Lovely windows can really enhance the look of a home, both inside and out. They allow light to come into our homes and give us a view of the world around us. When it comes to dressing windows up a bit, sometimes we don’t want to obstruct the light or the view. This is when a window valance is the perfect solution. There are many great options when it comes to valances, too. They can be used alone or with other types of window dressings such as blinds, drapes, shutters, and sheers. You’ll even find types you don’t need to sew to create.

Different Options in Window Valances

No matter whether your room is formal or more casual, you’ll be able to find a window valance that will look just right. You can add heavy, sumptuous valances or those made of thin, soft cottons. Valances can be created with a formal look, or just hang free. In the following paragraphs you’ll find information about the most commonly-used types of window valances and their construction.

Balloon Valance: As its name says, this type of valance looks like a balloon. The best fabric to use for balloon valances is lightweight cotton in all colors as well as patterns and stripes. The valance is made using a curtain rod. There is a gathered ruffle on top of the rod forming a tube of fabric hanging from the rod. The fabric is then pinched every so many inches, and the fabric between the pinches balloons out. The balloons can be stuffed with tissue paper.

Swag Valance: You can make a swag as long or as short as you like. It can even be pooled on the floor, if you like. You will use two decorative brackets for your swag. By folding sheer or very lightweight fabric accordion-style, you can then drape it across the brackets. If you have a wider window, you may have to provide center support for the swag with another bracket or a hidden pin. This will keep it from swooping too much.

Pleated Valance: This is one of the more formal valances which are best made from stiff, heavier fabrics that will keep their shape. Lighter fabrics might work as long as they have a very stiff lining. When you are going to be pleating a valance, you must cut and line it with exact precision. The way it will be pleated, both sides are going to end up showing. Unless you are a fantastic seamstress, you might want to hire pleated valances done professionally. Ultimately the completed valance is hung from a from a 2×4 frame. The fabric is then stapled to the board and hung on L-brackets.

Making the Most of Your Window

How you hang your window valance can make a world of difference as far as the look of the window goes. For example, if you have short windows, you can hang the curtain rod high enough that the valance will just cover the top of the window frame. That will make your window appear to be larger.

On the other hand, if your window is very tall, you can either hang the valance lower on the window, or you can make it longer. To look it’s best, though, a valance should never hang more than 1/3 of the way down a window. Double hung windows can be halved by a window valance resulting in a real cute decorative statement. By dividing the window, you create the optical illusion that it is shorter.

Anyone has the ability to make some type of window valance. Some styles don’t even require any sewing. When choosing a valance and a style, make it to fit the overall décor of the room. Window treatments need to enhance the room’s décor, but never make them so showy that they take over a room.