6 effective uses for valances

A client recently asked me if valances were outdated.  Of course the answer is never yes or no in decor;   it's usually "that depends".  When it comes to window treatments for 2013 the key works are  streamlined  and crisp.  The once popular love for  yards of gathered  or draped material, floppy tabs and ruffles has died a quiet death.<br /><br /> A valance is a  soft  window treatment  made from fabric that is used at the top of  a window and usually mounted on a strip of wood or a  velcro rod.  Valances  conceal drapery hardware, blinds  or architectural flaws and are commonly used in more traditional decor to add layers and soften the decor. <br /><br />Valances are not to be confused with cornices that are usually structured from wood and padded. <br /><br /><br /> I still recommend valances for certain windows and rooms, but you won't see a gather or tab in sight. <br /><br /><br /><b>1.  Soften a bare window </b><br /><br />Sometimes you have windows were privacy is not an issue and you don't want to have bare windows. A fitted valance is a great way to add softness without covering the window. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnDytT74w6UkzWyy-_ENM3qAOqZZRrWJckpAyR1WOBOB9XP3pUwnh-Amt4hm7tyrLpVvhTzbK5g6qPjGieM9mJJ2j9ME8n99IXdOAbsHepE1AeildjD2HRApIeo0cmsbVYzAMSYRx28Vd/s1600/DSCN8707_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4t0j_529yrD_Yrf7Tou4HvW7cGPtGG2Fap7Li7fAYFnCTuCtx2o5OEc1od737pS97p9P_Zc3c_0DuxiMjE3fbCfQ6_uweOI73TN9ym7sAYePyxQE7VIDFicshMopGqxS7oD6jyeexYuv/s1600/DSCN8720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4t0j_529yrD_Yrf7Tou4HvW7cGPtGG2Fap7Li7fAYFnCTuCtx2o5OEc1od737pS97p9P_Zc3c_0DuxiMjE3fbCfQ6_uweOI73TN9ym7sAYePyxQE7VIDFicshMopGqxS7oD6jyeexYuv/s400/DSCN8720.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Margaret Ryall </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_S44l5LuSO7eBs877V6LmogXmiU9x0rgr1tlPmogYS5Tn_SoYmBarv5sehrHh-gT2YYdvpsfR9ZN4WVYG337i2GAJtFqEXJ0oi7ZmwukyeBSPKlpEOqPQ2PEVsHrlLNSIrIl-BaJpvFp/s1600/095e63c04ab540e90aed74541ef2eb1c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_S44l5LuSO7eBs877V6LmogXmiU9x0rgr1tlPmogYS5Tn_SoYmBarv5sehrHh-gT2YYdvpsfR9ZN4WVYG337i2GAJtFqEXJ0oi7ZmwukyeBSPKlpEOqPQ2PEVsHrlLNSIrIl-BaJpvFp/s400/095e63c04ab540e90aed74541ef2eb1c.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://pinterest.com/violetsharpe/window-treatments-ideas-diy/">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These  banded valances   with  tassels function well in a more traditional home.  The pattern duplicated in pillows  serves to move the eye around the room.  This application works well because  the colour scheme is neutral and nothing is overpowered. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT44wgHIOGiCeCyrO1gvHB9ybXf6Cpu2gQOB5oh2-qzohkrtFAYxV8idrWKumbKtZD5Tq4rqayEbmGM5EfERdGhNc3w_XMrHCFpKEXdyU7OzJmzHrA2SjSCWVZjopwr6oqGQJIXcT3O7Qf/s1600/7ed6b79a8b7f1cbcd8a90d37b84ace81.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT44wgHIOGiCeCyrO1gvHB9ybXf6Cpu2gQOB5oh2-qzohkrtFAYxV8idrWKumbKtZD5Tq4rqayEbmGM5EfERdGhNc3w_XMrHCFpKEXdyU7OzJmzHrA2SjSCWVZjopwr6oqGQJIXcT3O7Qf/s400/7ed6b79a8b7f1cbcd8a90d37b84ace81.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br />This space has a totally different feel- a more sparce contemporary one.   I believe that this is a cornice,  but the same look could be achieved with a valance in white and gray. <br /><br /><br /><b>2. To soften the look of roman shades/blinds</b><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Zsn-0qtUaFTJY_IGRji96nPcMV_BDtH99CcbjTmV3-osP0r2lpqOy_PkJXvNI7746gUUA1wDb6gcVd-YE2vdGPGWBvjPkqXCFw3YR-Co0sFspIoo_mScHeryvZw77CfivmAx89ysTw-/s1600/1f5c5ed9fba7a515f5fc411044de2508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3Zsn-0qtUaFTJY_IGRji96nPcMV_BDtH99CcbjTmV3-osP0r2lpqOy_PkJXvNI7746gUUA1wDb6gcVd-YE2vdGPGWBvjPkqXCFw3YR-Co0sFspIoo_mScHeryvZw77CfivmAx89ysTw-/s400/1f5c5ed9fba7a515f5fc411044de2508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/CDDLLC/">source</a></div><br />This is a great solution for multiple windows.  The roman shades are mounted separately and the valance is continuous.  The colours are neutral and the added decorative motifs add sophistication to this otherwise plain window treatment.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUV6diGt3e3sPW1EXObIRtEExLiduMaCWiuCHWHrAXrOphQJVun0EBmm10QsGGw6izmY5UYOLgdGJNUhf38oWJnS-ne085vviiSdYDLhjgKbOfsoc3yU0Tjxj-jk6qDNNP1z5_80xLc8y/s1600/2fa408fda74c935094a8c7530a9fa4ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUV6diGt3e3sPW1EXObIRtEExLiduMaCWiuCHWHrAXrOphQJVun0EBmm10QsGGw6izmY5UYOLgdGJNUhf38oWJnS-ne085vviiSdYDLhjgKbOfsoc3yU0Tjxj-jk6qDNNP1z5_80xLc8y/s400/2fa408fda74c935094a8c7530a9fa4ba.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30368801@N02/6008647518/"> source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A colourful floral fabric adds  pattern to this pastel kitchen.  When using woven blinds choose a fabric that has the colour of the blind integrated in the pattern  to achieve a more cohesive look.   </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw39TV-MxxZG5emV308O5zuiIFRRasgULXh5W15fJNRfTCXzXqrVMe-brXnucZVB-zorKHBT-PWmoANBH8EGK3FqTnr_50bGLzEoeiLwWOZDDekUH_vAqGeuZq23hNiVtsWcEcsUu4NPN/s1600/e6fb295394a6710ed9cbc28bb77326e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdw39TV-MxxZG5emV308O5zuiIFRRasgULXh5W15fJNRfTCXzXqrVMe-brXnucZVB-zorKHBT-PWmoANBH8EGK3FqTnr_50bGLzEoeiLwWOZDDekUH_vAqGeuZq23hNiVtsWcEcsUu4NPN/s400/e6fb295394a6710ed9cbc28bb77326e9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fabulouswindowtreatments.blogspot.ca/2013_01_01_archive.html?m=1">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_S44l5LuSO7eBs877V6LmogXmiU9x0rgr1tlPmogYS5Tn_SoYmBarv5sehrHh-gT2YYdvpsfR9ZN4WVYG337i2GAJtFqEXJ0oi7ZmwukyeBSPKlpEOqPQ2PEVsHrlLNSIrIl-BaJpvFp/s1600/095e63c04ab540e90aed74541ef2eb1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>In cases where a valance is covering a blind it is best to have an outside mount.   In this way the blind can move easily if it needs to be raised.  This placement also add more prominence to the treatment. I like the way the energy of the circles works with the horizontal lines of the blind.  Curves help to soften the horizontal lines that are common in most blinds. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMNdoMeaQOrDRy8MxHY68UHorbkKEZ58dPLOos2ciyKJRLYO1x7NAMZWWLQI4Ox6lDhcQaW86DJESKH7IxfK7aZ3ekS-JMrIy5rSA-iqQYDl5YlsGRqVH12KCLlFEFvTJoa7W9uz8JcHS/s1600/a8b807d1f74eae28d9d3a400f30956ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMNdoMeaQOrDRy8MxHY68UHorbkKEZ58dPLOos2ciyKJRLYO1x7NAMZWWLQI4Ox6lDhcQaW86DJESKH7IxfK7aZ3ekS-JMrIy5rSA-iqQYDl5YlsGRqVH12KCLlFEFvTJoa7W9uz8JcHS/s640/a8b807d1f74eae28d9d3a400f30956ac.jpg" width="434" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.ca/2010/04/not-your-little-girls-pink.html">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This tight colour scheme of white and pink is duplicated in the  valance.  The scalloped valance is feminine and soft, fitting in with the overall decor.<br /><br /><b>3.  To add pattern to a space </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwdyAkWeQlwv73uxuL4FD8Wy38ngmu1OzeNrtmLLxBAVzfHOA6g-J6jBvkkZ54lq_s9dh5Yj-LUlGW4TTulqQp3C3pSbRn_NjpenQtObFuluhLYuCLNFNGmcSGW6xWrYicAxn6VQAPE89/s1600/7bed4547608c5b522fb3197450ccc6a0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaw6CPBVDRsTYxJq3RjAvTDAROAnIceXrlTEusLayKLWStrsqcqRS8kGbO81vgotGG93mvcumQKHZEALIslYMiO6b8OhIiEb2CgOOHM2D-u2rQXcVkbMD42bVLZbsXr0JBxljzvKaeB3E/s1600/9a81cc74a767ca33bde1d320a7c3593a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaw6CPBVDRsTYxJq3RjAvTDAROAnIceXrlTEusLayKLWStrsqcqRS8kGbO81vgotGG93mvcumQKHZEALIslYMiO6b8OhIiEb2CgOOHM2D-u2rQXcVkbMD42bVLZbsXr0JBxljzvKaeB3E/s400/9a81cc74a767ca33bde1d320a7c3593a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://12devonshire.blogspot.ca/2011/02/diy-no-sew-box-pleat-valance.html">source</a></div><br /><b>4. To hide blinds in the daytime</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOjVvmPgEIAJeDKEEcwinmEM3KMKHA9SGMcHHZneGxg6OOWOzA4PsbZQbZV4Ehyo_yPWzTFXSO9nVCpzrYIq4KWkg1JsPhgmhyHIh9_-BjefGgCESqun29CQ-x5Yfm45uV5Q3p5FqfEPz/s1600/cf325d0cc1ba5f6075c9e57fd4dfc0ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOjVvmPgEIAJeDKEEcwinmEM3KMKHA9SGMcHHZneGxg6OOWOzA4PsbZQbZV4Ehyo_yPWzTFXSO9nVCpzrYIq4KWkg1JsPhgmhyHIh9_-BjefGgCESqun29CQ-x5Yfm45uV5Q3p5FqfEPz/s400/cf325d0cc1ba5f6075c9e57fd4dfc0ce.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b> 5. To give draperies a finished look</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj7oe3XSz-_ihfsz4wf_pDDWmoFLW5sP85hlB_DJhm2RL9uMOoklWFGdC8ZSEU6_reF6fBbk6U8eUt6rY-Yvp_e-X2QDpmhMithoWONFBFb8Lwua8Q1fvF86myqUhE6HzKH4ZDvxgEKXo/s1600/5f255dc6745e1d36cd96c74b7539638f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFj7oe3XSz-_ihfsz4wf_pDDWmoFLW5sP85hlB_DJhm2RL9uMOoklWFGdC8ZSEU6_reF6fBbk6U8eUt6rY-Yvp_e-X2QDpmhMithoWONFBFb8Lwua8Q1fvF86myqUhE6HzKH4ZDvxgEKXo/s400/5f255dc6745e1d36cd96c74b7539638f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b>  </b><br /><b> </b>Valances are a great when you have multiple windows in a room because they provide a horizontal line  against the verticals of the drapes and provide an additional layer in the room. This look works well in more traditional decor. <b><br /></b><br /><br /><b>6.  To make a statement in a kid's room</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHG-VnTWrHe5gFMbsrVrR9M-r-vxQabllyValpT7TN_Qth3oVDUjDn-8pbkaCOwyvkOC1SwyDllA0jORrebHlA0JXyrj0ToruHV7yq_yJ1DwNQ0LpwfpIg1cd02iuSJDAg9eOboj9wgFG/s1600/982acd39b968799997b8857582bbc32a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHG-VnTWrHe5gFMbsrVrR9M-r-vxQabllyValpT7TN_Qth3oVDUjDn-8pbkaCOwyvkOC1SwyDllA0jORrebHlA0JXyrj0ToruHV7yq_yJ1DwNQ0LpwfpIg1cd02iuSJDAg9eOboj9wgFG/s320/982acd39b968799997b8857582bbc32a.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecompanystore.com/Modern-Bloom-Valance/GP13x_4,default,pd.html">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRi9uVTMsSxE3B-koExp_Sprptlnw0oDisRSUW-0N_DrdrUzlSnjt6IQgC92KTEjY1q4EEtWoCbeEsBHOx3yjlOXEOPPlKFj4BgQsydKkwhwgYRGyxo58j1IyUqZrbR1HF3GQ5mVmwjjc/s1600/100149426b7667f0928e4d49e5b16d32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRi9uVTMsSxE3B-koExp_Sprptlnw0oDisRSUW-0N_DrdrUzlSnjt6IQgC92KTEjY1q4EEtWoCbeEsBHOx3yjlOXEOPPlKFj4BgQsydKkwhwgYRGyxo58j1IyUqZrbR1HF3GQ5mVmwjjc/s400/100149426b7667f0928e4d49e5b16d32.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kidspacestuff.com/">source</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> What a great idea for any colour scheme in a little girl's room.  Easy as installing a rod ( I sometimes use shower  tension rods if the width  is large enough) and tying a knot in lengths of ribbon.  What is great about this idea is the option of adding lots of pattern in the ribbons if you wish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvY_iBYU7l5gIpxbsntM-D_OSqimjofIxovK0joNnXYIwpXEaNeVEO1MA2JTsaAdO-j9JdNSbGAPUV2MAhs96GhDSi2ZWpi0b5r5UISJVRzzu3ji6UmbxLrHp8UsCwiqe40rZZJUhpwHsc/s1600/035a56eaefb9af0b8020e97f0b25bafc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-0N2NxKPaU3FOFTdylAPn9kUQzAZT_yPSomXsI23JbEep9s60x_WgDZjaMa8rbjDF0Fq_IcsG_raf9LKG23hJMi_Vls2GfCKWNMPFVQSPjGyYRocjtfNVDvxMQmQ5jBY0niJ1afDLNTP/s1600/jpg-devinsnautical-room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-0N2NxKPaU3FOFTdylAPn9kUQzAZT_yPSomXsI23JbEep9s60x_WgDZjaMa8rbjDF0Fq_IcsG_raf9LKG23hJMi_Vls2GfCKWNMPFVQSPjGyYRocjtfNVDvxMQmQ5jBY0niJ1afDLNTP/s400/jpg-devinsnautical-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ibdesignsusa.wordpress.com/2010/02/04/decorating-any-room-with-nautical-signal-flag-valances/">source </a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRi9uVTMsSxE3B-koExp_Sprptlnw0oDisRSUW-0N_DrdrUzlSnjt6IQgC92KTEjY1q4EEtWoCbeEsBHOx3yjlOXEOPPlKFj4BgQsydKkwhwgYRGyxo58j1IyUqZrbR1HF3GQ5mVmwjjc/s1600/100149426b7667f0928e4d49e5b16d32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Use nautical signal flags attached to a strip for a colourful boy's valance. <br /><br /></div><br />

6 effective uses for valances

A client recently asked me if valances were outdated.  Of course the answer is never yes or no in decor;   it's usually "that depen...

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