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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Window Valances

The finishing touch that hides hardware and softens windows. We compared valances from tailored to swag—finding what completes the window picture.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

United Curtain

Blackout Scalloped Valance

4.4 (18,765 reviews)

The valance that hides ugly hardware while matching your blackout curtains. Scalloped edge adds softness. Traditional? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Bedrooms get the finished look.

Size

54x18 inches

Material

Polyester blackout

Style

Scalloped

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

✓ Matches blackout curtains
✓ Scalloped edge detail
✓ Covers rod hardware

Cons

✗ Traditional style
✗ Limited colors
✗ May need multiple for wide windows

$19

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Blackout Scalloped Valance Best United Curtain	4.4	$19	View
Farmhouse Linen Look Valance Value Curtainworks	4.3	$15	View
Elegant Waterfall Swag Valance HLC.ME	4.5	$32	View
Thermal Insulated Valance Rose Home Fashion	4.2	$12	View
Beaded Trim Valance Deconovo	4.4	$22	View

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All Recommended Products

Best Overall

United Curtain

Blackout Scalloped Valance

4.4 (18,765 reviews)

The valance that hides ugly hardware while matching your blackout curtains. Scalloped edge adds softness. Traditional? Yes. Effective? Also yes. Bedrooms get the finished look.

Size

54x18 inches

Material

Polyester blackout

Style

Scalloped

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

✓ Matches blackout curtains
✓ Scalloped edge detail
✓ Covers rod hardware

Cons

✗ Traditional style
✗ Limited colors
✗ May need multiple for wide windows

$19

View on Amazon

Best Value

Curtainworks

Farmhouse Linen Look Valance

4.3 (12,345 reviews)

Simple linen-look valance for farmhouse kitchens and cottage bathrooms. No fuss, no pleats, just clean lines and texture. At $15, dress multiple windows without guilt.

Size

56x14 inches

Material

Linen-look poly

Style

Tailored

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

✓ Linen texture
✓ Simple tailored look
✓ Affordable

Cons

✗ Light filtering only
✗ Simple design
✗ May need multiple

$15

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Premium Pick

HLC.ME

Elegant Waterfall Swag Valance

4.5 (5,678 reviews)

The full formal treatment—cascading sheer drapes across your window top. Dining rooms and living rooms get that traditional elegance. Not for everyone, but when it's right, it's dramatic.

Size

60x38 inches

Material

Voile sheer

Style

Waterfall swag

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

✓ Dramatic draping
✓ Formal elegance
✓ Sheer beauty

Cons

✗ Formal only
✗ Dated style potential
✗ Dust collector

$32

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Budget Pick

Rose Home Fashion

Thermal Insulated Valance

4.2 (23,456 reviews)

Basic valance that blocks drafts and covers hardware. Not winning design awards, but at $12 it does the job. Top a window where you don't need full curtains but want a finished look.

Size

52x18 inches

Material

Triple weave polyester

Style

Straight

Thermal

Yes

Pros

✓ Energy saving
✓ Simple design
✓ Budget friendly

Cons

✗ Basic appearance
✗ Limited design
✗ Synthetic feel

$12

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Deconovo

Beaded Trim Valance

4.4 (8,765 reviews)

Beaded trim updates the traditional valance concept. Still covers hardware, still softens the window, but with texture that feels current. Kitchen windows and breakfast nooks love the detail.

Size

52x18 inches

Material

Polyester + beads

Style

Beaded trim

Header

Rod pocket

Pros

✓ Decorative beaded trim
✓ Modern update
✓ Textural interest

Cons

✗ Beads can tangle
✗ Spot clean only
✗ Specific style

$22

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Window Valances

How to Choose Window Valances

Valances are the finishing touch—that horizontal top treatment that covers hardware, adds softness, and completes the window picture. Underused in modern design, but when done right, they solve real problems elegantly.

Why Use a Valance?

Hide hardware: Cheap rods and brackets disappear
Cover window top: Hide unflattering tops or trim
Add softness: Hard windows gain visual warmth
Color/pattern introduction: Accent without full curtains
Top very wide windows: Where curtains would overwhelm

### Valance Styles

Tailored/straight: Simple rectangle, modern and minimal
Scalloped: Curved bottom edge, traditional charm
Swag: Draped fabric, formal and romantic
Balloon: Gathered poufs, cottage and traditional
Box pleat: Structured folds, tailored and classic
Cornice/pelmet: Rigid, fabric-covered board, very finished

### Sizing Guidelines

Length: Standard valances are 12-18 inches deep. Taller windows can handle deeper valances (up to 24").

Width: Valance should extend 2-4 inches past window frame on each side, matching rod width.

Coverage: Valance should cover rod, brackets, and ideally the top inch of window frame.

### Mounting Options

Rod pocket on decorative rod: Visible rod ends, casual
Hidden on utility rod: Valance hides rod completely
Board mount: Valance attached to cornice board, structured
Inside mount: Tension rod inside window, café style

### Style Matching

Valances can coordinate or contrast with curtains. Matching fabric creates formal cohesion. Contrasting fabric adds interest. Valance-only windows (no curtains below) work for kitchens, bathrooms, and windows needing partial treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Window Valances

Are valances outdated?

Traditional swag valances can look dated, yes. But modern tailored valances and simple treatments remain relevant. The key is style choice—streamlined valances that solve problems (hide hardware, add softness) without looking like grandma's house.

Can I use a valance without curtains?

Absolutely. Valance-only treatments work great for kitchen windows, bathroom windows, and any window where you want the softened look without full coverage. Pair with shades for light control if needed.

How do I measure for a valance?

Width: window width + 4-8 inches for extension past frame. Length: typically 12-18 inches, should cover hardware and top 1-2 inches of window. Mount valance 2-4 inches above window frame for height illusion.

Should valances match curtains exactly?

They can match for formal cohesion, or coordinate for interest. Same fabric = polished. Complementary fabric = layered. Contrasting fabric = statement. Just ensure they share at least one color or the room looks chaotic.

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