Curtain Box or Curtain Valance: Which One Should You Go For?

When choosing to dress curtains on your windows, one of the considerations you have to pay attention to is the upper window treatment. Regardless of the hanging design you choose, you need to evaluate how to dress the top of your curtains. The two most common solutions for this include use of curtain boxes/cornices and use of curtain valances/pelmets. In this article, evaluate the two to see which best fits your needs.

Design options

When it comes to design variety, both valances and curtain boxes put up a stiff competition. Curtain boxes, mostly made from wood, can bear various designs from engraving to millwork and paintwork. Curtain cornices also have great aesthetics in form of mouldings and classical designs.

On the other hand, valances are made of fabric. The options are therefore endless in terms of colors and material. Valances can also be dressed in various styles such as straight, folded, pinched, swag valance and scalloped valance, among others.

However, the main difference between the two is that, while valances can be interchanged, curtain boxes cannot. It's therefore much easier to match your curtains with a valance of your choice, giving your windows a completely new look every time.

Ease of use

In this category, curtain boxes take the prize. This is because curtain boxes are permanent. Once installed, they are meant to be used with any curtain dressed on the window. They therefore do not need any alteration even as you change curtains. Luckily, most curtain boxes are available in colors such as black, grey or white as these will go well with most curtain designs.

Curtain valances, on the other hand, are mostly designed to match a specific curtain design. This means you may need to change your valance every time you change the curtain set. However, it is possible to design a semi-permanent valance made of plain neutral colors for use with different curtains.

Maintenance

Due to the nature of their material, curtain valances have more maintenance than curtain boxes. They have to be taken down and cleaned regularly and may need occasional stitching. Their frequent removal and installation also means they are more prone to wear as compared to curtain boxes/cornices.

Curtain boxes, however, only require occasional cleaning to wipe away dust. You may replace them after several years but that is optional as they are made to last.

If you are looking for design options and great looks, curtain valances are often better. However, if you want simple and easy to use, curtain boxes are it. To get a better idea of your options, contact companies like Miraje Home Decor & Soft Furnishings.