Valances, cornices, and Swags pack a big decorative
punch. Use them alone or combine them with shades or blinds for privacy
and light control. Pair them with operative or fixed draperies for
a more luxurious look.
Valance:
Similar in function to a fascia, and made of
fabric or wood, a valance is a treatment designed to conceal hardware
and fixtures - the headrail ofa blind - while providing a decorative touch.
A valance is also the decorative fabric and trim to the front edge of
an awning and is available in various styles. A valance can also refer
to the drapery of a canopy bed.
Originally designed to conceal window treatment
hardware, valances are now used to visually unite windows and doors of
different shapes and sizes and to enhance the décor of a room.
Because valances typically hang down less than a foot, choose fabric with
a print small enough to fit within the valance dimensions, but not so
small that the design becomes unrecognizable when viewed from a short
distance.
Fabric selection determines whether your
valance is more formal or more casual in appearance. Lightweight, sheer
fabrics tend to flutter with the breeze; weighty fabrics tend to add more
substance to your window. Choose the look that best fits your décor.
Cornice:
A decorative framework to conceal curtain fixtures
at the top of a window casing, featured in wood or fabric with several
decorative/design options available and are more tailored in appearance
than valances. Cornices perform the same decorative function as a valance
with upholstered cornices providing a softer look than their wooden counterparts.
If privacy is a concern, pair cornices with blinds or shades.
Swag:
Fabric window treatment consisting of cloth loosely
draped over a rod. This garland effect in drapery can be paired with a
Jabot or a Panel arranged with a tieback.
Jabot:
The cascading fabric at each side of a swag
valance or the fabric which hangs on either side of a swag or valance.
Jabots add a regal look with darker thick fabrics and when found in a
decoration scheme in a sheer fabric create a light and whimisical look.
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