A valance is one of the best ways to dress up your kitchen. Whether you have a tiny, cozy kitchen or a large gathering space, that window over your sink is a great place to hang a valance. Here are some tips to help you choose the right valance for your kitchen window.
If one of the colors in your kitchen is green you can choose a valance decorated with ivy. You can hang artificial ivy at the top of the window, and then add the valance under the ivy instead of at the top of the window. This is an eye-catching way to hang a valance, and if you use a balloon valance you will let in light both above and below the curtain. The ivy above the valance adds depth and drama to your kitchen window.
Do you use colors rather than patterns to decorate in your kitchen? If so, then consider adding a pattern to the room with your window valence. For example, if your kitchen is painted a cheery yellow, add some drama by hanging a navy blue checked valance above your kitchen window. This will make your window the highlight of the room, and add some cool color to the otherwise warm room.
If you display some sort of collection in your kitchen, such as a collection of teapots or cookie tins, use your valance to highlight your collection. You can find valances with just about any pattern on them. If you cannot find the perfect match for your collection, consider making one. Your local fabric store will have many easy-to-sew valance patterns that you can use to make charming curtains to match your kitchen collection.
Does your home have more of a rustic flair? Consider using simple cotton valances over your blinds rather than a traditional valance in your kitchen. This shows your sense of style while giving the same splash of color to your kitchen that traditional valances do. Cotton valances look great over wooden blinds in the country home.
Are you a fan of frills and lace? You can purchase lace valances to dress up your kitchen window. The benefit of using lace valances is that they match any color scheme you choose. You can change the color of your kitchen walls whenever you want without needing to buy new valances.
Once you have chosen the color scheme and theme that you want in your valance it is time to choose between the many different types of window valances on the market. One common window valance is a balloon valance. These valances feature one piece of fabric that is doubled over and then gathered at the top. The space between the two pieces of the fabric is often stuffed with light tissue paper to create a three-dimensional look to the valance.
Another type of valance for the kitchen is the swag valance. These valances can double as a curtain, as they usually drape both sides of the window, creating a beautiful frame for your view. Swag valances are gently gathered along the top to create the flowing ruffled effect that so many decorators choose for kitchen windows. If your kitchen window has a nice view, this is one of the best valances to use to draw the eye to your view.
A Winchester valance has a gathered top and a wide scalloped design at the bottom. This is a dramatic valance to add to any window, particularly in a kitchen that doubles as a formal dining room. Winchester valances are often dressed up by adding fringe, lace, or beads to the bottom.
Another dramatic valance choice for a formal dining room and kitchen combination is an ascot valance. The ascot valance is cut in a dramatic point with a tassel at the bottom. This valance makes an excellent choice for a doublewide window, with one valance on each window.
A tab-topped valance is a great valance to add to a country kitchen. Typically made out of solid, plaid, or checked fabrics, these valances have tabs at the top where the curtain rod is placed. A simple section of fabric that is sometimes pleated is attached to these tabs to create the valance.
While there are other types of window valances, these are the most popular types to use in kitchens. Each one adds style and charm to your kitchen without cluttering the kitchen with too much color and texture. When you are redecorating your kitchen, remember that a well-chosen valance is one of the best ways to dress up your kitchen windows. Remember, the kitchen is the heart of your home, so give your kitchen windows the treatment they deserve.
