What is a Valance?
A valance is a decorative window treatment that is typically installed at the top of a window. It is often used to conceal the curtain rod, hardware, or the upper part of curtains or blinds, adding a finished look to the window. Valances come in various styles, fabrics, and designs, and they can be used alone or in combination with other window treatments like drapes, curtains, or blinds.
Common Types of Valances:
- Swag Valance: Draped fabric that hangs in a curve, often with tails that hang down on either side.
- Box Pleat Valance: A structured valance with pleats that create a tailored, formal look.
- Scalloped Valance: Features a scalloped or curved edge, offering a soft, elegant appearance.
- Balloon Valance: A puffy, gathered style that resembles a balloon, providing a voluminous look.
- Ascot Valance: Triangular-shaped fabric pieces, often with tassels, that create a layered, luxurious appearance.
Key Differences Between Cornices and Valances
**1. Structure:
- Valance: Soft and typically made from fabric. It can be shaped and styled in various ways, such as pleated, ruffled, or draped. Valances are usually hung from a curtain rod or attached directly to the window frame.
- Cornice: A hard, structured window treatment made from wood, MDF, or other rigid materials, often covered with fabric, wallpaper, or paint. Cornices have a box-like shape and are mounted above the window, providing a more architectural, formal appearance.
**2. Aesthetic Purpose:
- Valance: Primarily decorative, valances soften the look of a window, add color or pattern, and conceal curtain rods or hardware. They are often used to add a touch of elegance or to complement other window treatments.
- Cornice: Cornices provide a more substantial and formal look, adding architectural interest to a room. They can create a sense of height or draw attention to the window as a focal point.
**3. Installation:
- Valance: Easy to install, often hung from a rod or attached with hooks or brackets. Valances can be easily changed or removed, making them a flexible option for updating a room’s decor.
- Cornice: More complex to install, as they are mounted to the wall or ceiling above the window. Cornices are typically more permanent fixtures, requiring more effort to change or remove.
**4. Functionality:
- Valance: Primarily decorative, though it can also help to soften harsh lines or hide less attractive elements of a window treatment. Valances are often combined with curtains or blinds to complete a window’s look.
- Cornice: In addition to being decorative, cornices can also help to insulate a room by trapping warm or cool air near the window. They provide a more finished look and can be used to hide curtain rods, blinds, or other window treatment hardware.
**5. Style:
- Valance: Available in a wide range of styles, from casual and rustic to formal and traditional. The softness of fabric valances lends itself to a more relaxed, cozy look.
- Cornice: Generally more formal and structured, cornices are often used in traditional or classic interior designs. Their rigid construction gives a polished, architectural finish to the window.
Conclusion
Valances and cornices are both popular window treatment options, each offering unique benefits depending on the desired look and function. Valances provide a softer, more versatile option that can easily be changed, while cornices offer a more formal, architectural element that can add height and structure to a room. Choosing between the two depends on the overall style and needs of your space.