A valance is a short fabric treatment at the top of the window — adding color, pattern, texture, and softness while covering hardware and anchoring the window in the room’s design. Bloomin’ Blinds custom-selects fabric and valance style as part of your complete window treatment project.
Direct Answer
Window valances are short fabric treatments hung at the top of a window to add decorative interest, conceal curtain rods and hardware, and provide a finished look at the top of the window wall. They can be used alone or layered over longer treatments like blinds, shades, or sheer panels.
Expanded Detail
Valances differ from cornices in material — a valance is soft fabric, a cornice is a rigid board. Valances are more casual and decorative; they add visual interest through gathered, pleated, or draped fabric rather than architectural structure. They’re particularly useful in rooms where a full-length drapery treatment isn’t practical or desirable but some decorative fabric presence at the top of the window is. Common valance styles include rod pocket (gathered on a rod), pleated (structured horizontal folds), balloon (gathered into a billowing shape), and swag/scarf (draped fabric creating cascading curves). Each style reads differently in terms of formality and design period.
Direct Answer:
Soft vs. rigid construction.
Expanded Detail:
Valances are soft fabric gathered, pleated, or draped at the top of the window. Cornices are rigid board structures wrapped in fabric or painted. Valances have a softer, more casual character; cornices provide a cleaner, more architectural finish.
Direct Answer:
Proportional to the window — typically 1/5 of the window height
Expanded Detail:
A common rule is that the valance should be approximately one-fifth the total height of the window treatment. On a window with a 60-inch treatment, a 12-inch valance works well. Your consultant will confirm the right proportions for your specific window.
Direct Answer:
Both are common.
Expanded Detail:
Valances are used as standalone top treatments in rooms where light control isn’t the priority — kitchens, living rooms with good ambient light. They’re also layered over blinds, shades, and sheers as a decorative addition to a functional treatment.
Direct Answer:
Depends on the style and room.
Expanded Detail:
Medium-weight fabrics work for most pleated and structured valances. Lightweight fabrics like voile and linen work well for rod pocket and gathered styles. Patterned fabrics add significant design impact and should coordinate with other fabrics in the room. Your Bloomin’ Blinds consultant will bring appropriate options to your in-home consultation.
Direct Answer:
Most can — confirm at time of purchase.
Expanded Detail:
Most valance fabrics can be professionally cleaned. Heavily structured or interfaced valances should be dry-cleaned rather than machine washed. Your consultant will confirm care instructions for the specific fabric selected.
