Window Toppings

Windows have always been one of the most interesting focal points of a home. Some have incredible moldings or stained wood casings. Others are tall and regal with full arch tops. Some have no molding at all, but the view seen beyond the window is what captures your eye. No matter the shape or the size, windows are eye catchers and they deserve to be adorned.

Most homes, both new and previously lived in, come with blinds of some sort for privacy and basic coverage. It is not necessary to have elaborate window dressings over blinds, but a little fabric can give the perfect balance of texture and style that finishes a room. Window toppers, or valances, offer a burst of color while being much more economical than a full treatment.

Making your windows look exceptional can be as easy as buying a yard or two of fabric and being creative. Cornice boards take the least amount of fabric and are one of the easiest treatments to make for a do-it-yourselfer. A cheater cornice is actually made by sewing a pocket at the top of the fabric that is cut to the exact size needed for the face and return of the valance. Run a rod through the pocket and stretch it tight. Add a little trim on the bottom to finish the edges and you have a makeshift cornice, sort of. Upholstering a cornice board is more difficult and you might want to leave that up to a professional, but it takes very little fabric and is quite affordable.

A very tailored or casual room might require a sleek, streamlined valance design that adds more color than volume. One very simple design is the kerchief topper. I often do this treatment inside mounted (inset in the window) because it is a little more difficult to make with returns. Basically, there are three triangles, stacked side by side or one on top of the other attached to a covered board. A little fringe or braid on the hemline adds a little pop of extra color. I often use covered buttons or tassels for accents, too. Obviously, wider windows require more triangles, but the number should always be odd, not even, to look just right.

The eternally “in” swag is probably the most common of all window toppers. There are many varieties of swags. Some are pristine and perfectly pleated and some are gathered in a more casual manner. Jabots and cascades generally are paired with swags. They, too, come in many different styles. They can be long, short, gathered, pleated, inverted or angled. Some are tied up in the corners and some are stapled to a board.  Whether formal, country or contemporary, there is a swag that will work on your windows.

Fringe, tassels, buttons, braids, accent bands and decorative hardware are like jewelry to a window treatment. These accents add sparkle, color, texture and personality to any fabric. Mixing fabrics and textures creates a truly custom look. Whether you have your treatments done professionally or buy ready-mades, adding adornments and installing them correctly will make the absolute difference between an awesome look and an “OK” look.

Another benefit to adding toppers to your windows is to increase the appearance of the window height. Some newer homes will have several feet of dead space above the window. Toppers can be raised as much as 10 to 12 inches above the window opening, which makes the window look that much taller. You will be amazed at the difference that little tip can make. Placing the treatment at the top of the window can make the window look squatty and short. That is never a good thing.

Window treatments are all about having the option to change your mind without starting over. As your taste changes, so must your window treatments. Ultimately, displaying your personality in your home is the most important factor. Toppers can be the crowning glory or just the beginning. Either way, your windows will never be the same.