Window Treatments Explained: Valances & Top Treatments
Swags Window treatments that are softly draping lengths of fabric used on the sides of valences.
Balloon Valance A double layer of fabric is separated (and sometimes stuffed) to create a puffy, three dimensional window topper.
Scarf Valance A large piece of drapery fabric that is without rod pocket, loops or pleats and is merely draped over and around the curtain rod or pole.
Festoon (Shown with jabots & tails) Used interchangeable with swag, this is the rounded drapes of fabric usually accompanied by tails and jabots.
Rod Pocket Valance A valance that consists of a rod pocket gathered onto a rod or pole, with little or no drapery or curtain beneath (the area above the door in the illustration).
Necktie Valance A valance with a tab top, with the addition of a knot between the tab and the curtain similar to a man's necktie.
Fairfield Valance A typically scalloped valance that is or appears to be two layers, usually consisting of two different fabrics/patterns.
Stagecoach Valance A non-gathered valance of flat fabric that is scalloped by means of two straps of usually contrasting fabric tied behind or below the panel.
Ascot (Pennant) Valance A pointed valance that can be hung either flat (pennant) or gathered, and occasionally sporting a tassel on it's point.
Toga Valance A swag type window treatment in which the panel tops are crisscrossed and overlapped to create a full appearance.
Empire Valance A non-gathered valance created by attaching the fabric so that swags and jabots are created.
Sunburst Valance A highly gathered window treatment, typically of sheer fabric, that is shaped for use exclusively on sunburst windows (with a curved curtain rod).
Boxpleat Valance A non-gathered window treatment of widely spaced, very tailored pleats, sometimes affixed to a cornice rather than a curtain rod.
Austrian/ Handkerchief Valance A window treatment consisting of one or more swags separated by pointed bundles of same or contrasting fabric resembling handkerchiefs.
Swag & Tails Valance Overlapped swags bracketed or separated by tails, often used with a cornice.
Contrast Jabot A jabot window treatment folded so that the back of the valance, typically a contrasting fabric, is visible.