Draperies, Valances, and Cornice Boards: Finishing Details That Make a Difference

Window treatments do more than cover glass. They can also help define the appearance of an entire room. While blinds and shades often provide the practical foundation for a window treatment, decorative details can give the finished installation additional character.

Draperies, valances, and cornice boards are examples of features that can add visual interest around a window. Cornerstone Custom Blinds offers custom draperies and soft treatments, with options that include tassels, valances, cornice boardings, and a variety of fabrics, colors, and styles.

Draperies Add Softness and Texture

Draperies can change the visual character of a room by introducing fabric, texture, and movement around the windows. Unlike blinds or shutters, which typically have a more structured appearance, fabric treatments can give a space a softer and more decorative feel.

The choice of fabric can make a significant difference. A simple fabric can complement a minimalist room without drawing too much attention, while a more decorative material can become a focal point.

Draperies can also be coordinated with other elements in the room. Colors can complement furniture, flooring, wall treatments, or accent pieces, helping the window treatment feel like part of the overall design rather than an afterthought.

Use Valances to Frame the Window

A valance is a decorative treatment positioned at the top of a window. It can be used to add another design element without requiring full-length fabric panels.

Valances can work particularly well when homeowners want to emphasize the upper portion of a window or add additional visual detail to an existing blind or shade installation.

Cornerstone Custom Blinds specifically offers valance options for its vertical blinds, while its custom drapery offerings also include valances as part of its selection of soft treatments.

This means a valance can be considered as part of a larger window treatment design rather than as a completely separate decorative decision.

Consider Cornice Boards for a Structured Look

For homeowners who prefer something more substantial than a traditional fabric valance, cornice boards can provide a structured decorative element above the window.

Cornice boards can help define the upper portion of a window and create a more

formal appearance. When coordinated with the rest of the room, they can contribute to a polished and intentional design.

Cornerstone Custom Blinds includes cornice boardings among its custom drapery and soft-treatment offerings, giving homeowners another way to personalize their windows.

Coordinate Decorative Details With Your Existing Treatments

Decorative window treatments do not necessarily need to replace blinds or shades. In many cases, the different elements can work together.

For example, a homeowner may choose a practical shade for everyday light control and then add a decorative fabric treatment around the window. The shade handles the functional side of the window, while the fabric adds color, texture, and visual interest.

The goal is to make the different components feel intentional. Similar colors, complementary fabrics, and consistent design details can help create a cohesive result.

Choose Fabrics That Fit the Room

Fabric selection is an important part of custom draperies and soft treatments. The right choice depends on the atmosphere you want to create.

Lighter fabrics can create an airy appearance, while richer materials can give a room a more substantial and formal feel. Patterns can introduce visual interest, while solid colors may work better when the room already contains several decorative elements.

There is no single fabric that works for every home. Instead, the best choice depends on the existing design and the homeowner's preferences.

Think Beyond the Window

One of the benefits of decorative window treatments is their ability to influence the appearance of the surrounding wall. Full-length draperies can draw the eye upward and create a strong vertical element, while valances and cornice boards can emphasize the upper portion of the window.

This makes window treatments an important part of interior design rather than simply a way to cover glass.

Bring Your Window Design Together

Blinds, shades, shutters, and draperies can all serve different purposes within a home. Adding decorative details such as valances or cornice boards can provide another level of customization.

At Cornerstone Custom Blinds, homeowners can explore a range of window treatment styles, fabrics, colors, and decorative options as part of a custom design. The company offers free in-home consultations and free installation, making it easier to discuss the possibilities for your space.

If your windows need more than a basic covering, consider the decorative possibilities. The right combination of draperies and finishing details can give your windows a polished appearance while helping the entire room feel more complete.