone are the days of fancy uptight draperies in favor of more laid back down home styles. A home does not necessarily have to have this same theme running through it as an overall decorating theme, as this style is more than capable of standing on its own in a kitchen or a bathroom. That said, just because a kitchen or dining room is decorated in a more whimsical tone, does not mean that the adjoining living room has to carry this theme also. Different styles can blend very nicely together. As long as they are complimentary to each other, a number of different styles can work in great harmony together.
A country valance can range from a red and white gingham check to a green ivy pattern trailing across a weathered lattice. There really is not a right or wrong pattern in this trend. Even the most upscale of prints can be made to look a bit more casual with accents. Add a few furry pom poms to even the fanciest of fabrics and it can look down home in an instant. There all sorts of theme draperies available within this trend. For example, French country valances are often found in shades of pale blue and yellow. Shades of ivory complimented with rich deep blacks or browns can also be classified as French inspired window coverings. Other design styles that are definite country themes are prints with apple pies, roosters or other such symbols of farm life on them.
Any style of windowpane is suitable for these types of curtains. For country valances windows need not be fancy. An antique inspired window pane looks lovely when topped with a charming border or fanciful print. French doors suit this style well. Multi-window-pane bay windows look great this way. Even a more modern version of an old fashioned store front windowpane suits these drapery accents. There are many country window treatments available if one just does a little research and investigates their options. For country style curtains simply look for styles that remind you of home.
For extra privacy that valances can’t afford by themselves, you can add blinds to the windows. Valances work in perfect combination with blinds because the blinds, when open and pulled do not take away from the focal point of the window décor. Even closed, the valances will still add texture to a window that otherwise would be lacking with blinds only. Indoor shutters and valances also work well in kitchens and bathrooms.
Sometimes you just can’t find the pattern you want for your country look in a retail store. When that happens, you’re best off making the valances yourself. It’s not a hard task and there are simple directions to follow if you are interested. Visit your local fabric store and find your pattern. Fabric is sold by the yard so it helps to have your measurements prior to the visit. Consider the area you will hang your valances and choose the appropriate type of fabric. Bathrooms are very humid, so you’ll need a material that can handle dampness without breeding mold. Polyester is great for this. Kitchens are similar in that they can harbor smoke and oils from cooking. You want fabrics that will stand up to washing every so often to keep them clean of grime.
Another point to consider is the hardware. With country valances for windows in any room, simplicity is the key to decorating. That means you don’t want elaborate hardware detracting from the curtain design or hardware that pulls the attention away from the fabric. A simple curtain rod and bracket set is advisable. Avoid fancy finials as well. Finials are the ends of the rods that are often done in ornate styles to add flair.
Regardless of which country valances you choose to accent your windows with, the look is always classic and timeless. From ducks to trucks and everything in between, if you stick with whimsical homey looks you cannot go wrong.