The term “valance” has been derives from the Old French word “avaler”, meaning “to descend”. Valance are short length curtain fabric or wood, hanging from the top of the window used in covering curtain or window blind fittings.
A window valance adds softness and style to your kitchen window. It can be hung with or without curtains or blinds. A valance is a great option when you want to accentuate your windows without committing to full curtain panels. Check out our 35 best kitchen valance ideas to see how much ambience they can add to your kitchen decor.
Here are some excellent ways of installing valances in your kitchen windows:
Balloon Valances
A balloon valance refers to a voluminous window treatment made from gathered or pleated fabric. These valances has distinct poofs that stand out from the window, sometimes trimmed with fringe. If you have a traditional and country style home kitchen, dressing your windows with these curtains are an excellent choice. The speciality of this valance is that the bottom looks scalloped, but its volume is what makes it different from a scalloped or swag valance.
Bay Windows
Bay windows are a sought-after feature in kitchens, especially in those with a breakfast nook. They are a combination of three or more windows that project out from the exterior wall in a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape. There is often a window seat at the bottom of the bay window. These valances allow more light into the kitchen than an ordinary flat window. Therefore, most people prevent hanging heavy drapery that would block the light. Valance stands as an excellent way to embellish the beautiful bay windows. If you are looking for more privacy, you can also install Roman blinds with the valances.
Box Pleat Valances
A box pleat valance is a popular embellishment. These pleats consist of two sharply pressed knife pleats, folded away from each other to create a wide, vertical pocket of sorts. Box pleating is a subtle way to add fullness and dimension to an ordinary window valance. It conveys the tailored, linear style that’s currently trending in window treatment style. The bottom of a box pleat valance may be straight or arched.
Country Style Valances
Country-styled valances are always a welcome addition to casual, comfortable, country décor. Vintage fabrics in muted colors, striped, checked and floral- all these elements are suitable and create a cozy look for soft, flowy kitchen window treatments.
Scalloped Valances
A scalloped valance and other classic window curtain styles work well with this design scheme. Pair a lace-trimmed gingham curtain with a matching café curtain set for a traditional country kitchen window treatment. It is a common fixture in French provincial and English cottage kitchens. The curved edge of the valance adds a nice sense of motion to your window areas.
Farmhouse Styles Valances
A rod pocket valance looks amazing in your kitchen paired with farmhouse decor. You can hang a short valance over a longer lace sheer curtain, and drape the top with a dried vine garland.
Lace Valances
Lace valances are perfect choice whenever you need to soften the edges of a valance, curtain panel, or shade. Alternatively, you can shop for full lace panels with a rod pocket top for a fully delicate window treatment.