Add pizzaz to Your Curtains With Window Valances

Window valances are the short curtains that hang at the top of your drapery and hide your curtain hardware. They are often used alongside drapes to add depth to your window treatments. They fit on double curtains rods which allow them to be hung separately from the main curtain. They aren't used for shade or privacy as with normal curtains; they merely provide a decorative accent to your existing drapes. They are not hard to make if you have the time. The different styles are balloon, pleated and swag valance, all of which can really add layers to your curtains.

The best way to describe the window valance is to think of the curtains that are hung in kitchens at the back door. This kind of valance often has a swag. This is part of the valance that is longer at the sides than the rest of the valance and partially conceals the window so that about two thirds of the panes are covered. Other areas where you can hang valances for windows are bay windows, French doors, palladium windows and even your living room.

When dressing a palladium window with valance window treatments you don't have to dress the arch. This is often left unadorned and the window directly beneath it will have the curtains. Bay windows are a little different. They require each section of window to be dresses separately and use a rod pocket valance to hang the curtains from. When choosing hardware for the curtains you need to place the rod low enough for the valance to conceal it. Window valances should not fall more than a third of the way down the window, so you will need to adjust the rod accordingly.

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