Window Treatment Terminology

When you do a décor makeover of any room in your home – whether it is the kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, or the family room – one major piece of the design puzzle is bound to be the window treatments. As you start your search for the perfect window treatments to complement your new décor, you are going to run into a lot of different terms. To ensure you can make a good decision and be an informed consumer, it helps to know what the definitions of those terms are so you know what you are looking at.

Valances and Pelmets

There are a ton of different styles of window treatments out there, and you will likely run across the words “valance” and “pelmet” during your quest for the perfect window treatments to put in your room. The two are often confused with each other, so we have compiled a quick compare and contrast so you will be ahead of the game and able to tell the difference when you encounter them as you shop.

Curtain Valance: The valance is a short curtain that you hang at the top of a window. It is designed to either frame the top of the window or hide the curtain track or curtain rod system – and sometimes it can do both. Valances are usually found on more complex curtain rod systems – usually double rod systems, where the valance is hung on one rod, and the long drapes are hung on the other, but can be part of three rod systems or more, depending on what you are doing with your window treatment and how many layers you require. Valances look good when done in a color that matches the color of the drapes, or in a complementary or contrasting color. They will also look good if your drapes are patterned, and you choose one color from the pattern to use for the valance. Valances can be plain, but many people choose to add embellishments like tassels or other trim to add even more special detail.

Pelmet: A pelmet is another structure found at the top of a window, but unlike a valance, it is stiff and solid. You will often find these in hotel and motel rooms, but they are suitable for the home, as well. A pelmet works to reduce the light that may sneak in over the tops of your drapes, and they help with insulation, too. Pelmets can be upholstered in matching or complementary fabrics when you pair it with your drapes, or it can be painted or wallpapered to match your walls. They can be plain and simply built, or more decorative with scalloped trim or ribbons and tassels as embellishments. They hide the curtain rods or tracks, so you do not need to have fancy hardware if you use a pelmet.

Armed with your newfound knowledge about the differences between valances and pelmets, you are now ready to get out there and find the window treatments of your dreams.