Things To Look For While Purchasing Window Valances

 To top their utility aspect, they can also be used a decorating tool to enhance the color and design aspect of your windows (boring drapery rods stay invisible) or any other window coverings!

As well known as they are for their additional decorative value when it comes to enhancing and to complete the overall look of a drapery or curtain set up, Valances can also be deployed alone in order to add an even more ornate touch to your windows and the bigger the window frames of your house. The better the valances can make them appear! However, you need to make sure that the ones which you finally decide to use are well-matched to the ambiance of your house.

How to make sure a valance is well-matched to the ambiance of your room/house? Read on!

The most important factors which one needs to keep in mind while purchasing window valances for the windows are the type of fabric, window size, the theme and style of your home decor and the ambiance of the particular room for a particular valance. Out of all these, needless to say the most important one is the size of the valance and the ambiance of your room. An ill-fitted valance of contrasting colors can end up making your arrangement look awkward as well as forced and unnecessary. So if you already have a curtained window, make sure you go for valances which match the curtains properly and help to enhance their overall appeal.

Next we need to find out what shape and size of window valances would suit your needs in the best and most proper way. There are a lot of types of valances, which you need to choose based on your needs, below are the various types of valances which will help you decide on the shape and size of a valance to choose.

1. Rod Pocket Valance - a) Simplest type of Valance, miniature version of a curtain b) Stitched like a simple drape or put on the top in the shape of a rectangle stretch of fabric c) Comes in various prints and includes many bright colorful themes for kids' rooms especially.
   
2. Ascot Valance - a) Quite attractive and comes in a triangular shape, which can be hung down from the top of the windows b) Made of rich looking fabrics like net, lace, silk and velvet c) Have a soft U-shaped bottom, which gives a flared look to large windows.
   

• Blouson Valance or Balloon Valance - Large pieces of fabric are sewn in such a way as to produce a balloon or puffed effect, can also be stuffed with soft materials between balloon pleats.
  

1. Festoon Valance - Semi-circular shape, used often with curtains which are of the same shape.
   
2. Jabot Valance - Uses a centrally placed fabric, with two more pieces of fabric on either side of the window thus creating a frame-like effect.
   
3. Swag Valance - Hung in semi-circular folds, they are draped over curtain rods and pelmets in large folds, pleats and ruffles with the ends suspended from the either side of the windows.
   

Other than these types, one can also go for the regular valance styles such as scarf and cornice valances or for wooden valances (if looking for a formal look). But if you want to go for a bit more utility and clever design, shelf valances can suit you just fine.