Image: Graber Blinds Roller Shade with Cassette Valance
Roller shades are some of the most popular window coverings available. Homeowners love their sleek, modern look and design flexibility.
When adding a touch of modern class to your home, roller shades can give every space a distinct impression; but the top of the window treatments are just as important as the bottom and can really make the difference in tying a room together!
A window valance is a type of window treatment designed to cover the upper portion of a window. It can be used on its own or paired with other treatments, such as blinds, curtains, or roller shades (as discussed in this article). When combined with a window covering, valances serve as a popular decorative option, effectively concealing the hardware and, in some cases, the covering itself when it is rolled up or retracted.
For those dealing with smaller windows, imperfections, or unsightly hardware around their window tops, these top treatments can hide the issue while complementing the room’s decor.
Did you know? Valances aren’t the only type of top treatment available. There are others including cornices, swags, cascades, and Palladian shelves (all products not used with roller shades, however, so you won’t find them covered here).
Learn more about roller shades here.
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Let’s review the four roller shade valance types.
Black Fascia Valance with Roller Shades from Graber Blinds
A fascia valance is a decorative covering, usually made of aluminum or other durable materials, that hides the hardware and the front of the roller mechanism with a modern touch – essentially a metal strip.
It will create a simplistic but high-quality look to any room or space. A fascia valance is available in different finishes and colors to suit the style of the window treatment it’s paired with.
Some common finishes include brushed aluminum or powder-coated options.
Hunter Douglas offers 9 custom hardware colors are anodized in 3″ or 4″ heights.
Graber’s fascia valance options for roller shades range from white to black, as seen below.
Fascia Valance Color Options from Graber Blinds
A subtle addition of fabric is all that’s needed to hide any screws or hardware for this window valance type. Contour valances are typically disconnected from the actual window frame, serving as a light accent that adds a touch of style to any roller shade window treatment.
Contour valances feature a curved design, giving it an elegant and sophisticated look that is perfect for more formal spaces or traditional designs.
This type of valance may also be called a fabric valance.
Roller shade with contour valance from Graber
A classic and minimalist look, a flat valance is wrapped around the top of the window. Typically they are 5” tall and use the same fabric/pattern as the shade itself. The “flat” style ensures it blends into any wall, creating a simple, seamless elegance throughout the window area.
This valance type sits flush with the window and doesn’t jut out as much, unlike the contour or cassette valance types.
Just like the contour valance, the flat valance may also be referred to as a fabric valance.
A cassette valance is a fabric-covered system that is more distinctly curved than other options, completely concealing the fabric at the top of the shade, achieving a seamless and modern look. They are often built directly into the shade itself, while other valance options are separate components from the shade. They are ideal for blackout roller shades.
The distinctive roller design at the top of the cassette valances trades subtlety for a distinct addition to the roller shade. The curved appearance of the top treatment makes it seem as though the window treatment is “disappearing” into a roll at the top of the frame.
Cassette valances offer additional options. Hunter Douglas, for example, offers small and large sizes. They also offer the valance as a fabric or in 9 different custom hardware color options.
Hunter Douglas also offers a “dust cover valance,” which is similar to the cassette valance. The dust cover has rounded corners and protects the shade form dust, while also blocking outside light.
A “pocket valance” is also similar to the cassette valance. This option will be completely enclosed like the cassette but is recessed into the ceiling, creating an even more seamless look.
Valances may not be your cup of tea and that’s fine. A roller shade without a valance is always a possibility and comes with a couple of different options. Both of these options are available for roller shades with a valance, as well.
A standard roll will have the fabric roll off from the back of the tube, on the window side, leaving the roll exposed facing the room.
Meanwhile a reverse roll will have the fabric roll off the front of the tube, leaving the roll facing the exterior of the home.
Roller shade with standard roll (left) and reverse roll (right)
Images: Hunter Douglas Amalifi Designer Roller Shades
At The Yardstick, we firmly believe that window valances are firmly in style as of 2024 going into 2025 and beyond!
Valances have long been a staple of classic window treatments, often tied to traditional and elegant designs. Today’s options aren’t the valances of old that you would find in homes 30+ years ago. They are especially in style with more modern shading products. Ultimately, the answer lies in personal taste and how they’re incorporated into a modern setting.
In addition to aesthetics, valances provide practical benefits. They effectively hide curtain rods and other hardware, giving windows a clean, polished appearance. This blend of style and functionality makes them a popular choice for homeowners and designers alike. So it’s unlikely they’ll ever be out of style, but would rather evolve with design trends.
By selecting a valance that aligns with your personal preferences and design goals, you can achieve a look that is stylish, functional, and timeless.
Style and Design
When selecting a valance, consider the overall style and décor of your room. Choose a design that complements your home’s aesthetic and enhances your window treatments. For a modern vibe, opt for a sleek, minimalist valance. If your space leans toward traditional or formal, an elegant and detailed design might be more fitting.
Material
The material of your valance plays a crucial role in its appearance. Fabric valances offer a soft, casual feel, while wood or metal valances add a structured, formal touch. Ensure the material aligns with other room elements, such as your furniture, flooring, or color palette.
Functionality
Think about what you want your valance to achieve:
Cassette Valance
Fascia Valance
Flat Valance
Contour Valance
Looking for roller shades with valances for your home in the Greater Bay Area?
Learn more about The Yardstick and our roller shades options!
We offer a wide range of roller shades from major brands like Hunter Douglas and Graber.
Whether you have the perfect fabric and cassette options chosen, or need a design partner to consult with, our team is excited to help you realize your window treatment vision. Even if you don’t know what it is yet. In the case that you have your own design team or consultants, we’re glad to work with them too. Together, we’ll make your ideas a reality.
For over half a century, The Yardstick has been improving homes and spaces all throughout our service area.
Call or email us to schedule a free in-home estimate:
