Updated: January 2026
Valance or no valance? It’s a common question, and the answer depends on your style goals, the window treatment you’ve chosen, and the look you want to achieve in the room.
Valances and cornice boards are decorative top treatments designed to finish a window beautifully. They can feel casual or formal, subtle or statement-making, but their purpose is the same: to add polish, hide hardware, and visually elevate your window coverings. When chosen thoughtfully, they’re not outdated at all, in fact, they’re frequently used by designers in both classic and modern homes.
What’s the Difference Between a Valance and a Cornice Board?
Both valances and cornice boards sit at the top of the window, but they have distinct looks and personalities.
- Valances are typically fabric-based and softer in appearance. They can be minimalist, pleated, tailored, swaged, or layered, making them highly versatile across décor styles.
- Cornice boards are more structured and substantial. Often made from wood or a rigid base wrapped in fabric, they create a clean, architectural line above the window. Create a clean, architectural finish with Minimalist Fabric Cornice Boards designed to frame your windows without visual clutter.
Both options are meant to coordinate with your blinds, shades, or drapery, and with the room’s overall design.
What Is the Purpose of a Valance or Cornice Board?
At a practical level, valances and cornice boards:
- Hide headrails, brackets, and curtain rods
- Create a cleaner, more finished look
- Help unify different window treatments within the same room
From a design perspective, they:
- Add visual weight and dimension
- Soften hard-edged treatments like blinds or panels
- Enhance the sense of height and proportion in a space
They’re a small addition that can make a big difference.
Are Valances and Cornice Boards Out of Style?
Short answer: no, when done well.
It’s true that some older, droopy, overly ornate valances feel dated. But modern valances and cornice boards are widely used by professional designers to add structure and intention to windows, especially in newer homes.
Clean-lined cornices, tailored fabric valances, and minimalist profiles work beautifully with:
- Roller shades
- Zebra (dual) shades
- Roman shades
- Wood and faux wood blinds
When the style complements the window treatment and the room, a valance or cornice feels current, not old-fashioned.
Design Advantages of Adding a Valance or Cornice Board
1. Hide Hardware and Create Continuity
One of the most popular reasons to add a valance is to conceal hardware. This creates a seamless, cohesive look, especially helpful when mixing different treatments in the same room.
2. Soften the Look of Blinds and Panels
Blinds, sliding panels, and structured shades can sometimes feel visually sharp. A fabric valance introduces softness and balance without sacrificing function. Add a finished, custom-tailored look to your windows with Fabric Cornice Boards that elevate any shade or drapery.
3. Add Dimension and Height
Valances naturally broaden the visual footprint of a window and can make ceilings feel taller. Cornice boards, in particular, add a sense of weight and architectural presence.
4. Enjoy Design Flexibility
Valances can be used on their own or layered with blinds, shades, or drapery. They’re also easy to swap seasonally or during a refresh, giving you a new look without replacing your main window treatments.
When a Valance or Cornice Board Makes the Most Sense
While most window coverings don’t require a valance, some styles benefit from one more than others.
They’re especially effective with:
- Wood and faux wood blinds, where a valance completes the look
- Roman shades, to enhance their tailored feel
- Woven wood shades, for added structure
- Roller or dual shades, when you want to hide the headrail
In some cases, particularly with wood blinds, a valance is part of the design and helps stabilize the overall appearance.
Select Blinds’ Team Favorites for Pairing with Valances
Our team often recommends valances or cornice boards with these styles:
- 2″ Modern Wood Blinds
- 2″ SelectWave Cordless Faux Wood Blinds
- Coastal Roman Shades
- Natural Cordless Woven Wood Shades
These combinations strike a great balance between function and finished style.
Conclusion: Do You Need One? Maybe Not, but You Might Love the Result
You don’t always need a valance or cornice board, but when your window feels like it’s missing something, that finishing touch may be exactly what pulls the room together.
Valances and cornice boards add structure, softness, and visual polish while hiding hardware and enhancing proportion. Whether you prefer a tailored modern look or a warmer, layered style, the right top treatment can elevate your window coverings without overwhelming the space.
If you’re solving a design puzzle or want your windows to feel more intentional, a valance or cornice board could be the simple solution you’ve been looking for.
