Looking for simple ways to transform your living room windows? Enter: valances and swags. As stylish and functional window treatments, living room valances and swags not only amplify aesthetic appeal but control lighting as well.
From window-framing tiered valances to curtains with a playful pop of pattern, keep reading to discover popular styles to spotlight your space.
Popular Styles of Valances and Swags
Swag Valances
Defining swag valances first, these window treatments feature graceful, cascading fabric swags anchored by a mounted valance. As the statement piece for accentuating living room windows, swag valances attract attention through their lavish draping and opulent look. Design to suit traditional spaces or rooms embracing vintage character.
Benefits of swag valances further spotlight living quarters through stately style, including:
- Draws eyes upwards: Billowing swags direct focus toward architectural details framed in fabric.
- Filtered natural light: Semi-sheer swag fabrics temper incoming rays while permitting a visual connection to outdoors.
- Softens edges: Sweeping curves offset rigid corners or lines around windows for visual harmony.
As for swag design itself, customize to enhance interior surroundings. Select bold damasks with traditional furniture or lightweight linens matching breezy, informal decor.
Tiered and Layered Valances
Building upon the allure of swags, introducing tiered and layered valances. Like swag valances, these treatments add lavish allure through cascading fabric layers. However, stationary tiers and panels generate more subtle drama than billowing swags.
Visual intrigue lies in blending colors, patterns and textures across descending valance layers. For eclectic living rooms, mix and match solids, sheers, balloon shades or embroidered mesh panels. More uniform spaces may favor coordinated damasks and complementary jewel tones descending in a unified palette.
Another perk? Tiered valances adapt to uniquely contoured windows. Size and shape custom panels to accentuate one-of-a-kind architectural details.
Roman and Cellular Shades
Craving function with your flair? Cue light-diffusing roman or insulating cellular shades as living room valances and swags blending style with purpose.
| Privacy | Light control capabilities limit views and glare without fully obstructing outward sight lines. |
| Light Dimming | Soft, filterable lighting sets moods from bright and airy to cozy and subdued. |
| Blackout Options | Room darkening tames intense daylight for media rooms. Upgrade further with full blackout. |
| Automation | Motorized, remote-controlled shades enable personalized comfort control. |
Mesh these multifunctional shades with swags or stationary tiered valances to underscore window form and function in one fell swoop. Dramatics meet practicality for well-rounded living room allure.
Design Considerations
Windows and Architecture
First, factor in window variances when selecting living room valances and swags . Treatments must complement architectural surroundings, not overwhelm them. Consider:
- Oversized shapes: Extend swags wider to frame expansive windows or widen tiered valance spans for proportional balance.
- Odd angles: Cluster swag groupings to accentuate unique forms, or raise asymmetric panels higher on one side to align their edges.
- Sloped ceilings and arched windows: Use swags to lead the eye toward architectural focal points. Fully customize tiered valance sizes and shapes for seamless symmetry.
Coordinating Style and Decor
Secondly, treatments must integrate into the greater living room composition. Ensure living room valances and swags complement other details through:
- Color schemes: Select shades matching wall colors, artwork tones or palettes coordinated across soft furnishings.
- Furniture finishes: Contrast gleaming metallics like brass against rich wood finishes, or pair black accents with espresso-hued media consoles.
- Balancing patterns: Anchor loud geometric or damask prints with solid valance bands. Intersperse small-scale florals among prevailing abstracts for visual relief.
Optimizing Lighting
Finally, factor in sun exposure and lighting needs. Sheer linen valances permit plentiful natural light in bright rooms, while blackout roman shades plunge media spaces into darkness. Optimize visibility and ambience through:
- Location and direction: South-facing rooms receive intense midday sun requiring thicker, light-blocking panels. North light remains more diffused throughout days.
- Layering sheers: Pair gauzy panels behind existing treatments for privacy without sacrificing brightness. Useful for picture windows with direct outdoor views.
- Room uses: Prioritize fuller light blockage in spaces for reading, media viewing or sleeping during daylight hours.
The elegance of living room valances and swags takes customizable style cues straight from surrounding architecture and decor. Carefully select designs to frame focal points, control incoming rays and elevate overall aesthetic intrigue. From statement swag valances to multipurpose roman shades, the possibilities to spotlight living areas stay boundless.
