Looking to give your living room an instant style upgrade? Window valances provide an easy yet dramatic way to transform any room. With the array of gorgeous designs available today, you can dress up your windows with valances that complement both traditional and contemporary decor themes. Keep reading for a tour of trending window valance ideas that will upgrade your living room from drab to fab.
Valances may seem like a small detail, but they make a remarkable difference in your living room’s aesthetic. The right valance frames your windows beautifully, brings harmony to all your furnishings, and sets the overall mood of your space. Whether you prefer classic elegance, modern geometric shapes, breezy coastal vibes or cozy cottage charm, valances help tie the look together.
Traditional Elegant Valances
For a formal and polished look, traditional swags, cascades and tailored cornices bring timeless elegance to living room windows. Luxurious fabrics like brocade, silk and velvet create an ornate feel, while symmetrical designs provide balanced style. Pair with roman shades or dramatic drapes for a ritzy high-end hotel vibe. This window treatment exudes refinement.
Tips for Achieving a Timeless Look
When designing traditional valances, choose well-crafted symmetrical styles that feel luxurious. Invest in quality thick fabrics and ornate trim for longevity. Incorporate hardware like medallions or tassels for an extra dose of old-world charm. The details make a difference here; a sagging dusty valance will undermine the elegant ambiance you’re aiming for.
For a modern take on traditional, try layering a cornice box valance with bold graphic roller shades. This juxtaposition of new and old creates visual interest. Ornate valances also pair well with clean-lined mid-century furnishings. Don’t be afraid to mix eras for eclectic personalized style.
Modern Geometric Valances
For contemporary living rooms, modern geometric valances make a bold statement. Streamlined panels featuring lines, angles and asymmetry create an artful minimalist feel. This urban look works beautifully in loft spaces with polished concrete floors and exposed brick walls.
Upholster sleek valances in faux leather or wood veneers for an edgy vibe. Or utilize canvas and metal grommets for an industrial warehouse aesthetic. Graphics like herringbone and chevron patterns enhance the geometric style. Keep the rest of the window treatment simple to let the valance shine.
Designing a Modern Statement Piece
When crafting a modern valance, opt for an asymmetrical shape and irregular hemline for architectural appeal. Incorporate unexpected materials like corrugated metal, acrylic, or mesh screens. Layer the valance over automated shades to control light and privacy.
Highlight the linear motifs with ample surrounding negative space. Add pops of vibrant colors if your room feels stark and uninviting. Keep furnishings clean-lined and let the valance take center stage. This bold window treatment anchors the modern theme of your living room.
Rustic Burlap & Wood Valances
The natural textures of burlap, jute and wood slats make rustic valances ideal for cozy, laidback living rooms. A homemade wooden beam valance looks right at home in a ski lodge or lakeside retreat. For cottages and cabins, you just can’t beat that welcoming handcrafted charm.
Country farmhouses and industrial lofts also benefit from the reclaimed appeal of wood and fabric blends. The raw rough-hewn edges and earthy neutral tones exude easygoing warmth. Rustic valances invite you to put your feet up and relax awhile.
Crafting Rustic Charm
Achieve effortless rustic style with undyed natural jute and burlap accented with twine bows. Fringe edges and visible stitching add to the homemade look. For wood elements, sand and stain reclaimed beams, crates or barn board. Leave the edges and nail holes visible for character.
Incorporate natural artifacts like pinecones, acorns and wood slices to embellish the valance. Display your charming DIY creation proudly – a few irregularities just enhance the handcrafted personality. Rustic valances reflect cozy cottage contentment at its best.
Coastal & Nautical Valances
Bring the beauty of the oceanfront right into your living room with coastal and nautical valances. Lightweight fabrics like sailcloth, cotton duck and netting filtered the sun’s rays in seaside cottages for generations. These airy textiles look relaxed yet refined.
Incorporate ropes, seashells and reclaimed wood boats to reference sailing motifs. Bleached, salt-washed finishes in shades of sea glass and sky capture the faded hues of the shoreline. For guaranteed tranquility, a breezy valance that whispers of the sea sets the tone for serene coastal decor.
Bringing the Beach Home
Evoke lazy days at the shore with valances that incorporate anchors, buoys, starfish and driftwood. Add pops of oceanic colors like sea green, denim blue and sandy tan. Weathered galvanized metal letters spelling out “beach” or “relax” enhance the coastal mindset.
For privacy, hang relaxed cafe curtains behind a net or sailcloth valance. White wood shutters also complement nautical themes beautifully. Anywhere you add hints of the water, you’re sure to cultivate calming coastal comfort. Valances can easily capture the essence of seaside living.
Best Practices for Installation
Once you’ve selected the perfect valance for your living room, proper installation is key. First, carefully measure your window width and desired hanging height above the frame. This determines what length of rod and valance you’ll need.
Next, choose your mounting method. Common options include wall-mounted rods, wooden cornices, or simple nail-up panels. Select hardware that fits the style of both your window and wall decor. Read the valance instructions for details on proper gathering and pleating techniques.
Use command strips to easily hang lightweight valances without nails or hooks. They make repositioning hassle-free if you want to tweak the alignment. With the right measurements, mounting method and a bit of finesse, you can install your valance beautifully. Then stand back and admire your refreshed living room style!
The gorgeous valance styles available today make it easy to spice up your living room windows. From refined traditional swags to rustic homemade wood, the options fit any decor. So why not amp up your living room with trendy valances? They frame your views, filter light beautifully, and uplift your space with just the right mood. It’s a simple yet powerful design update that makes a noticeable difference.
With proper planning and installation, you can change the look of your living room. Trust us, your eyes will be naturally drawn to those stylish focal points above your windows. A trendy new valance infuses fresh energy into any room.
