One of the most impactful design decisions when decorating your home is how to dress your windows. This decision includes choosing top treatments to give your space a more polished look. Two popular choices for top treatments are cornices versus valances.
But when it comes to cornice vs. valance, how do you decide which is best for your home? This guide from Kerrville Window Fashions will help you weigh the pros and cons of each to find the perfect fit for your space.
The Differences Between Cornices vs. Valances
Before discussing the details of each, let’s clarify between cornices and valances:
What Are Cornices?
Typically, cornices are hard-top treatments comprised of wood or other sturdy materials, like foam core. They’re often upholstered with fabric or left as stained or painted wood to match your home décor.
Cornices give windows a tailored, architectural look and can add a sense of height and structure to a room.
What Are Valances?
Valances, on the other hand, are softer, more relaxed top treatments, usually made of fabric. Depending on the chosen style, they can be draped, pleated, or gathered to give windows a more traditional, casual, or whimsical look.
Valances add a gentle touch to any space and work well in various rooms, from kitchens to bedrooms.
Benefits of Cornices as Window Treatments
Cornices are ideal for homeowners who prefer a clean, structured aesthetic. Some additional advantages of cornices as window treatments include:
Providing Elegant Structure and Dimension
Cornices give a room visual structure. Their solid, defined shape frames the top of a window, making the entire treatment look complete and polished.
Having Various Material Options
At Kerrville Window Fashions, we custom-make our cornices from wood or foam core. You can choose between painted finishes, stained wood for a more natural look, or wrapped in fabric. Each material option adds a unique touch, whether it’s the warmth of natural wood or the softness of fabric that complements other elements in the room.
Being Durable
Cornices are built to last. The sturdy materials and artisanship in creating a cornice make them a durable choice for top treatments. They’re easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear.
Concealing Hardware
Cornices are particularly effective at hiding unappealing curtain rods, brackets, or other hardware. Concealing these elements gives your window treatment a clean, uncluttered appearance, elevating your home instantly.
Benefits of a Valance as Window Treatments
Valances are a fantastic choice for a more relaxed or decorative look. They’re lightweight and available in countless styles, making them adaptable to any design preference. Their other benefits include:
Having a Variety of Fabrics and Styles
At Kerrville Window Fashions, we offer a wide range of fabrics, patterns, and styles. Whether you prefer the tailored look of a box-pleated valance or the relaxed feel of a gathered valance, there’s a style to match your favorite aesthetic.
Softening a Room’s Appearance
Because they’re made of fabric, valances add a softness that’s appealing in rooms with hard surfaces, like kitchens or bathrooms. They work well in spaces where you want a welcoming, cozy feel.
Fitting Small Windows Perfectly
A valance can add just the right amount of flair in smaller spaces or on smaller windows without overwhelming the area. They’re especially effective in rooms where a full drapery setup might feel excessive, such as a breakfast nook or powder room.
Complementing Different Window Treatment Styles
Valances complement other window treatments, such as blinds, shades, or shutters. They can add a decorative touch to functional treatments, creating a layered look that’s both stylish and practical.
Shop Custom Cornices and Valances Near Kerrville, Texas
If you’re still unsure which top window treatment is right for your home, our professionals here at Kerrville Window Fashions can assist you. With a focus on quality and style, we can tailor our selection of cornices versus valances to meet your diverse design preferences and help you make the home of your dreams.
For 25 years, we’ve been serving our community of Kerrville, Texas, and the surrounding areas, including the Hill Country and Fredericksburg. Contact us online or call (830) 733-0041 to schedule your appointment today. Let’s bring your windows to life with the perfect top treatments that elevate your home’s décor!
