The Appeal of Soft Valances

For clients who come to home decorating reluctantly, soft valancescan seem like the last wordin frivolity. Unlike curtains, blinds, or shades, they serve no obvious purpose. They don't block out much light and don't contribute to privacy. The question we're constantly asked is, "What's the point of them?" The point is aesthetic rather than utilitarian, but it does exist. Curtains bordera window on only two sides. With a valance added, the treatment surrounds the windowlike a picture frame, which attracts the eye. If you get the curtains and the valance in the same medium to heavy fabric, like chenille, it's an old-fashioned, stately look, ideal for older houses - or, for that matter, new ones with an older design. Overblinds or shades, a valance can add visual relief. If your windows have white blinds, a brightly-colored valence might be the easiest way to spruce things up. This is a good look for a young child's room, since it makes the space look immensely more cheerful, while being out of reach of all but the most determined children. You can also let valances stand alone. If you want a light, airy space, but don't want the room to look unfinished or like you forgot to buy window treatments, trya single valance in a sheer fabric, like lace, or a semi-sheer one, like lightweight polyester. Double rows of valances can look good on sash windows, with a short valance along the top of the window and a longer one along the sash. Try it with white cotton for a retro look, reminiscent of a small-town cafe. The opposite of a soft valance, in caseyou're wondering, is a hardvalance. You may also see them called box valances or fabric cornices. In a hard valance, the fabric is nailed or stapled to a three-dimensional wooden frame, so that it'sstretched flat instead of pleating or falling naturally. The frame sticks out one or two inches from the window, and is closed on three sides. Some people feel that their straight lines give a window treatment a more finished look, while others think that they seemtoo severe. Soft valances do, however, have a couple of distinct advantages over them from a design perspective.   Soft valances, unlike hard ones,can be customized whenever you feelthe need to changethings up. If you have any sewing expertise, you can change up your soft valances in an afternoon by adding a new trim or edging - lace, ribbon, tassels, or anything that strikes your fancy. Even changing the way a valance hangs can alterits look. And sometimes, depending on the fabric, they're machinewashable. That means a win for convenience; you might be able to take it down and throw it in the washing machine if it gets dusty, instead of having to break out the vacuum wand extension. A good window treatment isn't just functional. It reflects your personality, as well. So the next time you get window treatments, consider adding soft valances.