Stoneside Window Treatments

Window Valances: Where and Why to Use Them

Updated: 2/6/2026

Are you looking for a creative way to add more personality to your bedroom or dining room? Are your current window treatments missing a decorative touch? Consider installing window valances with your blinds, shades, or drapes. Window valances are decorative accents that can enhance the look and feel of your home. Here's everything you need to know about window treatment valances.

What Is a Window Valance?

A window valance is a decorative treatment designed to cover the top portion of your window frame. This decorative accent has both functional and decorative benefits for your space. It comes in different fabrics and materials and is designed to pair elegantly with blinds, shades, and drapery.

Valances have the same aesthetic purpose as a cornice but are often made with decorative fabrics. Window cornices are made of wood or a sturdy material and offer a more structural look.

Why Use a Window Valance?

If you feel like a decorative detail is missing from your space, a window valance is a great idea to consider. Window valances are decorative treatments that offer functional and aesthetic benefits. It can be used to hide unsightly headrails and brackets. These decorative window treatments can also provide a more tailored or put-together appearance, which is why you often see them in cafes and restaurants.

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Where Should You Use Window Valances?

High-quality window valances will look great in any room in your home. Whether it's a simple style in your guest bedroom or a bold design in your living room, there are many ways to use window valances to your advantage. Here's how each room in your home can benefit from this decorative addition:

  • Living Room: Valances in the living room can add depth and dimension to your space. Playing with different fabrics and patterns will add visual interest and help you achieve a polished, put-together presence.
  • Bedroom: Valances can be layered with your blackout window treatments to maximize the aesthetic appeal of your room while maintaining maximum privacy.
  • Kitchen: Valances can add playful charm to your kitchen. The treatments are lightweight and fully customizable, so you can tailor the look to complement your vision for your dream kitchen.
  • Home Office or Dining Room: Valances are an aesthetically pleasing tool for creating a more formal appearance in your home office or dining room. There are options for a more formal, streamlined appearance.
  • Sliding Glass Doors: If you plan to install sheer curtains or traditional blinds over your sliding glass door, consider adding a valance to enhance the decorative touch.

There are three different window valance styles. When exploring styles, consider your aesthetic preferences to determine which option best suits your space. Here's how the types of valances for windows compare:

Board Mounted Valance

Board-mounted valances are secured to a piece of wood and attached to the wall above the window frame. This type of valence is permanent and cannot be easily adjusted after installation. However, the style provides a more polished, streamlined appearance.

Rod Mounted Valance

Rod-mounted valances are attached to the wall or window frame with a rod, and the fabric part of the valance is connected to the rod with rings or special grommets. This is a more relaxed style that complements contemporary home designs. This style is removable, making it easier to clean. However, it's less supportive, meaning it's more likely to sag or change shape over time.

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Fabric-Wrapped Valance

Fabric-wrapped valances are designed with different fabrics and can be customized to complement the colors and details in your home. There are also a variety of lengths and styles available, and you can choose from various materials like linen, cotton, or polyester.

Wood Valance

A window valance made from wood or a sturdy material is typically referred to as a cornice. A cornice is designed to sit over the window frame, offering a more structured and traditional appearance. Wood valances are often used in restaurants and other commercial settings.

Valances and Layered Window Treatments

Valances work best when layered with different window treatments. It's an innovative accessory that can conceal curtain rods and hardware, helping you achieve a clean, put-together look in your home.

Valances can be paired with almost any window treatment. Pairing it with drapery can help you achieve a dramatic, traditional design, while pairing it with roller shades or blinds offers a more polished, modern look.

If you need help deciding which window treatments to pair with window valances, schedule an in-home consultation with a professional Stoneside designer.

Choosing the Right Valance for Your Style

The first step is deciding on your overall aesthetic. The theme you have for your space will help you decide which fabric pattern or color is best for your home. At Stoneside, we have over 300+ different fabrics and patterns to choose from for our custom-made valances. Whether you're looking for a classic, modern, or vintage style, we have a look that will expertly pair with your vision.

Once you know the style you're trying to achieve, you'll want to measure your ceiling and windows to determine the size of the valances. Valances are available in five different sizes. If you need help deciding, our designers will help you find a look that complements your space.

Add Custom Valances with Stoneside

Are you ready to elevate your space with window valances? Stoneside is here to help. We specialize in custom-made solutions and innovative designs. We also offer in-home design consultations if you're unsure which style is right for you. Our designers will guide you through the styles, sizes, and linings available, allowing you to customize the look to perfectly complement your aesthetic vision.

Book a free consultation today.