--- title: "Valances vs. Cornices Guide | Shade Design Gallery" description: "The difference between soft valances and structured cornices, when to use each, and how to pair them with blinds, shades and drapery in your home." url: https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/valances-cornices-guide.html updated: 2026-10-24 --- [Drapery](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/drapery.html) · Designer Guide # Valances vs. Cornices: Which Is Right for Your Window? Top treatments finish the window, hide the hardware and add architecture to a room. By [Layla, Lead Designer](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/our-story.html), and the Shade Design Gallery team · Updated October 24, 2026 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](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/blinds.html), [Roman shades](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/shades.html#roman), [cellular shades](https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/shades.html#cellular) 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. ## Designer's Tip A top treatment is a great place to use a bold fabric you love but wouldn't want on a full-length drape. A small amount of pattern up high can pull a whole room together. From our design team, led by Layla · 20+ years in interior design ## Common Questions **Q: What is the difference between a valance and a cornice?** A valance is a soft fabric top treatment. A cornice is a structured, boxed top treatment, usually padded and fabric-covered or made of wood. **Q: Are valances out of style?** Dated, fussy valances are, but tailored and simply gathered valances in good fabrics look fresh and are popular in kitchens, baths and kids' rooms. **Q: Can a cornice hide my blind or shade headrail?** Yes. Hiding hardware is one of the main reasons people choose a cornice. **Q: Can I add a valance to existing blinds?** Usually, yes. We measure your windows and existing treatments and make the valance to fit. **Q: Do you make wood cornices?** Yes. We offer fabric-covered and wood cornices, finished to suit your room. ## More Drapery Guides ## See Fabrics in Your Own Light Layla brings drapery fabrics and samples to your home, measures every window and gives you a clear written quote. No pressure, ever. --- Shade Design Gallery · 720 N Argonne Rd, Suite C, Spokane Valley, WA 99212 (showroom by appointment only) · (509) 599-7034 · https://www.shadedesigngallery.com/ Lead designer: Layla, 20+ years of interior design experience. Free in-home design consultation, measuring and quote.