Learn About Cornices and Valances
Frequently, if a customer’s window features curtains or drapery, they’ll ask about ways to decorate the top of the window—particularly to hide the curtain rod. The best way to do it—and to create cohesion with the styling—is to add a cornice or a valance. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we can help you understand the differences between cornices and valances and determine if one is right for your space. Read on to learn more!
Read more: Learn About Cornices and ValancesCornices
Solid fixtures that adorn the top of the window, cornices can provide a very refined feel, with a structured design. They’re typically made of wood or fiberboard, with upholstery or paint that can match the room’s décor style. Cornices are bold; they can work well in dining areas, home offices, and formal spaces because they offer clean lines and a rigid appearance. They can hide the curtain rod or raised blinds, and, because they draw the eye upward, they can make the room seem taller.
Valances
More casual than cornices, valances are made of fabric that can add warmth and texture to a window’s design. As a more flexible option than cornices, valances provide numerous styling options; they come in a lot of patterns and colors and can be ruffled or pleated to suit a look. You might choose a valance if your room is all about comfort and an inviting feel. Valances work well in kitchens, where their softness can counteract the hard surfaces and metal components, as well as in less formal areas such bedrooms and family rooms. One watchout is that their style can become quickly dated.
Considerations
All told, though, there is no “right or wrong” when it comes to deciding between a cornice and a valance—it is all about your personal preference, your room’s style, and what’s needed for the space. That said, keep in mind a few other considerations. For example, choose a valance if you like to change up the look of your space—cornices are inflexible in terms of decoration change. If your goal is to block as much light as possible, the cornice, being harder and not transparent, is the better option than its fabric counterpart, the valance. Finally, valances frequently attract dust and require a lot of cleaning, so be consider maintenance in your decision.
Cornices and Valances in the Greater Phoenix Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
