Do Blinds Need A Valance?

A window valance is a type of window treatment that hangs alone or in conjunction with other window blinds or curtains to cover the top portion of the window. But is it really necessary to put valence over the blinds? Here is what the experts had to say about your question.

It is usually only an option to have a valance over the blinds. Perhaps it would be a good idea to add valances to your blinds for the following reasons: 

  1. Gives colors to your windows.
  2. Adds texture to the windows.
  3. Able to decorate windows stylishly.
  4. Conceal the opened blinds.

In this article, we will help you to deeply understand the valance. We will put into detail each reason for putting valence over the blinds and when to use valance in general. So keep on reading.

 

Bathtub and shower stall in front of windows with valance and blinds, Do Blinds Need A Valance?

What Is A Valance?

What is a Valance - Beautiful traditional cottage white wooden window with valance.

A valance is a decorative component of several window treatments that gives a space a finished look. Any type of accessory used to conceal window treatments is sometimes referred to as "valance."

Valances are positioned close to the top of the window treatment or window itself. The purpose of valances is to conceal any shutters, blinds, or other ugly hardware. For a more unified appearance, valances are frequently utilized to conceal blinds that are placed opposite one another.

Installing a valance is a great choice for anyone who needs their window treatments hidden from view occasionally, even if they are often utilized with roller shades or motorized choices. Valances can give your windows a more distinct appearance and a polished look.

Aluminum, cloth, wood, and even plastic are just a few of the materials that could be used to make valances. A valance can be found in almost any color, guaranteeing that it blends in with the aesthetic of the space.

A high-quality valance will provide brightness and a more modern appearance to the space.

Do Blinds Need A Valance?

Do Blinds Need A Valance - Light Blue Eat-In Dining Room next to the kitchen with a tile floor, table and chairs

Blinds have the major advantage of not necessarily needing anything else to go with them. They provide so many advantages on their own that a secondary window covering is not necessary. 

However, if you want to give your windows some color, a valance might help. As the valance serves merely decorative purposes and provides no tangible benefits. Below are some reasons why adding valances to your blinds might be a good idea:

1. Gives Colors To Your Windows

You most likely selected a neutral color when purchasing your blinds. In some circumstances, this would be white, but you might also have gone with a wood-like tint. 

Although this was a wise decision, in the long run, there are moments when it can look a little dull near your windows. Around your windows, you want to add color. 

This is something that drapes and curtains can accomplish, but they can also obstruct. It may be simpler to add a dash of color in blinds by adding a valance. You obtain a decorative object that won't obstruct your windows or blinds and is solely intended to be decorative.

2. Adds Texture To The Windows

Your blinds are probably installed on the interior of the window frame. Although it's a common choice, this means the blinds are hidden inside the windows. The texture around the windows is absent.

You need a trick to make your windows appear bigger. Or perhaps you just want this area of the house to feel more distinctive. The most effective approach to do it will be with valance.

3. Able To Decorate Windows Stylishly

Blinds might already be installed in your rental home if you live there. You are not permitted to hang the roller shades or roman blinds of your choice. Another technique of integrating color is required.

This is how valance is put to use. The covering is a purely aesthetic choice that doesn't do much harm. You may easily display your sense of design by hanging them over the built-in blinds. 

Your landlord has no power to prevent you from doing this, and you hardly ever cause any damage to the windows or the blinds.

4. Conceal The Opened Blinds

You'll find the slats stacked at the top when you open your blinds. You should discover a solution that helps you conceal the stack because it can be ugly. So, a valance is ideal.

Instead of a stack, the material drops down and hangs over the top of the window. When open, the blind is concealed and never obstructed by the valance.

When Do You Use A Valance?

When Do You Use A Valance - Kitchen counter with granite top and valence on window.

The valance needs to be properly sized and installed, and the right fabric and style must be chosen. It makes sense that so many people are unsure about valances because there is so much inaccurate information out there. 

You should think about incorporating this lovely style of window treatment into your own space for the following reasons:

Give Your Window Some Depth And Weight

Bathroom interior - Give Your Window Some Depth And Weight

If you want to give your windows more depth and weight, you really must have window valances. If you prefer conventional, layered window treatments, you can combine a pair of thick, extremely wide drapes with an extravagant swag valance. 

But nowadays, it's very common to place a valance beneath a drapery as well to give a window a contemporary appearance. In either case, layering your window treatments will give your property a distinctive appearance that most people don't have. 

Furthermore, if you've been itching to perform some interior design work in your house, now is a fantastic time to put together a variety of color and pattern combinations.

Warm Up A Chilly, Uninviting Space

If you recently bought your home, you might realize that many of the rooms are cold and empty. You could observe that there are no carpets, pillows, or decorations on the floor or the walls. 

The chilly and uninviting wood and metal components don't add any warmth to your house. A valance is actually a fantastic method to soften the sharp lines of the substantial window trim.

Get an inside-mounted valance if you're concerned that it will hide the trim around your windows. Although it won't cover the trim, it will soften the window and make the space feel cozier.

Heighten The Space

A window valance may make a space appear taller. Sadly, many homeowners wrongly install their new valance. Installing a valance outside the window means placing it higher up and closer to the ceiling. Today, an excessive number of valances are mounted practically just above the window.

Because of this, valances have a negative image, leading many modern homeowners to believe that all they do is obstruct their view of their lovely yard. An outside-mounted valance is really intended to frame the window, not to impede it, when it is properly put.

Unify The Space

You can employ the same fabric and color scheme throughout the entire room with the aid of a valance. It's preferable to have a recurring theme rather than using an uncommon combination of colors and patterns that make it obvious that practically everything was bought at a separate retailer. 

A customized valance may be the best option in this situation. You can decorate the entire space with the same fabrics. Therefore, the space will have a unified look if you have your pillows and other furniture specially designed to match your valances.

An Affordable Replacement For Roman Blinds

Perhaps you enjoy the way custom cloth shades look but would like a less expensive option. Let's face it, genuine, custom-made fabric shades manufactured using materials for home décor and true blackout lining can be pricey. 

A faux shade valance might be useful if you prefer the appearance of a contemporary Roman shade but don't require the practicality of being able to pull it up or down. Numerous valance designs are available for a custom creation that can resemble Roman shades.

Control The Window's Shape

Instead of having sections or swags that are too gathered, many valances of days are flat or have flat portions. This is because these valances don't require all the bells and whistles.

After all, they already have a distinctive shape. The window behind the valance can be completely altered by these distinctive shapes.

For instance, a valance with a scalloped or arched bottom hem might add interest to a plain square window. Similar to how you may easily cover an arch or palladium window if you become weary of it by installing a boxed straight valance close to the ceiling.

Include A Distinctive Cloth Pattern

Modern fabric design trends are growing more and more vibrant and creative. A flat window valance is a perfect place to showcase a unique fabric.

Maybe you've fallen head over heels for an eye-catching novelty fabric print at your neighborhood fabric shop. You may make a window treatment that appears to be a work of art or a tapestry by placing this design in the middle of a flat valance.

Conclusion

Valances are not a needed requirement for blinds. Although valances don't have many advantages, they can nevertheless be a lovely view. If any of the aforementioned benefits appeal to you, valances will be a great addition to your home's decor. 

For more great window treatment tips, check out our related posts: 

Should Verticle Blinds Touch the Floor

What Color Curtains Go with Brown Blinds