Is your bedroom in need of a refresh? Are you looking for an easy and affordable way to update your sleeping space? Look no further than white curtains with matching valances! This simple tweak can transform the look and feel of your bedroom by making it appear brighter, cleaner, and more spacious.
In this post, we’ll explore why white curtains and valances work so well together in the bedroom. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right fabrics and styles to expert insider tips on getting that spa-like, serene vibe. Read on to uncover the secret of using white window treatments to create a bedroom oasis!
Why White Curtains and Valances Work Wonders for Bedroom Design
All-white window dressings may seem basic, but this crisp, neutral palette offers many perks for bedroom design. Here’s why white curtains paired with coordinated valances can upgrade your sleep space.
The Clean, Bright Look of White Window Treatments
Opting for white instantly gives a bedroom a more open, airy feel. The light color reflects natural light rather than absorbing it, allowing your space to appear brighter. White also provides a fresh, clean backdrop that lets other touches of color and texture pop.
For bedrooms with limited natural light, white curtains and valances make the most of every ray by bouncing and distributing light around the room. This helps create a bright ambiance perfect for waking up in the mornings.
Choosing the Right White for Your Space
Of course, not all whites are created equal. When selecting white curtains and valances, pay attention to the precise shade and undertone.
Crisp optic whites have a hints of cool blue, while softer whites like linen or silk lean slightly warm and cream. Match the undertone to your overall color scheme for a cohesive look. Warm antique whites suit spaces with red oak floors or golden accents. Cool snowy whites complement grey-blue paint colors.
Stylish Curtain Options for Bedrooms
White curtains fit any bedroom style from modern to traditional. To choose the perfect pair, consider both privacy needs and your desired aesthetic.
Sheer, lightweight fabrics like voile and gauze allow sunlight to filter in softly for a romantic vibe. Opaque velvet or brocade curtains in white create an elegant, traditional look. Light-filtering white curtains strike a balance, diffusing light while still providing daytime privacy.
Linen, cotton, and polyester blends are popular white curtain materials that are attractive yet easy to maintain. Look for energy-efficient thermal blackout curtains with a white exterior to keep your bedroom cozy.
Using Valances to Frame Windows
Valances add decorative charm and architectural interest above your main curtains. Positioned right underneath the ceiling, valances draw the eye upward to highlight tall windows.
Popular white valance styles include frilly swags, tailored cascades, and sleek rod pocket valances. Mix textures and patterns by pairing a lacy valance with smooth white curtain panels.
Hanging Curtains and Valances
Achieving the perfect tailored look relies on proper installation. Carefully measure your windows prior to purchasing curtains and valances. Mount curtain rods securely just above the window trim. Hang curtain panels from rings or clips.
Valances can then be attached to the rod with various mechanisms to achieve different draping effects. For a seamless effect, mount a white wooden valance board to the rod before clipping on your valance.
Ensure curtains skim the floor at the correct length to automatically draw the eye upwards to the decorative valance treatment.
Designer Tricks for Styling White Curtain + Valance Combos
Ready to level up your white window treatments? Here are some easy ways to take these basics to the next level.
Mixing Sheers and Solids
Add dimension by pairing sheer and solid white curtains. Hang breezy white sheers underneath opaque curtain panels. The sheer underlayer filters natural light, while the solid overlayer blocks more as needed.
Or, opt for double-layer dimension with two sheer layers, one textured and one smooth. This creates an ultra-soft, ethereal look perfect for a dreamy bedroom sanctuary.
Picking the Perfect Hardware
Don’t overlook the curtain rods and other hardware! Polished metal finishes like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze accentuate white nicely. Simple rod styles keep the focus on the curtains rather than fighting for attention.
For a whimsical romantic mood, try round finials. Rectangular finials or sleek ledge rods suit contemporary spaces. Match your curtain rings and holdbacks to the rod finish for a pulled-together look.
Incorporating Texture and Layering
Think beyond flat fabrics to incorporate tempting textures that beckon you to touch and relax. Pair a crinkly textured white shear with ultra-smooth white velvet curtains.
Or add tactile interest with a luxurious faux fur valance, embroidered cotton valance, or jacquard woven pattern. Tie back the curtains and valance with thick decorative holdbacks to complete the lush layered look.
Adding Bright and Neutral Accents
An all-white palette provides the perfect blank canvas for adding subtle pops of color. Look for white curtain panels with a contrasting embroidered trim or colorful accents at the leading edge.
Or, liven things up with a patterned or metallic valance that plays off the solid white curtains. Just keep accents minimal and in timeless neutrals like ivory, tan, or pale blue for a refined bedroom style.
Getting a Serene, Spa-Like Feel with White Curtains
There’s just something about crisp white window treatments that evokes the tranquility of a luxury spa. Here’s how to get that zen bedroom vibe.
Filtering Light Softly
Sheer, semi-sheer, and light-filtering white curtains allow just the right amount of natural light into a bedroom. This creates a bright yet still muted ambiance for relaxation.
Heavier opaque fabrics can always be added to diffuse more sunlight if needed. Find the ideal balance for your space and privacy needs.
Concealing and Framing Views
Strategically hung curtains and valances can help conceal less desirable views while framing pretty vistas. Softly veil a dull side alley view with a floor-length sheer panel.
Or showcase your landscaped garden with panels tied back to each side. Valances mounted high draw eyes up to tall windows with scenic views beyond.
Encouraging Calm and Relaxation
The tranquil qualities of white naturally promote rest and relaxation. White reflects calming wavelengths of light that can lower heart rate and blood pressure. It evokes cleansing and renewal.
Pair white window treatments with other design details like plush white bedding, pale furniture, and a general lack of clutter. The result is a peaceful oasis for unwinding and restoring energy.
Enhance the chilled-out vibe with other elements known for their calming benefits:
- Natural textures and materials like stone, wood, jute, linen
- Leafy green plants or relaxing nature images
- Soft ambient and task lighting instead of overhead glare
- Sound-dampening curtains and minimal noise
A bedroom should be your personal escape. Make it a space you want to retreat to for restorative sleep and serenity. It’s as easy as starting with soothing, stylish white curtains and valances.
We hope these tips help you create your dream white bedroom oasis. Let us know in the comments if you have any other questions!