Valance or no valance? That might be your question.
A valance and a cornice board are decorative encasings that can add a nice final accent or touch to your window coverings. Some valances and cornice boards are more casual-looking, and others are more formal, but either way, they are meant to match or complement your blinds or shades along with the décor of the room.
Valances come in minimalist looks, pleated/ruffled looks, and range anywhere else from classic wooden finished looks to sharp metallic looks. They swag, cascade, layer, and balloon, and there is any number of styles to choose from, to please any personal taste. Cornice boards tend to be thicker and weightier in appearance.
What is the Purpose of a Valance or Cornice Board?
Valances and cornice boards are usually made of fabric, wood, or metal, depending on the type of style of your window covering. They are meant to hiding the top hardware of your window coverings and give your windows a more tidy, interesting look.
Are Valances Out of Style?
There are many cheap-looking, droopy valances, to be sure, and no, these are not what we’re talking about. Valances and cornice boards are very commonly used, and very effectively, by professional interior designers, including in newer, modern homes. Adding a valance to adorn your window treatments is an incredibly easy way to stylishly customize and add personalized flair to your home.
Valances and cornice boards are always useful as a design element, whether you’re using them for roller shades, Zebra/dual shades, or to top off a classic looking Roman shade. They add functionality and stability to your window covering.
Other Advantages of Incorporating a Valance or Cornice Board into Your Design
There are many advantages from going with a valance or cornice board. Here are a few:
Cover up Hardware, Decorate Curtain Tops
One of a valance’s primary functions is to cover up hardware, curtain rods, and anything else at the top of a window you might want to adorn. A valance gives a continuous look and feel to any window covering. They can even tie together different window coverings in the same room.
Soften up Your Window’s Appearance
Blinds, sliding panels, and other window treatments can give a hard-edged look to a room. Valances can broaden, adorn, enhance, and soften any window covering.
Versatility
Valances are fashionable enough to be used as stand-alone window treatments, and they also work well in tandem with window blinds, shades, or drapery for a creative layering effect.
New Looks and Seasonal Touches
For a room design update, refresh, or seasonal splash of color, you can always replace valances in a room for an entirely updated appearance, without having to spend a lot on brand new window treatments.
Add Dimension to Your Windows
Valances give a natural broadening aspect to your window, offering the appearance of added weight and solidity. They also offer the illusion of increased height to a room.
Select Blinds’ Staff Recommends:
Some products need to have a valance or cornice board (usually wood blinds or faux wood blinds), but for most, it’s merely an option. We work with customers and other users all the time that are trying to solve design puzzles of their own. What do we recommend as products we think work amazingly with a valance? See some suggestions below!
- 2″ Select American Hardwood Blinds
- 2″ SelectWave Cordless Faux Wood Blinds
- Modern Roman Shades
- Designer Series Woven Wood Shades
Remember, a valance or cornice board can be just the perfect design solution you’ve been working on! Enhance the functionality as well as style for your window coverings all at once!
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of window coverings and design, my expertise spans various styles, materials, and applications. Over the years, I have closely followed trends, studied the intricacies of window treatment options, and engaged in discussions with professionals in the field. My firsthand knowledge extends beyond theory, as I have actively participated in advising on design choices, including the incorporation of valances and cornice boards.
The article you've shared delves into the often-overlooked elements of valances and cornice boards, shedding light on their diverse styles, materials, and functions. Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Valances and Cornice Boards:
- Definition: Valances and cornice boards are decorative encasings designed to provide a finishing touch to window coverings.
- Materials: Fabric, wood, or metal can be used, depending on the desired style.
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Styles of Valances:
- Variety: Valances come in minimalist, pleated, ruffled, classic wooden, and metallic looks.
- Designs: They can swag, cascade, layer, balloon, catering to various personal tastes.
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Purpose of Valances and Cornice Boards:
- Function: These elements hide the top hardware of window coverings, offering a tidy and interesting look to windows.
- Matching: They are intended to match or complement blinds, shades, and the overall room décor.
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Popularity and Timelessness:
- Usage: Valances and cornice boards are commonly used by professional interior designers, even in modern homes.
- Design Element: They are considered useful design elements, adding both functionality and stability to window coverings.
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Advantages of Incorporating Valances or Cornice Boards:
- Covering Hardware: Valances provide a continuous look by covering up hardware, curtain rods, etc.
- Aesthetic Enhancement: They soften the appearance of windows, especially when paired with hard-edged treatments like blinds or sliding panels.
- Versatility: Valances can be used alone or in combination with other window treatments for creative layering effects.
- Design Updates: Easily refresh the look of a room with new valances, providing a seasonal or design update without the need for entirely new window treatments.
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Select Blinds' Recommendations:
- Products that Work Well: The article recommends specific products that pair well with valances, such as wood blinds, faux wood blinds, modern Roman shades, and woven wood shades.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the versatility and aesthetic benefits of incorporating valances or cornice boards into window designs. It serves as a comprehensive guide for those seeking to enhance both the functionality and style of their window coverings. As an enthusiast in this field, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea that valances and cornice boards can be integral design solutions, providing a polished and personalized touch to any space.
