Window valances, for those that don't know, are window curtains that cover the top part of your window as a decorative piece or to hide your drapery hardware. They are often used in conjunction with drapes, blinds and shutters to provide texture and layers to a window and are fitted for double curtain rods. They don't function as curtains per se but are considered ornamental window treatments that maintain a decorative accent on your windows while your curtains are drawn.

You have many options when choosing valances. They can be made from any solid colored or patterned fabric and come in several styles. In this article we will look at the various styles, mistakes to avoid when choosing your valances, I'll offer a few decorative ideas and even show you how you can make your own window valances.

Whether your décor is formal or casual, you can dress any window with valance window treatments and they will still look fantastic. You may, however, find it difficult when it comes to deciding how to dress specialty windows. These are windows with arches, bay windows, Palladium windows, French doors or anything uncommon.

With arched windows you don't necessarily need to dress the arch itself. Sometimes this can be used as an exposed decorative feature where the valance hangs directly beneath it. This allows light to come in over the valance while still providing a decorative element from the window treatment.

Palladium windows are arched windows with an additional window on each side. They can often be too wide for conventional curtain rods and if you do happen to find a rod that reaches from one side to the other, it will most likely not be strong enough to support all of the drapes that need to fill the sectionals. Sometimes you can attach a bracket somewhere in the middle of the rod but the better approach to this problem is to hang a rod pocket valance for as many window sections as there are.

Bay window valances aren't difficult at all to fit actually. These are basically ordinary windows set into a round of wall. The number of sections may vary but ordinarily you can dress these like normal windows. You wouldn't use a rod pocket valance like you would in a palladium window installation but preferably drapery medallions or curtain rings. Depending on the wall space between your windows you may be able to mount the hardware outside instead of within the window frame. For this you want there to be at least five inches on either side of the wall to prevent your window valance and rod from looking awkward.

The type of hardware you use to hang your window treatment valance is an important factor to the look you are going for but so is the placement of that treatment. Shorter windows can be made to appear taller by hanging the rod higher on the wall. This will allow you to hang your valance so that it hides the upper part of the window while concealing the rod and wall. On the contrary for taller windows you can hang the rod lower. Keep in mind though that your valance should not fall more than a third of the window's length no matter where the rod is hung. The design of your window valance styles will also be an important factor. Let's take a look at some more common designs.

Just as it sounds a balloon valance gets its name from the ballooning effect of the fabric. The material of this valance is doubled and gathered at the top and hangs so that it puffs out like a balloon. You can do this by inserting the rod into the valance rod pocket and use your hand to adjust the fabric until you get the puffiness you desire. You can also stuff the fabric with tissue to accentuate the ballooning. The number of "balloons" will vary with the width of the window.

Similar to the balloon valance save for the puffing, the pleated valance is usually made from heavier fabric and has pleats of equal size. It also promotes a less formal look than the balloon valance but still holds an appeal for the formal style. Typically it has a mounting board along the back at the top where the fabric is fastened to maintain the pleated look. The valance is then hung from L-brackets.

The swag valance is made of lighter material than both of the aforementioned valances and will drape at both ends sometimes the whole length of the window. It can be shorter but its signature design is the longer end tails. It hangs from a pole in a concertina or accordion fashion and will be pleated. The material is often scarf-like which better achieves the dropping fashion and hangs artfully from a decorative pole.

If you have a sewing machine then you can find a fabric you like and make your own valances for windows. To start measure the window's width and measure down from the curtain rod position to the desired length. Measure out your fabric allowing for swag length or pleats at about four times the width of your window. Also take into account hem length, about two inches. Stitch the hems on both sides, remove any pins you used to hold the hem in place and tape it. Turn the fabric so that all hems face the inside and measure off the area where the rod will fit. Rinse and repeat for as many as you need. After that, slide the rods through and hang your new window valances.

In the following video you will learn bout the different style of window valances and how to make your own.