VALANCES

Valances can be used alone to soften a window frame, or to top off draperies, curtains, and shades for a lovely, graceful shape. Learn more about window toppers here.

Exquisite Passementerie

Exquisite gold silk passementerie, along with fabric-covered buttons, supplement this simple design. Trim such as this adds formality and richness.

A neat, inverted-pleat, scalloped valance is all that is needed to accentuate this window for a newly renovated kitchen.

Different styles of window treatments can tie adjoining rooms together, as with these imperial valances and the gathered swags and jabots shown on the previous page. To continue the flow of the rooms, the identical blue damask fabric was used in both designs, with color coordinated trims: ball fringe for one, tassel fringe for the other.
The shape of an imperial valance requires careful pattern placement. Notice how effective the jacquard becomes when aligned with the folds. The sumptuous ball-tassel trim gives it a rich finish.

Gingham, a classic fabric pattern, is even more stylish with these Imperial valances.

Simple Valance

Valances with Rods. Rings, and Tabs

Everything in this new 'English country kitchen' was custom-made including the window hardware. This ornamental iron was fabricated by Lundy's, a locally owned family business in operation since 1965. In addition, my client had her eye on this particular fabric for seven years. It completes the story because it was made in England!

These adorable cafe curtains let in the sunlight to show off this design perfectly. The black rod with rings & clips offer a terrific contrast to the fabric too.

It never fails to amaze me to see how various trims add beauty and interest. This was the first time I made knife-edge trim and I love it.

Although not easily noticed below, there is also self-welting which adds depth to this tab-top window treatment.

Valances or Shades? You Decide!

All of these designs have a commonality of being stationary. The design above is a relaxed Roman valance, and the two below are flat Roman valances. The beauty of "custom-made" is that you can decide what best fits your needs and wants.

Swirled Silk and Verdigris Knobs

For a very sophisticated kitchen window, my client chose this elegant valance made of swirled silk, trimmed with a sumptuous tassel fringe and suspended from unusual verdigris knobs.

Box-Pleated Valances

Box-pleated valances have a very tailored appearance. Whether working with stripes or patterns, the 'repeat' must be consistent throughout, and this is most evident in the picture below. A 'repeat' is the length of the pattern before it repeats itself again. Fabrics can have a horizontal repeat, a vertical repeat, or both. Notice the main motif and how it is centered both horizontally and vertically in each 'box.'