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A curtain valance is actually a short cloth curtain across the top third of a window that hides the curtain track or rod. Sometimes people also refer to a pelmet or hard panel that covers the window track as a curtain valance. Whatever the name, this curtain valance decoration can be a real asset when decorating a room, drawing the eye and complimenting accent furniture.

Valances can be simple or elaborate, depending on the nature of the room. The valance does not always have to be in the same fabric as the curtain panel, either, lending it even more decorating versatility.

Valances can be hung on a double rod that also anchors the panels or under curtains. Rods can be adjusted out from the wall to allow for clearance over these other curtains. Many times valances alone are used to allow maximum light to enter from the window.

There are several different types of curtain valances, and these can all be embellished with pleats, tassels, and lace for infinite variations on a style. Some of the most common valance styles include swag, scarf, and balloon, pleated, rod pocket, festoon, jabot, tab-top, and shirred.

Curtain valances can also spruce up a door window. You can even have a valance that sits inside the window. To do this, you can use a spring rod on the top and bottom of the window and hang your valance so that it sits right inside the window for a contemporary look. This can also work for strange shaped windows like circles and diagonals because the spring rod will hold the valance in the right spot.

Curtain valances are offered in a multitude of different fabrics, textures, and shapes. Adding a fringe, ribbon or hem to a store-bought valance can really lend it your own style too. You can even layer valances to create your own window treatments in your own style. In some cases you can take the fabric that you used for your curtain valances to the paint store and have them match a predominant color for a very pulled together decorated look in your room. In addition, many curtain manufacturers will be able to provide you extra fabric to sew throw cushions or even make formal table napkins. Using a valance as the room focal point helps decorating the room.

Sue McCrossin is a free lance writer for The Curtain Rod Store in the process of decorating and redecorating her home with interesting Curtain Valances. Curtainrodstore.com provides decorative rods,Curtain Valances,decorative drapery hardware.