When shopping for valances for windows, you need to think about which types of valance are suitable for the room you have in mind. For example, there are very crisp swags and tails which are most suitable for formal rooms in traditional style and which would be too staid for a child’s bedroom or bathroom. Although scarf valances are very popular at the moment, as far as window treatments are concerned, and can be seen in the latest glossy interior design magazines, they are not right for every situation. Here are some reasons why a scarf valance may not be the best choice.

photo credit: Posh Living, LLC

1. Style of Room

The scarf valance is beautifully informal and soft but this means it does not go with more stylized contemporary interiors, which rely on straight edges and geometric prints. It is also unsuitable for a traditional room full of dark wooden furniture and classic colors. The draping qualities of a scarf valance are much more suitable for a softer style room such as a romantic bedroom or country style kitchen – the fabric of the valance helps determine the exact style.

2. Your Creativity

Many valances you buy ready made or order from a curtain maker are pretty much fixed in style and you just have to hang them up. A scarf valance, however, may rely on you draping it in a creative way over a drapery rod or pole. If you are worried by that, you are better to choose a different style of valance.

3. Need for an “Expensive Look”

Scarf valances have a cheap and cheerful look about them and they are, in fact, usually much lower in cost than other types of more formal valances. If you want your home to look as if you spent a lot of money on it (even if you didn’t) scarf valances are not going to help your cause.