Do you want to see the view outside your window but your curtains are stopping you from doing so? What you should do is replace those curtains and use a window valance instead. The valance is considered toppers for the window. It can romantic lace that is perfect for the bedroom, formal look for the living room or an ordinary cottage design that are appropriate for the bathroom or the kitchen. Window valances allow you to make your room more casual, dress up your room or totally change the decoration with a little extra charge.  
    
There are several window valance styles that will fit each room in your house. The tailored valances, which have board-mounted treatments, give a classy and elegant look to the room. These valances can either be sheer, lace or scalloped, giving it a very delicate look. They may come in tabbed, festooned or balloon style.  What is good about a valance is that it can be very simple like a scarf or traditional like a pinch pleated or box cut. It can also be lace or swag and can possess that "rich look" such as a cornice covering which leads to a beautiful window valance pattern.

The valance works great over curtains or drapes, giving a finished look to your window. The valance is also an outstanding choice for the kitchen and bathroom for they can add decoration to the room without having to be in the way. The children's room is also a good choice for applying a window valance, since they give a look that is stain-free or wrinkle-free. They also allow a window's natural wood frame to show.  
 

The tailored valances usually are shaped over a treatment (board-mounted); pinch pleated or box pleated. The board-mounted treatment (a type of window treatments valances) is produced out of light materials like hard foam. The fabric conceals the foam core, creating a clean shape for the window treatment valance.  

A swag valance can add grace to the window with its fabric that adorns each side of the window. Valance scarves are one of the swag valances. On the other hand, a festooned valance, or sometimes known as the balloon valance, can create the impression of a traditional-looking room. As the nickname suggests, this valance balloons out and form a draped look, which makes it more elegant.

Ruffled valances are ideal for a kitchen window valance and/or a bathroom valance. They add out a touch of charm and casual look on your room. Sheer or lace is your perfect choice for the rooms that possess a Victorian decor. The tabbed valances are plain in design, having a straight fabric line and the tabs that hold them. These would look great on the rooms of your children.

Before anything else, you must first measure the outsides of your window frame. The number of valances to purchase depends on how full you want them. Normally, two valances are required to have pleating. For a flat look, the valance that you should buy is proportioned to your window frame's width. You may also choose to double or even triple the width measurement. They can be found in your local department stores that sell curtains or drapes. You can also have one made online. With all these sources you should have several window valance ideas that will allow you to get the valance you desire.