Window valances lend themselves to many different creative touches only limited by your imagination. Here are five ideas for valances to get your creative juices flowing:-
1. Use a bright voile curtain panel
Use a voile curtain panel in a bright color over a plain coordinating window blind Add a decorative edging to the voile first if you like using sequins or beading then loop the voile over a drapery rod and adjust it until you are happy with the effect. Secure the drapery in place with pins or stitches to prevent slippage.
2. Use Broderie Anglaise for a Baby's room
Create roman shades or roller blinds in pure white broderie anglaise (the heavily embroidered pure white cotton material with cut outs). Then create a matching ascot type valance for a neat window topper. Ascot valances use triangular shapes of material for a simple geometric effect. This will give an interesting edge to the window frame while the pure white will go with many nursery designs, particularly pastel colors.
3. Add a Gingham Swag to a Kitchen Window
Kitchen windows are generally informal while swags are often used in formal designs, but a country kitchen would look great set off by a simple gingham swag in a shade to match the color scheme of the kitchen. This could work with a bare window or even with a simple cafe style or plain curtain.
4. Tab Top Valance
For a contemporary room, add a tab top valance on a simple yet decorative curtain rod with great finials. For added emphasis you could edge the tabs in a contrasting shade fabric and button them to the top of the valance with buttons covered in the same fabric as the edging. Pair the valance with simple curtains or blinds.
5. Stripe Contrast
If using striped fabric for curtains where the stripes are running vertically the length of the curtains buy an additional length of fabric for a valance. When making the valance use the fabric with the stripes running horizontally in the opposite direction to the curtains fixing the fabric to a pelmet or cornice board for a smart crisp look.
In interior design it's the little details that make all the difference to a home and window valances are the perfect finishing touch to a window. For more help with choosing valances for your windows see http://windowvalancesonline.com which includes information on the different styles of window valances as well as a free buying checklist so that you make the right decision.
