21+ Living Room Valance Ideas to Frame Your Windows
Window valances are the finishing touch that can elevate your living room from ordinary to extraordinary. More than just a decorative flourish, a valance conceals curtain hardware, adds softness, and draws the eye upward, enhancing the height and elegance of your space.
Whether your style is modern farmhouse, traditional, or minimalist, the right valance can tie your entire room’s design together.
Ready to frame your view? Here are 21+ inspiring living room valance ideas.
1. The Classic Tailored Valance
A simple, straight, box-pleated valance offers a clean, structured look. It’s timeless and works with virtually any decor style, from traditional to contemporary.
2. The Relaxed Roman Shade Valance
A Roman shade valance, pulled up partway, adds beautiful soft folds and texture. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance without the commitment of a full window shade.
3. The Rustic Burlap Valance
Natural burlap fabric brings a touch of rustic, farmhouse charm. Its neutral color and coarse texture pair perfectly with other natural elements like wood and woven baskets.
4. The Dramatic Swag and Jabot
For a formal, traditional living room, a swag and jabot valance creates opulent, cascading folds. This is a statement look that evokes classic elegance.
5. The Modern Metal Pole Valance
Ditch fabric! Use a beautiful, decorative metal pole or a piece of driftwood mounted above the window as a “valance.” Drape ivy or fairy lights over it for a modern, organic touch.
6. The Cozy Knitted or Crocheted Valance
A handmade knitted valance adds incredible texture and a cozy, bohemian vibe. It’s a unique way to infuse personality and craft into your space.
7. The Simple Fabric Scarf
Drape a long, beautiful piece of fabric (a scarf) over a decorative rod, allowing the ends to cascade down the sides at varying lengths. It’s effortless, soft, and bohemian.
8. The Cornice Board
An upholstered cornice board is a rigid, box-like valance that provides a very tailored, modern look. Cover it in a bold pattern or a solid fabric that matches your furniture.
9. The Asymmetrical Drape
For a dynamic, modern look, hang a scarf valance asymmetrically, with one side significantly longer than the other. It’s artistic and breaks from traditional symmetry.
10. The Layered Look with Blinds
Layer a simple valance over bamboo blinds or wooden shutters. This combines softness with structure and is excellent for light control and privacy.
11. The Matching Set
Use a valance made from the same fabric as your curtains for a cohesive, polished look. This is a foolproof way to achieve a designer-style finish.
12. The Contrasting Band
Add a contrasting band of fabric or trim to the bottom hem of a simple valance. This small detail adds a custom, high-end touch and ties in other accent colors in the room.
13. The Embroidered or Printed Valance
Choose a valance with a beautiful embroidered pattern or a vibrant print to make your windows a true work of art and a focal point.
14. The Ruffled Valance
A valance with a ruffled or scalloped edge brings a romantic, cottage-core feel to the room. It’s soft, feminine, and full of charm.
15. The Tiered Valance
A valance with two or three tiers adds volume and a traditional, homey feel. It’s a great way to add visual weight to a large window.
16. The Natural Linen Valance
The slightly wrinkled, relaxed look of natural linen is perfect for a Scandinavian, coastal, or modern minimalist living room. It filters light beautifully.
17. The Velvet Touch
A deep, rich velvet valance adds a layer of luxury, warmth, and drama. It’s perfect for creating a cozy, opulent atmosphere.
18. The Tassel Trim
Add pom-pom or tassel trim to the edge of a valance for a playful, global, or traditional detail that adds movement and texture.
19. The Sheer Overlay
Use a sheer, lightweight valance over solid curtains. This allows light to filter through while still providing the structure and color of the valance.
20. The DIY Pallet Wood Cornice
For an industrial or farmhouse look, create a valance from reclaimed pallet wood. Stain or paint it to match your decor for a rustic, architectural element.
21. The High-Water Hang
Hang your valance several inches above the window frame to make your ceilings appear taller. This is a classic designer trick to elevate any space.
Pro Tips for Choosing a Valance:
- Consider Proportion: The valance should be proportionate to the window. A good rule of thumb is that the height should be about 1/5 of the total window height.
- Mind the Style: Ensure the valance style complements the overall aesthetic of your living room. A sleek cornice suits modern spaces, while a swag suits traditional ones.
- Function Matters: If you need to fully open your curtains, choose a valance style that doesn’t obstruct the rod, like a top-mounted cornice board or a scarf valance.
- Color Coordinate: Pull a color from your rug, pillows, or artwork for the valance fabric to create a harmonious color story in the room.
Final Thoughts
A valance is a small detail that makes a big impact. It’s the crowning jewel of your window treatment, adding polish, personality, and a completed look to your living room. By choosing a style that reflects your taste, you can frame your windows and your view beautifully.
