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Window Valances or Cornices? Choosing the Right Style for Your Home

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Cornice

 

Choosing the perfect window treatments can be daunting, especially if you’re shopping for window treatments for the first time. Some of the elements that are most commonly confused are window treatment valances and cornices.

So when should you choose a cornice vs. valance? While both window valances and cornices sit at the top of window treatments, they are very different in style and functionality. Below, we review the primary differences between window valances and cornices. 


What is a Window Cornice?

A cornice box is an ornamental element of window treatments that attach to your curtains or blinds. They are made out of solid materials (usually wood), and consist of fabric attached to a frame. Cornice window treatments are used to cover window treatment hardware or to add additional color and style to a room, but they can also help to block unwanted light around the top of your window treatments.

Different Cornice Styles for Windows

Cornices come in a variety of styles and colors, which gives you the flexibility to enhance the design of a room. Cornice window treatments can blend naturally with the existing design of a room, or provide an opportunity to add a pop of color. 

The Shade Store offers three different cornice styles for windows, available in over 550 materials with additional options for customization. 

Cornice

What is a Window Valance?

A window valance is a shorter drapery panel that hangs at the top of a window. Valances are installed over the top of curtains on a curtain or drapery rod, and help to add texture and depth to a room, in addition to the window treatment itself. 

Curtain Valance vs. Cornice

The primary difference between a curtain valance and a cornice is that valances are made out of drapery or fabric, while cornices are typically made out of wood. Valances also add a softer accent to a room.

Window Valance
Learn More About Window Treatments and Get Expert Design Advice 

We suggest layering window treatments to provide the look of a valance, with the flexibility to increase light coverage and privacy. For example, you can install wood blinds as your primary window treatment but layer a shade option, like Roman Shades, over the top to create the look of a valance. 

To learn more about window treatments and the different options available, visit one of The Shade Store’s 80+ locations nationwide or email us to speak to an expert Design Consultant about the best window treatments for your space.

Sleek Window Valance Ideas

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window valance ideas

Flat Roman Shade with Valance in Herringbone Mist. Design by Nicolette Brand.

Window valances are a great way to add structure and polish to the top of your windows. At The Shade Store, we offer several varieties of clean and simple valances to complement our Roman, Roller, Solar, and Woven Wood Shades. Here are our favorite window valance ideas and where to use them.

Upholstered Valances

Upholstered valances are 4” tall and handmade to coordinate with the material of your shade, giving the treatment a clean and finished look. The valance adds 1” of width to an outside mount shade.If your windows do not have any trim, an outside mount valance can provide visual weight and interest to an otherwise simple window casing. For squat windows or low ceilings, you can let the valance sit above the top of the window frame to create the illusion of a bigger window.

Valances are also ideal for hiding window treatment mechanisms. If you have wide or multiple windows and have chosen to mount multiple shades on one headrail, a valance covers the locations where the multiple shades meet the rail and makes the multiple shades look cohesive.

window valance ideas the emerald studio

Flat Roman Shade with Valance in Linen Ivory. Design by The Emerald Studio.

Metal Valances

For Roller and Solar Shades, metal valances are available in white, silver, and espresso finishes, as well as a fabric insert option. Exposed metal valances look right at home in modern and industrial designs, and can mirror an optional exposed bottom bar.

Standalone Valances

Perhaps you have a small window or a glass door that doesn’t need a full window treatment, but you want its design to tie into the rest of the room’s window shades. Maybe you have a window that does not require any added privacy or light blockage, but it looks bare without any dressing. A standalone valance is the perfect solution for these types of situations. A valance will add a touch of color and softness to your window without a full shade.

Visit one of our nationwide showrooms to see our shades and valances in person, request a free catalog, or give our expert Design Consultants a call at (800) 754-1455.

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