What Do Valances & Cornices Do? | Imperial Blind & Shutter
Window Decor 201: What Do Valances & Cornices Do?
When homeowners invest in new window treatments, their focus is, unsurprisingly, on the base window treatments that covers the glass and protects their space! However, the hardware and other finishing details above the window also deserve attention.
Valances and cornices are top treatments that hide the hardware and create a clean, polished look from ceiling to sill—and depending on your style, at Imperial Blind & Shutter, we think are worth looking into.
Here’s what custom valances and cornices offer, and which is best for your home:
Custom Cornices Conceal Hardware
A cornice is a hard treatment that sits above the window. They’re used to create a clean, structured frame around the top of your window treatment. One of its biggest jobs is hiding the hardware that powers your shades or blinds. That includes headrails, mounting hardware, and other components that you may not necessarily want on display. Cornices are an excellent investment if you want your windows to have a tailored, architectural appearance without seeing the mechanics.
Bottom Line: Use cornices to:
- Conceal headrails and mounting hardware.
- Create a more structured look.
- Add visual definition.
Valances Soften Hard Lines
Valances take a softer approach than structured cornices. Rather than creating a hard cover, a valance adds fabric or decorative detail above the window treatment. This can help fill a noticeable amount of wall space above the window for a more intentional look. Instead of your eye stopping abruptly at the top of the shade, this window decor helps create a more gradual transition.
Bottom Line: Use valances to:
- Soften the area above the window.
- Help visually connect the window to the ceiling.
- Add decorative detail without overwhelming the room.
Explore Other Hidden Headrails with Hunter Douglas
We love the extra craftsmanship that goes into Hunter Douglas window treatments. Hunter Douglas window treatments are often designed with hardware coverage options that look truly custom and built-in. That means you can enjoy your shade or blind with the headrails or rollers concealed by a fabric-wrapped header or cassette that blends into your window. This allows you to pair them with valances or cornices—or to enjoy the beauty of a shade without unsightly hardware drawing the eye.
If concealing the hardware is important to you design, we can help you choose Hunter Douglas styles that:
- Conceal with custom coverage.
- Hide built-in headrails for a cleaner appearance
- Keep attention focused on the window treatment.
Learn More About Window Valances and Cornices Near Venice, Florida
Window treatments are an investment—but showing off the operating system and mechanics might not be your way to share the craftsmanship you love. Excessive space between the window and the ceiling can also create a disjointed feel.
With custom headrails or made-to-measure cornices and valences, you can conceal unsightly hardware or create a more intentional transition between the ceiling, wall, and window.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today! Whether you have just moved into your dream home in our community or are updating your current abode, our team’s passion is helping you create an interior design you love.
We are located in Venice, Florida, and proudly serve the area. We are happy to provide our expert guidance and suggestions to help you get started if you are just beginning your window treatment journey.