- July 5, 2024
- Debbie Hall
If you love enhancing the beauty and functionality of your room with window treatments, you might feel a bit perplexed when it comes to the different top treatments. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Think of a window top treatment as a picture frame for your windows, adding that extra flair and enhancing the overall window appeal. Depending on the style, a well-chosen valance or cornice can bring a touch of elegance or whimsy to your space!
Valances and cornices are beautiful and functional additions to your windows. When deciding which to choose, consider your design goals and window needs. You’re probably thinking, “OK, but you still haven’t explained the differences.” Get ready because we’re about to dive in!
What is a Valance?
A lively room featuring colorful valances adds a vibrant and cheerful touch to the space!
Softer and more free-flowing, a valance hangs across the top of a window, adding color and pattern while hiding hardware or architectural flaws.
What’s wonderful is that many options fit your needs and design style! Balloon valances are all about those big puffy poufs that stick out and need a lot of fabric to get that volume. Pleated valances involve folding fabric multiple times to create pretty “pleats” for a decorative touch and softer window look. And let’s not forget shirred valances, which use shirring tape to create a gathered or ruffled effect with soft fabric. There are so many ways to jazz up your windows!
What is a Cornice?
The decorative cornices add a sophisticated touch to this understated area
A cornice is an ornamental box typically made of wood with fabric attached to the frame installed at the top of your drapery, shades, or blinds.
Like valances, cornices come in a variety of styles to complement different design aesthetics and functional needs. They aren’t just made of wood – they can also be crafted from fabric, foam insulation, or Styrofoam, and then spruced up with paint, stain, or other decorative materials!
Key Differences Between Valances and Cornices
The blue and red cornices add to the nautical theme of this room, making it so much more fun.
As you can see, both valances and cornices are wonderful choices for elevating your windows, but there are some notable differences.
Valances are relatively soft and flexible. They hang loosely above the window, inspiring a more decorative look. Cornices are rigid and structured. They are typically box-shaped and project outwards from the wall above the window.
If you’re all about adding some flair or keeping things light and breezy, then a valance could be just what you need for your windows. If you want a structured look or to add some architectural detail, then cornices are the way to go!
Combining Valances and Cornices with Other Window Treatments
Spicing up your windows with a valance or cornice alongside curtains or draperies can transform your room’s window treatments from simple to stunning
Pairing curtains or draperies with a valance or cornice can take your window treatments from basic to a bold statement piece in your room, adding depth, style, and dimension to your windows in a fabulously fun way!
With a wide range of customization options for cornices and valances, you can design treatments that beautifully enhance your windows and uplift the entire room. It’s like giving your windows a stylish makeover!
How Designer Draperies Can Help
Valances are a clever upgrade for your space.
Now that you know the difference between a valance and a cornice, we bet your mind is racing with ideas on which to choose.
Let the team at Designer Draperies help you design the perfect custom valance or cornice to match the aesthetic you’re looking for. Layered or on their own, our full-service support will handle everything from conception to final installation, ensuring that every project phase is managed with expertise and absolute attention.
Designer Draperies can customize the perfect valance or cornice for every style, and need.
Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you find a top treatment that fits your desired style and functionality.
