What Are Kitchen Valances?

Kitchen Valances are type of drapery that are put on a separate rod above a window’s curtains or blinds to create a more professional looking transition from window treatment to wall.  Most kitchen valances are made up of a piece of fabric 8-12 inches long that hangs out over the window opening 3-4 inches.   The result is a more polished look in your kitchen where the hardware, frames, and rods of your blinds or curtains are hidden from view.  Kitchen valances also add depth and character to your window treatments whereas something like a venetian blind may seem flat and drab, adding a valance creates a three dimensional accent on the window making it “pop.”

Styles Of Kitchen Valances

The style of kitchen valances you choose is entirely dependant on the theme of your interior design.  If you are looking for a contemporary interior design, choose a more slim and flat lying valance.  If you are looking for more of a traditional Victorian design there are a number of valance styles ranging from cuff top all the way to an elaborate tucker style valance.

The important thing to remember when choosing kitchen valances is that you want to choose a material that will resist the damaging effects of steam, moisture, heat, fumes, and smoke.  Although there are very few fabrics which can stand up to direct abuse of this nature, using a shorter, stiffer valance in the kitchen will ensure it is easy to clean and maintain.  For the best results choose kitchen valances that are machine washable.

Installing Kitchen Valances

Measuring and installing kitchen valances is much easier than hanging drapes or curtains.  The limited amount of fabric makes the lightweight installation as easy as mounting a few brackets.  Most valances are adjustable to a certain degree which makes installation very easy.  Simply mount your brackets to the wall directly outside of the window casing, or directly to the window trim.  Try to overlap the top of the window by a few inches to cover up the hardware of your blinds or curtains.  Attach the valance by snapping the rod onto the brackets on each side.  Finish the project by spreading out the fabric on the rod to create a an even pleating or fold.

Kitchen valances are an easy and inexpensive way to enhance the look of your kitchen window treatments, and they are a great first DIY project for those with limited handyman skills.