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If you are lucky enough to have a window with a wonderful view, you will want to be sure to choose an appropriate window dressing that will complement and enhance that view, without detracting from it or blocking the light. A carefully selected window valance can provide just the right look. The various types available can be used as a stand alone decoration, or combined with curtains, blinds or shutters to create a unique effect. While high quality sewn valances are a really classy style, there are also no-sew varieties available.

Traditional formal valences were heavy creations of rich tapestries, often with thick fringing. More modern designs are informal, light and free flowing, made from cotton or linen. Some frequently used valance styles are described below.

The Balloon valance is so named because of the way it hangs. Doubled fabric is gathered and secured in equally spaced intervals along a pole, and the material between balloons out to give the required effect. To create extra shape, the balloon sections may be stuffed with tissue paper or a softer material. Lightweight cotton fabrics are effective balloon valances, and bold patterns such as stripes are a good choice.

A swag valance is another style, which can either be fairly short or extend to the floor either side of the window if desired. Two decorative brackets are placed on either side of the window top. The material is folded like a concertina, and hung across the two brackets. For larger windows a central bracket may be required to support the weight of the material. Heavier materials hang well but may be a little too much for the brackets so choose carefully.

To create a formal valance, such as a pleated valance, you will probably require heavier material that will retain its shape. If you wish to use a less heavy fabric, it will work better if you line it first. Material for a pleated valance needs to be cut and lined carefully so that the underside shows equally at every pleat. For this reason you might want to avoid making pleated valances unless you are a talented draper. Pleated valances are attached to a board hung from the wall by strong brackets.

Valance placement is as important as style to create just the right effect. To lengthen windows, the valance should be hung so that the bottom only just covers the top of the window. To shorten overly long windows, the valance should be placed lower down and can be quite long to hide the expanse of glass. As a rule of thumb, a valance should not cover more that one third of a window or the window will appear swamped in fabric. If you have a two story window it can be cut in half with a valance, which complements the d'cor of the lower room. However, you may lose some of the height and space creates by the two storey window.

Window valances are simple to create and some require little or no sewing ability. The main consideration when using valances for interior design is how the valance will work with the rest of the decorations in your room. Unless you want your window to act as the focal point of the room you want to be careful not to make your valance too overpowering.