What is a valance and what is the difference between a valance and a cornice?

A valance is a decorative piece that tops your window treatment that typically hides your hardware and is often made of fabric. A cornice is a decorative valance made out of wood.

How much control do I have in the design of my cornice box / valance?

You are in full control of the design – all the way down to the smallest trim. Choose a flexible padded wood frame with curved, soft, sleek, neat design styles. Use a valance to cover the top part of your window and have soft fabric valances as well as wood valances. These work great to fit in with your existing decor. You can use any fabric you wish, making the options endless!

These valances use almost any kind of fabric and are draped gracefully over the window hardware, thus hanging down over both sides of the window.

What is a balloon valance?

These often provide a full appearance and are made of a light weight material. They get this name since they will easily balloon up on the sides. This elegant design choice is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures like most window valances.

What are ascot valances and what style do they match?

This very elegant style is commonly used in formal settings. They are dramatic and often chosen from elaborate materials with intricate designs. You will generally find fring and tassels as part of this window covering design style.