The integration of attractive and appealing valances is usually done to achieve outstanding style effects that will help boost the aesthetic appeal of your home. These magnificent window treatments are typically placed atop the curtain drapes, with the main function being to conceal the curtain’s mounting hardware. They are often used in conjunction with blinds, tiers, and panels. But you can also use them as independent window decorations.
To help you find the right valance treatment that will utterly match your taste and preference, here are some of the notable types that you should stringently examine:
Tailored-style
These types of valance treatments feature a hemmed bottom and a rod pocket on top. They are the ideal choice when you want to mimic the look of a cornice board. They are often loaded into continental curtain rods, which should be mounted slightly wider than the actual size of the window in order to give way for the installation of the bottom curtains. They are highly recommended when decorating traditional-themed rooms but they can also be integrated in rooms with modern schemes.
Swag
Also referred to as jabots, these window treatments are commonly made from one or more types of fabrics that are draped over a decorative curtain rod. They are best suited for complementing formal décor. They can be stylishly hung on either side of the window, wherein the end of the swag can be somewhat longer, or perhaps reaching to the middle part of the window. For an added effect, you can combine them with contrasting curtain fabrics to make them stand out from the rest of the room.
Balloon
These well-known window toppers are called as such because they assume a shape of a balloon, which is achieved by puffing up the fabric. They are composed of layers of fabrics that form an open-ended pocket at the bottom. You can stuff them with crumpled tissue papers to create an added fullness. Their decorating styles can range from casual to elegant. Some of the possible variations that you can try with balloon window treatments are as follows:
· Cloud-style – They feature billowing folds that form clouds at the bottom. The top part is usually gathered to introduce extra fullness.
· Butterfly – These are fully-lined balloon window toppers that may feature contrasting straps. They can snugly fit in a standard 2 1/2 wide pocket rod since they have a 3 inches rod pocket. Moreover, they have two wings that are longer than the center valance.
Ascots
They feature a triangular central piece that hangs down beautifully at the middle of the window. Ascots are characterized by uneven hemlines and soft, round edges. They are commonly flanked by a longer piece of curtain drape that hang further down the window in order to fully cover the frame. You can trim them with beads, lace, fringe, as well as other types of accessories that will coordinate well with the home décor. They will certainly look stunning in both vintage and contemporary room schemes.
Sheer Scarf
They are elegant window toppers that boast a long, flowing sheer scarf at the top of the window. Sheer scarf valances are commonly used to accentuate bottom draperies or stand-alone window treatments. To boost their visual appeal, you can hang them over decorative rods that are paired with attractive finials.
No matter what type you decide to purchase, it is important that you carefully sift through the available options to help you find affordable, functional, and uniquely designed valance treatments that will perfectly satisfy your design scheme and home requirements!
