Matching valances and drapes creates a simple, elegant look for your windows.
While window treatments serve important practical purposes, like blocking light and providing privacy, they can add a decorative element to your room as well. Valances are an ideal option for your windows if you prefer a more formal look, but finding the ideal pairing of valance and drapes is often a challenge. You can choose from several combinations, and each provides a different look for your windows, so decide how bold or subtle you would like your window treatments to be to help identify the ideal valance and drapes pairing for your home. Does this Spark an idea?
Matching
For a simple, elegant look, one of the easiest decorating options is to match your valance to your drapes. Use the same fabric and color for a seamless transition between the two parts of your window treatment. The look works well in a room that features a varied color palette or several patterns because it helps simplify the room's look. However, if you appreciate a simple, chic look but want to add dimension to your window treatments, choose two different fabrics in the same color for your valance and drapes. For example, pair a wine-colored valance made from velvet with wine-colored cotton drapes. The difference in textures draws the eye, but the look is still understated and does not overwhelm the room.
Tone on Tone
A tone on tone look is another understated option for your valances and draperies. Choose two different shades from the same color family for a subtle contrast. For example, you can opt for a dove gray color for your drapes and a mid-toned gray for the valance to create a slight difference between the two that draws the eyes. For the simplest look, choose the same fabric for both the valance and the drapes. However, you can choose fabrics with different textures if you want to add extra flair to your windows.
Contrasting
If you want to highlight your windows, choose contrasting colors for your valance and draperies. By choosing two shades that contrast sharply with one another, you'll instantly draw the eye to the windows so they become a focal point in the room. In a room with modern decor, a black and white combination is striking. For a softer look, go with a rich blue valance with peach colored drapes. You can pair virtually any color valance with sheer white drapes for a simple contrasting look that gives the room a bright, airy look.
Solid and Pattern
Valances are an ideal spot to incorporate pattern into a room. You may even choose a pattern that is bolder than you normally would because it is featured in a limited area. However, if you choose a pattern for your valances, keep the draperies simple by choosing a solid color. Select a shade that is present in the pattern so the drapes complement the valances. If you have fabric left over after making the valances, you can use it to make throw pillows for the couch or bed to help tie the room's look together.
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