Valances as we defined in our blog “Is it a Cornice? Is it a Valance? Are those words Interchangeable?”, are made with a wood top board and fabric hanging from the front and sides. Valances are in many ways simpler than cornices as there are not as many options.
Nevertheless, we will run through the most notable options below in an attempt to offer some inspiration and inform you, the designer especially, about the styles available for your next hospitality project.
The five primary types of valances are as follows…
Tailored
This is the most common style. The bottom edge of the pleat is straight and contains at least a singular inverted box pleat at the center. Additional inverted box pleats can be specified across the front edge.
Box Pleat
Finished with inverted box pleats at corners and at set locations across the front, typically 8" apart.
Shaped
It's a straight piece of fabric cut with arches along the bottom edge. The number of arches and spacing of the arches is dependent upon specifications. The column portion between each arch is looped.
Mock Roman
It is, as it sounds, produced to look like a Roman Shade drawn all the way up. It is though a “mock” and therefore does not move up or down, or even contain a movable element. The total valance drop, pleat number, and pleat spacing must be specified by the designer.
Gathered
It lends its name from a gathered bed skirt. The same style is at play with the fabric being gathered at the top of the valance and hanging loose with a slight billow at the bottom. A continuous pocket is sewn a specified distance from the top of the valance and contains a stiff rod.
Additional points worth including…
All valances are made with a ¾” plywood top board that is lined on the inside with a coated blackout fabric, unless otherwise specified or decided with the drapery project manager.
In addition to the style of valance, specifications must include a variable width (ex. Window width + 12”) or a constant width in addition to drop.
Ready to put this into practice? Download the printable reference card below to keep these essentials close at hand, and come back soon for more tips, techniques, and inspiration from Threadwell.