A top treatment is the finishing touch on a window. It hides headrails and hardware, adds color or pattern, and can make a window look taller. The two main types are soft valances and structured cornices.
Valances
A valance is a short fabric treatment across the top of the window. It can be tailored and flat, softly gathered, or shaped. Valances bring color and pattern to a room and work beautifully over blinds and shades, or with side drapery panels.
Cornices
A cornice is a structured, boxed top treatment, usually padded and covered in fabric, or made of wood. Cornices look tailored and architectural, completely hide the hardware below and add a strong horizontal line, which suits traditional and formal rooms.
When to choose which
- Kitchens, baths and kids' rooms: a valance adds color without full drapery.
- Formal living and dining rooms: a cornice with drapery panels gives a finished, classic look.
- Hiding shade or blind headrails: either works; a cornice hides more.
- Making a window look taller: mount either one higher than the frame.
Pairing with other treatments
Valances and cornices pair with nearly everything: wood blinds, Roman shades, cellular shades and side drapery panels. A woven wood valance over drapery adds natural texture, as in the living room above.
Proportion is everything
A top treatment that is too short looks like an afterthought; too deep, and it closes in the window. As a starting point, many designers keep a valance or cornice around one-fifth to one-sixth of the overall treatment height, then adjust for the room and the view.