Valance- Shorter curtains, draperies, or soft shades, usually about a foot long, that hang over the top edge of curtains. Valances can be hung on their own or in pairs in a tall window where one set is hung at the top and one set in the middle.

Designer’s Tip: Valances are a simple way to dress up a set of tab-top curtains.

Austrian Valance- Shortened version of the Austrian shade, characterized by vertical rows of shirring, horizontal gathers, and soft scallops at the lower edge. Sheer and soft fabrics work best for this treatment, which is unlined and often trimmed with fringe.

Balloon Valance- Pleated valance that appears to “puff” out like a balloon, and is generally used to dress up a plain curtain rod.

Cloud Valance- Short variation of the cloud shade, with gentle poufs or scallops across the bottom and a shirred heading at the top. It can be shirred on a flat curtain rod or Continental rod, or attached to a mounting board.

Festoons- Decorative valances made of folded fabric that hangs in a graceful curve over the window.

Pouf Valances- Variation of soft cloud or balloon shades, made by shirring fabric on two curtain rods. The double pouf valance uses three curtain rods.

Designer’s Tip: For deeper headings and taller windows Continental rods may be used.