Different Types of Valances for your Windows:

Valances are window treatments that can be used alone or layered over drapes to top-off, finish or highlight your windows. Valances can also provide additional insulation value by preventing cold or hot air from entering or escaping from the top of your window treatments. There are many different styles of valances. Here are some of the most popular ones that FactoryDirectDrapes.com offers.

Pinch Pleated Valance – Pinch pleated valances are ideal for more formal areas of your home because of its sophisticated shape. Use with traverse rod.


Balloon Valance– Balloon valances got their name from their ballooned appearance when hanged. It softens the look of the room. Simply stuff the balloon valance after it arrives with crumpled tissue paper and make adjustments in gathers to establish the balloon effect. Use with 2” balloon valance rod.


Continental valance– Continental valances are characterized by its stylish swags and cascades. Use with extra-wide 4” rods called continental rods.


Embassy valance– Embassy valances are known for its gathered fabric without any ruffles for a sleek and clean appearance. Use with extra wide 4” rods called continental rods.


Halo valance– Halo valances are custom short curtains created to be a valance. They have beautiful ruffles at top and the fabric gathers across the valance rod. They add a uniform and classic look. The halo valances require a 2" balloon valance rod.


Scarf valance - Scarf valances are "free form" valances that create clean pleat lines and a gracefully, flowing appearance.


Choose the right type of valance to complement the style of your window treatments.

Ready-made versus custom drapes

Unlike ready made drapes, custom made drapes are created to your specifications so your treatments fit your window and style.

Look around your room and determine whether your style is more traditional or more modern. You would want to pick a drape style that would complement your room decor and color scheme. When you're in doubt, try to stay with a neutral color drape. This allows you to later change the furniture or even wall color and not have to replace the window treatment again. A neutral color drape blends in with almost anything. So, consider off white fabrics, whites, earth tones, etc.

Most designers advocate having draperies custom-made because with ready-made drapes you're not only limited in sizing, they are also not as full or rich-looking and may not be lined. At FactoryDirectDrapes.com you can choose any fabric and drapery styles for your custom-drapes.

Our free "Virtual Room Designer" lets you try different stunning drape and valance styles. It allows you to match the wall, flooring, and furniture colors in your home to drape fabrics so you can see exactly how it would look before you purchase it.

Custom drapes are a little more expensive than ready-mades. Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer like FactoryDirectDrapes.com will save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.

For more information on custom draperies or to use this free design tool go to http://www.factorydirectdrapes.com

Valances – The Crowning Touch

Valances will provide a designer’s touch to any window. Choosing the right valance for your style is the key in achieving the look one desires. Purchasing window toppers direct from the factory will insure a substantial savings. You receive the designer look, and not the designer price tag.

The pinch pleated valance is luxury at its finest. Whether lined or unlined this valance will spice up any traditional room with the statement of sophistication. The balloon and halo valances lend themselves to a more of casually elegant atmosphere.

The scarf valance is a free form yet graceful window treatment. The scarf is the most versatile of the valances because of the hardware. You can dress it up with very ornate hardware or have a more casual scarf by using a simple, cleaner lined hardware for whatever style your room is. Any of the window toppers will be the designer’s touch your room is begging for.

Buying multiples of the same valance, but in different colors, textures and patterns can offer a fresh face lift to your interior without an expensive redecorating. These soft valances will easily slip on and off your existing hardware allowing you to vary the color and style of your room. When shopping on the Internet, look for a company that is known for their excellent craftsmanship, high quality and lasting durability. Buying direct from the factory can save you up to 80% off of retail prices. It is so easy to have a designer look without the designer price tag.

Transform Your Room For Less

Sometimes making dramatic changes to the look of a room by re-decorating can be expensive. However, one way to easily transform or update your décor on a budget is to change the drapes or curtains. You will be surprised at the dramatic difference new drapes can make to freshen up your home. Creativity and knowing where to go for the best quality and price can also make this an easy and inexpensive project.

Begin by deciding if you will use the existing hardware (rods) or would you like to replace them with something more modern. Oftentimes, you can use the same rods in a different way to alter their appearance. For example, you can take a stationary rod/pole (non-traversing) with curtains on it and simply add designer ring clips. This will allow you to use a classic pinch pleated drape on the rod and save money to put towards other drapes. Adding a second rod behind your existing hardware will permit the use of a sheer drape or curtain as an economic way to change your window treatments. Or, purchase cost effective standard heavy duty traverse rods in a neutral off-white color that blends in nicely with practically all styles of furnishings. In many cases, the rod can be covered with a new valance leaving you the perfect reason to keep your existing rods.

Choosing a drape or curtain style to suit your environment should be exciting. With the number of options available, it is easy to get carried away with trendy brick-a-brack window treatments that can leave your windows over dressed and your pocket book empty. Pick classic styles such as pinch pleated or tab top drapes and add a stunning valance to define the style of a room. If you want to create a more formal look, include a pinch pleated sheer that can be opened and closed to create an airy look as well as adding privacy. Finish with simple tie backs in the same fabric as the drapes to hold the drapes or curtains back away from the window.

Many times, a valance with your existing window treatments will highlight the drape or curtain and “top” it off adding a perfect frame to your view. If you have mixed types of window coverings in a room, valances on all of the windows also provides continuity to really bring the room together.

The most important way to save money on home improvement projects is to buy directly from the manufacturer. Often, their websites offer free tools and ideas to help you pick the perfect options. Purchasing directly from the factory ensures you are getting wholesale prices without costly mark-ups. You can receive the highest quality by purchasing American made products.

The total impact of your drapes, curtains, and window coverings can be very enriching and add the perfect finishing touch to your décor. Doing it for less will enrich your bank account too! Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer will also save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.