I had the same question for my kitchen sink window. All images I've seen lately are for roman shades, but the fabric I purchased wouldn't work for shades. So I just made a valance and I'm happy with it, even if it's not in style any more.

But to answer your question, I don't know. I don't see them in stores any more either. Perhaps it depends on the style of your window?

I wanted to use them because the full length curtains would feel like they were in the traffic flow in certain spots. If they are really out of date though, I'm going to consider other options.

Well, I think you should do what you like and what makes you happy.

BUT...if it's any indication, I was at a Country Curtains showroom (it just opened in my area) and almost all of the window treatments on display had valances over pinch pleats or gathered rod pockets and and the store was quite busy BUT...if was a much older crowd. I'm hovering on the brink of 50 and to me, it seemed like the 70+ year olds were doing the buying.

You really should do what you want. I bet some rooms still look great with valances. I bet old houses look good with them. I can imagine them in kitchens, tiny bathrooms, maybe kids rooms, maybe cottage-y situations. With ball fringe...so It's a situational thing. But yeah, I'm not seeing many in the magazines or on the decorating shows anymore.

I can't imagine using full drapes in certain areas. I just put a boxed/pleated valance in my kitchen above the banquette. I like valances - I don't think they "go out of style". I think the fabric choice can go out - but not the style.
I also put them in my bathroom - as I didn't want a heavy drape or a roman shade. I don't like roman shades..JMHO

Certainly not! Valances are VERY useful to allow curtains to be hung quite near to the ceiling -- and help to conceal the visible gap. Of course -- some folks do not use them -- but valances are a nice option in many cases.

Check around on designer Phoebe Howard's website -- and in her new book too -- lovely valances!

Here is a link that might be useful: Phoebe Howard -- inspiration photos from her website

I don't think so. I just bought about 200.00 in decor fabric to make some so they better not be!

I think valances are classic and like anything else, they get reinvented every now and then. It really just depends on the style and fabric you choose and how well it fits the application. There is a big difference between throwing up a cheap cafe valance without any thought and choosing a nicely lined valance that completely coordinates with or compliments a space.

I like valances because they're so versatile and can be used with such a large variety of window applications. They're a great way to get some print into a room too.

Thanks - It helps to know that others think they aren't out of style. At least I can keep looking for the right ones, and know that I'm not making a misake.

teacats, thank you so much for the link to phoebe howard! What absolutely amazing rooms. Definitely bookmarked and will savour the site over time.
Yowzah!

It depends on the room, the fabric, and the style of the valance. I think some valances are out of style.

Annie, I would love to see photos of your valances.
I am always looking for ideas

I do think that some valances might be considered out of style. I think of the balloon valances I had in my house in the 1980s - mauve, shiny, and stuffed with plastic bags from the dry cleaner so they had a lot of "pouf" - and I wouldn't go there again anytime soon. However, I think that a more classic, tailored valance is never going to be passe'. And having said that, I must admit that I've recently seen some ruffled valances that were definitely of a certain vintage (and most designers would probably turn their noses up at) that I still found quite appealing. I think the color and weight/quality of the fabric has a lot to do with it.

At least I can keep looking for the right ones, and know that I'm not making a mistake.

The whole purpose of decorating is to make your surroundings into an environment that is comfortable for you and your family. The biggest mistake someone can make is to avoid something they really like or want just because they think it may be dated or unpopular.

I hear you lukkiirish, but I'm that gal that buys a pair of pants thinking they look great one day and then realizes that they are a circa 1980s cut the next. It never hits me that I should have stopped looking for this cut when it wasn't in all of the main department stores. Oh, I might keep wearing them until I get some new ones, but once I realize that they are out of style I no longer feel great about how I look in them. So I guess sometimes I need a friend or two to shop with me to avoid these mishaps. Consider this my way of asking if these jeans make my butt look big. A friend would tell me in dressing room before I buy them.

What I've been reading in decor mags and blogs lately is that valences while out of style for a long while now are coming back in and will soon be "the latest thing" (again). I'm not saying to follow trends or not, this is just what the "experts" are saying about valences.

Ha! I love your analogy and it makes total sense. If that's the situation though, I would find the valance you like, post a picture of it as well as the room you want to use it in and ask if it works or looks dated. Since you know we're going to be honest, if it isn't right for the room we'll tell you and if you want, even help you find a better option. I'm a big fan of valances though. I think that unless it's hung with no thought to the space it's in they usually add interest.

Valances are certainly not out of date. They really add to a window. I'm a seamstress and do valances all the time. So many styles to choose from ..Just find the fabric that works in your room and have someone sew them for you ..

I agree with carolyn! I actually wish I knew someone I could pay to make my valances!!! I've had the fabric and pattern for almost 3 years now but can't find anyone to make them for me!!!

Too bad I'm in Nova Scotia or I would help..

I don't pay attention to what's in and what's out either. If I like it and it works in my home, then so be it.
You might think about using a cornice instead of a valance. They can be recovered if you change your mind at a later date too.

Valances are sooooo easy to sew they were all I had when my kids were little. They and a roller shade were PERFECT for use and safety in a kids room. A POP of color but no cords are drapes that could be pulled down if one had a climber. The FULLY LOADED window dressings appear to be on their way back. For the last 15 years or so I would say drapes w/o a valance were the rage. I went with wood cornices. They are more of an architectural feature and are constant as I feel the need to change out the drapes that are there too. The window with valance, sheers,drapes are a more formal presentation. I think with the advent of GREAT ROOMS windows followed along and went more casual. Suddenly less was more where windows were concerned. I think it depends on the room, privacy/sunshine need,formality of the room how you will dress a window. The valance can be used casually alone or as frosting on a formal look.

Thanks Carolyn! I appreciate that! I better start doing some serious searching though cause I found out company is coming next month and I'd like to have them up by then! LOL

Spam reported.

This is now 2018, mid-year. Are valances "out of style"?? Thanks to shows like HGTV, it's easy to keep track of what is "in style" in regards to decorating your home. And this includes window treatments.

But there's one thing that you must always remember, and that is that you are decorating your home for yourselves not for Southern Living magazine or for HGTV.

Your home is your oasis. It reflects who you are. It reflects your style and your taste, the same way your hairdo does and the make and model of the car you drive. You're not decorating your home to please other people. It's your nest. You do it the way you want.

I will give you some clarification about valances. I'm not a professional decorator but I have a certain skill which I think helps. When you look at valances, some of them are just more formal and more elegant than others. Take into consideration the room. If it's a formal living room or formal dining room, maybe look at valances that speak of elegance and sophistication.

If you are talking about a family room, or a kitchen, look at how you've decorated the room. Look at your furniture, and the valance should coordinate in style with the rest of your furnishings. Some valances are less elegant than others.

In today's world in 2018, using decorator curtain rods and no valance is a trend. But that's all it is .... a trend. One day that will also be out of style, just like granite on countertops, and dark hardwood floors are already going out of style, if you will. Now, instead of dark wood on the floors, they're using much lighter wood. And instead of granite with swirls and such, they're using quartz with very little design in it. But that's all just a trend.

If you want your window treatments to be timeless, look for classic looking window treatments or traditional window treatments that will not go out of style. Just remember that it's your home and your nest. You decorate it exactly the way you want.

Window treatments are not inexpensive. We had a designer come to our home just to see what he offered, and what it would cost to do one window. The window is about 5 feet wide and from the top of the window to the floor, it was 9 feet. We have high ceilings. I decided on a simple panel for each side, and a valance across the top that was tailored and not ruffled or gathered, what I would consider timeless and traditional. With a 40% sale off the price, it came to over $1,400. I'm not going to spend $1,400 on just one window, so I will shop at a department store or online.

Decorating your window is like buying a piece of furniture. In regards to valances, for high ceilings, valances can look very nice and crown a window beautifully. If you have low ceilings, then a valance might appear to be "heavy" visually, if you will.

Enjoy the process, because what you choose will be part of your home for years to come.

Photos ladies photos :)

James, you've bumped a really old thread. Got anything constructive to add?