Frame Your Living Room Windows with Gorgeous Valances
Valances are a simple yet elegant way to elevate your living room decor. As short decorative curtains hung at the very top of window frames, valances help frame views, let in just the right amount of light, and bring style and visual interest to your space. Using valances is one of the easiest ways to add polish to your windows without completely blocking light and views. With so many styles, fabrics and creative DIY options, it's simple to find the perfect valances to complement your living room.
We'll share tips on how to properly hang and install valances, plus stylish ideas for coordinating them with other window treatments. Read on to learn how gorgeous valances can frame your living room windows and take your space from basic to beautiful!
Benefits of Using Valances in Living Rooms
Valances offer many decorative and functional benefits that make them a great choice for living room windows. Here are some of the top reasons to use pretty valances to frame your living room views:
Frame and Draw Attention to Windows
One of the best reasons to install valances is that they beautifully frame windows to make them focal points. Valances outline the tops of windows to highlight them and draw the eye. Framing windows with fabric valances gives them stylistic structure that makes them stand out.
Valances also help make small living room windows appear larger and more dramatic. The framing effect helps expand windows visually, directing attention to their architectural shape. Valances can disguise flaws or make windows seem wider or taller than they actually are.
Filter Light
Living room valances are useful for filtering and diffusing harsh sunlight. Their soft, lightweight fabric helps scatter incoming light for a warmer, more even distribution. Valances allow daylight to enter the room without glare or hot spots.
Valances let in air and light while adding privacy. You can see out, but passersby have difficulty seeing in. For living rooms needing just a touch of screening, valances offer discreet filtering.
Bring Color and Texture
The color, print and texture of valance fabrics can bring vibrancy into a neutral living room. Valances are a simple way to coordinate window treatments to your existing decor. Match or complement your color scheme with pretty valance fabrics that tie everything together.
Patterns add visual interest while solid colors unite the palette. Introduce contrast with bold valances or soften the decor with light, airy fabrics. The extra layer of fabric valances provide gives a tactile lushness and warmth.
Finish the Look
Valances pull together your window treatments and complete the look. They conceal hardware, brackets and rails that blinds and curtains mount on for a streamlined silhouette. Valances hide unattractive mechanics behind fabric.
If you have multiple treatments like curtains and shades, adding a unifying valance ties them together seamlessly. Valances make your windows appear professionally dressed and meticulously coordinated.
Popular Styles of Valances for Living Rooms
Valances come in a range of styles that allow you to align yours with your living room's aesthetic. Consider the following popular options when choosing valances to frame your space beautifully.
Traditional Valances
For a formal, elegant style, traditional valances reign supreme. Features like heavy fabrics, trims, tassels, pleats and flounces create a luxurious, polished look. Brocades, damasks and jacquards nicely fit traditional sensibilities.
Traditional valances require abundant fabric yardage to create lavish folds and drapes. Neutrals like creams and taupes keep them refined. Metallics and rich hues in moderation add ornate flair. Pleated headers and cascading tails give them a timeless grace.
Transitional Valances
Transitional valances blend elements of traditional and modern styles seamlessly. They often pair soft, clean-lined valances with contrasting curtains or shades. A relaxed gathered valance matched with sleek cordless blinds exemplifies this style.
Look for transitional valances with unfussy lines but pretty fabrication like textured linen or subtle patterns. Simple shaping and understated elegance define this versatile look. Transitional valances effortlessly fit into many decor aesthetics.
Modern and Minimalist
Modern valances take an avant-garde approach with unexpected shapes and asymmetry. They focus on unique form rather than abundant fabric. Geometric designs, interesting headers and metallic grommets add edge.
Modern valances work best with sleek furnishings and bold accent colors. Pair them with roman shades or frosted glass windows for an edgy chic vibe. Less is more, so steer clear of excessive details and embellishments.
Tips for Hanging Valances
To make your pretty living room valances really stand out, pay attention to small hanging details. Follow these tips for hanging valances to perfectly frame your windows.
- Take accurate window measurements including width, height and preferred valance length.
- Mount hardware correctly with screws hitting studs for optimal security and support.
- Hang the valance as close to the ceiling as possible to draw the eye upward and create height.
- Layer valances with complementary window treatments like drapes or shades.
- Distribute folds evenly across the rod. Adjust until the valance appears balanced.
Install your valances using the proper hardware and techniques suited to the window size and wall material. When in doubt, consult a professional installer to hang them at the optimal position to beautifully frame the window.
Window Treatment Combinations
Valances look especially chic when paired with other window treatments. Consider these stylish combinations for a coordinated, finished look:
Valances with Sheers
A breezy valance matched with lightweight sheers makes a romantic pairing. Choose a delicate solid or subtly patterned valance with soft flowing sheers. This combination filters light while allowing views and airflow.
Valances with Blinds/Shades
Blinds or shades offer privacy and control underneath a stylish valance. Opt for sleek cordless varieties that maintain clean sightlines. Use complementary textures like a nubby linen valance atop matte metal blinds.
Valances with Curtains
For traditional dressmaker style, hang pretty rippled or pleated valances above room-darkening curtains. Select a valance in the same or coordinating fabric as the curtains for a cohesive look.
Valances with Layered Panels
Creative solutions like multiple side-by-side valances or valances mimicking shutters give depth. Play with panel sizes, angling and spacing to add architecture.
Coordinating Valances on Separate Windows
Tie together different windows with matching or mix-and-match valances. Vary fabrics or styles between windows for interest while repeating colors.
Choosing Fabric for Valances
The fabric you select for living room valances makes a huge impact. Keep these tips in mind when choosing fabric to frame windows beautifully.
- Look for durable, fade-resistant fabrics that stand up to sun exposure.
- Medium to heavyweight fabrics work best for proper draping.
- Make sure patterns and colors coordinate with the overall decor scheme.
- Repetition ties everything together. Match valance colors to other fabrics in the space.
- Look for textured fabrics to add cozy visual appeal through touchable layers.
Test samples at your window to ensure the right transparency level. Make sure the fabric quality matches your lifestyle and decor objectives.
DIY Installation Steps
With some simple sewing skills, you can easily make and install custom living room valances. Follow this process for beautiful DIY results:
- Measure Precisely: Mark exact window width and desired valance length. Account for side overlap and header depth.
- Cut Fabric: Cut fabric rectangle to measurements adding extra length for folds and headers. Use patterned fabric directionally.
- Hem Sides: Fold under side edges 1/4" then another 1/4" and stitch down for clean edges.
- Make Header: Fold over top edge 4" to create header backing. Stitch along bottom edge only to form a pocket.
- Insert Rod: Feed curtain rod through header pocket. Add decorative headers or trim if desired.
- Mount Hardware: Install supporting brackets at proper height then attach rod. Ensure hardware is secure and level.
- Arrange Fabric: Drape fabric on rod, adjusting folds evenly. Play with fullness and avoid pulls.
Careful planning and patience result in gorgeous custom valances made specifically for your space and style. Display your handcrafted creations proudly!
Style Your Space
Valances beautifully elevate all different living room aesthetics. See how versatile they are:
Farmhouse Style
For casual farmhouse chic style, natural linen or cotton valances with delicate trim and charming ties work wonderfully. Pair with checked cafe curtains. Whitewashed wood rods and brackets keep it rustic.
Contemporary Style
Modern living rooms shine with bold solid valances in colors like chartreuse or tomato red. Opt for sleek curtains and blank-faced roman shades underneath. Glossy lacquered rods amp up the glam.
Traditional Style
Elegant traditional living rooms demand sumptuous valances. Opt for gathered taffeta or jacquard in jewel tones mounted high near ornate crown molding. Match with pinch-pleated drapes.
Minimalist Style
For pared-down decor, muted nubby linen valances keep things simple. Discreet curtain tracks and dark metal rods match the understated aesthetic. Less is more with this look.
The style possibilities are endless when selecting valances to frame windows. Draw inspiration from your existing furnishings, color scheme and overall decor goals. Then create a window treatment combination that brings your unique vision to life!
Installing pretty, decorative valances is one of the easiest ways to instantly transform ordinary living room windows into stylish focal points. With the limitless options for fabrics and styles, it's simple to find or even DIY valances that fit your space beautifully.
Valances frame views, filter light, and tie rooms together effortlessly. They complete the layered window treatment look, taking your decor from basic to beautiful. With the right hanging techniques and creative combinations, you can use gorgeous valances to make a real style statement. Frame your living room vista with valances and watch your space blossom with elevated elegance and flair.