A window valance is a form of window treatment

Window treatment

A window treatment is an interior decorating element placed on, in, around, or over a window.It may more specifically refer to:* Cornice board* Curtains* Drapery* Molding * Pelmet* Sheer fabrics* Window blinds** Venetian blinds** Shutters...

 that covers the uppermost part of the window and can be hung alone or paired with window blind

Window blind

A window blind is a type of window coverings. There are many different kinds of window blinds, using different systems and materials. A typical window blind is made with slats of fabric, wood, plastic or metal that adjust by rotating from an open position to a closed position by allowing slats to...

s, or curtains

Curtain

A curtain is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light, or drafts, or water in the case of a shower curtain. Curtains hung over a doorway are known as portières...

. Valances are a popular decorative choice in concealing drapery hardware

Hardware

Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....

. Window valances were popular in Victorian interior design. In draping or bunting form they are commonly referred to as swag.

Types of window valances

• Balloon Valances: The fabric of this valance 'balloon
  Balloon
  A balloon is an inflatable flexible bag filled with a gas, such as helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen, or air. Modern balloons can be made from materials such as rubber, latex, polychloroprene, or a nylon fabric, while some early balloons were made of dried animal bladders, such as the pig...
  
  s' out providing a full appearance. Balloon valances are commonly made of lightweight cotton
  Cotton
  Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
  
   material.

• Swag Valances: The fabric of this valance hangs across brackets and drapes over the top of a window, with tails hanging down on each side. Almost any type of fabric can be used.
  • When a lightweight or sheer fabric is used this may be known as a scarf
    Scarf
    A scarf is a piece of fabric worn around the neck, or near the head or around the waist for warmth, cleanliness, fashion or for religious reasons. They can come in a variety of different colours.-History:...
    
    valance.

• Ascot Valances: The fabric of this valance forms triangular shapes which hang over curtains or drapes. These valances are often made of more elaborate materials, including silk or velvet fabric with tassels or fringe.
• Italian Valances: The fabric drapes across the top of the window with the length of the fabric forming a curve with the shortest width at the center of the window.