Kitchen Curtains or Kitchen Valances?

Although the casual mood of most kitchens lends itself to curtains or blinds, there is another choice: valances.

When considering options for window dressing, a consumer has several choices such as floor length draperies, shorter curtains, blinds of different varieties, and even inside shutters! Although the casual mood of most kitchens lends itself to curtains or blinds, there is another choice: valances.

Valances are material strips approximately 12 to 18 inches from top to bottom, which typically stretch across the uppermost part of a window. Often used on top of draperies or curtains, valances can also be used alone.

A valance adds a dab of color to a kitchen without becoming a focal point. It diffuses light coming through the window without darkening the room. This extra touch may be all that’s needed to soften the look of a beautiful window with a private view. Valances are inexpensive and readily available, so they provide convenience in seasonal decorating. With almost any weight or type of material, laundering is easy!

However, a valance may not be the best decision for every kitchen. Obviously, a valance is not able to shield the room from outside eyes since the majority of the window will not be covered. This fact also negates the insulation qualities of curtains, causing noticeable results in the colder months. An owner may even find that their window becomes more water spotted from the inside if the window is directly over the sink! Plus, if there is the need to protect any kitchen item (plants, floors, carpets) from direct sunlight, a single valance would be ineffective.

Yet, no rules states that only one valance can be used; a whimsical look is made with two or three matching valances, one above the other. Using different colored fabrics of the same design, or creating a color pattern of valances, produce unique décor with greater window coverage. Even a favorite fabric can become a valance if it is somewhat wider than the window! (Simply turn the top down two inches, stitch across for the rod pocket; finish off the hem and sides. Insert an expansion rod through the pocket, arrange material evenly across, and squeeze onto wall.)

Some people may enjoy the fact that, with valances, there is no need to frequently open and close curtains to let in air or clean the window, while others may anticipate pleasure in seeing curtains blow in the breeze. Depending on customer preferences and the kitchen needs, a valance-or two-may be “just the thing”!

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