I have run into a few projects with window valances lately and wanted to share a tip that I suggest often and have even done in my own house.

I use valances to add color and pattern but more importantly, height, to a window.

Just like you see tips all over the internet about hanging your draperies up high, the same holds true for window valances.

Get them up….almost out of the window. Just cover the top.

Short Windows Needing Height

Here was a Designed in a Click Q&A consultation I did awhile back. These short windows needed height and some valances were just the right solution.

BEFORE - very short windows in a kitchen with higher ceilings

See how I recommended hanging the window valance over these short windows? Tricks the eye to make them feel taller. #windowvalances #windowtreatments #valances

Here’s my kitchen, below, where I installed valances that cover only the top part of the window. They mostly just cover up the painted wall above.

My own kitchen with window valances hung at the very tops of the windows. Carla Aston, Designer | Tori Aston, Photographer

In this project, below, I did the same thing with the valance, hung it up mainly over the painted wall area above the window. It barely covers the top of the window.

BEFORE, Remodel in Progress - Window in home office

AFTER - Window valance hung above window, covering painted wall and only very top of window, making it seem taller. Carla Aston, Designer | Tori Aston, Photographer

This pretty valance, below, just covers the top of the window.

This pretty window valance just barely covers the top of the window. Carla Aston, Designer | Tori Aston, Photographer #windowvalances #valances #windowtreatments

This buffalo check window valance mostly cover the wall above the window. Carla Aston, Designer | Miro Dvorscak, Photographer #windowvalances #valances #windowtreatments

Here are two examples of window valances, from some recent Designed in a Click Q&A consultations, that cover a large part of the window and feel rather heavy in proportion to the space and the window

These valances cover half the window area. Since there are shutters here, I don’t think any valance is needed. They can take the backsplash tile up and around the window. #valances #windowtreatments

This valance covers a good 1/3 of the window. If privacy was needed at all, it didn’t help with that either. #valances #windowtreatments

Sometimes, a valance of any kind adds weight and caps the window where it would be better for that upper space to feel open, light and airy. Especially if there is not a need for complete privacy up high, these below, can be ideal solutions.

Top/down, bottom/up window shades

Top/down, bottom/up woven wood shades used in a bathroom to maintain privacy and still gain natural light in the space. Carla Aston, Designer | Miro Dvorscak, Photographer

Cafe curtains

See how cafe curtains are probably the ideal solution for this breakfast room? With the window valance, it feels like you have to crouch down to look out the window.

Cafe curtains are light, fresh, and still give privacy down low where it is needed.