Different types of valances and toppers can transform a “blah” window into an “ah” window, and with all the ready-made drapery products available, putting the finishing touches on a window dressing should be easy. But knowing the kind of window topper you need can be confusing.
According to Marilee Nestlee, interior designer and owner of Nestlee's Nest, in Sacramento, Callifornia, choosing the right window topper for your décor is easy once you know the window topper names and their design function within a room.
Valances
A valance is a multi-dimensional word that can mean anything from a simple gathered rod-pocket valance placed at the top of a window, to a sophisticated lined material that folds, pleats and drapes over decorative rods and poles.
Rod-Pocket Valance
According to Nestlee, the easiest and simplest type of window topper is the rod-pocket valance. It is considered the least formal of all window treatments, is loaded onto standard r
ods or decorator poles and mounted just outside the window casing.
curtains“Rod-pocket valances are made of various fabrics,” says Nestlee.  “Double-gathered sheer fabric lends to an airy, contemporary design and works as more of an accessory to the room's overall theme or decor; but stiffer, heavier fabric makes a bolder design statement that often helps anchor the style of the room. “
For sheer rod-pocket valances, Nestlee recommends two times the window's width. “The beauty of the gathered valance is in the fullness of the gathers, but for medium-weight fabric, one-and-a-half times the window width is sufficient.”
Swags
Swags, sometimes referred to as a Jabot, are typically used for a formal décor. Vertical swags may be pleated and lined with a contrasting fabric that shows when the pleat is folded back, and are characterized by a drop in the fabric at the sides of the window.
Ascots
Uneven hemlines, often in triangles or soft, rounded edges, characterize the Ascot. It may be trimmed with beads, lace, fringe or any type of trim that coordinates with the décor.
Ascots are usually made from medium-weight fabric and are used in both formal and informal settings. “The triangle-shaped ascot is a popular window topper for kids rooms,” Nestlee says, “and the rounded ascot, when lined and edged with elegant trim, is often used in formal dining rooms.”
Sheer Scarf
A long, flowing sheer scarf draped across the top of the window is considered an elegant window topper. It is used both as a complement to a bottom drapery, and as a stand-alone window treatment. Scarves draped over decorative rods are usually held in place by finals on the ends of the rod, or looped through slotted corbels that are hung to the outside of the window casing.
Tailored Valance
To mimic the look of a cornice board, Nestlee recommends using a tailored valance loade
d onto a continental curtain rod. The rod should be mounted slighlty wider than the window to allow for installation of bottom curtains. “It's important to measure your window correctly,” says Nestlee. “Tailored valances, used in both formal and casual rooms, look best when stretched taught onto the rod.”
Buying Advice
Says Nestlee, “Always purchase valances and window toppers from a store that has a return policy. Sometimes you just have to try them to see if they work within your personal design scheme.”
Types of Window Valances
By Susan Kerr, eHow Contributor
I want to do this! What's This?
Now that you've hung your curtains or draperies in that newly decorated room, you've decided the effect isn't quite what you had envisioned. Your window treatments need a little extra pizazz. A valance can provide that extra something special. Choosing the right
one for your room is easy if you know what you're shopping for.
Valance Factors
1. Fabric type, window size, decorating style and light exposure are important elements in selecting the right kind of valance for your windows. Mixing these factors can give your windows vastly different effects.
Tailored
2. Tailored valances are constructed of one thickness of fabric, hemmed at the bottom and with a rod pocket in the top. This window treatment is usually made of a stiffer fabric that blocks and filters just a bit of light, allowing the remainder to shine through the draperies or curtains underneath. This type of valance works well in more traditional decors but can be used in a modern scheme where a minimalist approach is achieved through use of the valance alone.
Balloon
3. Balloon valances consist of a layer of fabric doubled over lengthwise, forming an open-ended pocket at the bottom. The top of the valance is then gathered, or shirred, on a curtain rod. The fabric pocket can be stuffed with crumpled tissue paper to add fullness. When stuffed in this manner, the balloon valance gives a more decorative or romantic effect to a room's windows. Alternately, the valance can remain unstuffed, presenting a more tailored effect in modern or traditional rooms.

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