Avoid The Vintage Window Treatment That Always Makes Your Room Feel Cramped

Although technically speaking, common window treatments take up space, they shouldn't make the room feel cramped or tight. After all, their main purpose beyond aesthetics is to provide privacy and control the light seeping through the glass. There is this one dated treatment, however, that almost always feels like it's eating up more space than intended and creates a crowded illusion. We're talking about valances. They were once considered a staple in traditional home decor, since they were originally intended to conceal curtain rods or other window treatment hardware behind a decorative finish. However, these horizontal hanging fabric panels have somewhat lost their charm and become a home design faux pas amid today's preponderance of modern minimalist styling that focuses on open and airy spaces.

According to Niche Interiors principal designer Jennifer Jones, window valances don't work for every room, so it's best to avoid them. Explaining why this is so, she told The Spruce, "Large decorative valances above drapery panels feel bulky and heavy and take up more space than standard rods. Valances also stop your eye from extending all the way to the ceiling, making the room feel shorter and more claustrophobic." Vintage valances typically come with ruffles, while modern iterations now sport clean lines. Regardless of style and pattern, such ornate toppers appear to lower the height of a room since they cut the continuous imagery or flow of the wall, making even the most generous of spaces feel smaller.

While it's pretty clear at this point that valances are now among the once-popular window treatments that make homes look dated, there are still ways to salvage these toppers from feeling outdated and oppressive. One obvious solution is to avoid patterns that make curtain valances look dated. Vintage designs feature droopy fabric with out-of-fashion floral patterns that look and feel heavy. Go for modern valances with subtle prints or geometric patterns. These won't overwhelm the space or clash with other window treatment patterns and styles. It's also best to skip the ruffles, pleats, and layered styles that were in vogue decades ago. Choose flat or box-pleated valances with clean lines and minimal embellishments instead. If you want a more tailored and clean look, opt for lightweight valance fabrics in solid or neutral tones.

Another useful tip when styling with valances is to place or hang them higher, preferably just a few inches below the ceiling or crown molding. Positioning your horizontal toppers high will draw the eye upward and create an illusion of taller walls. Just be sure to adjust the height of your curtain rods or other window treatments so they remain hidden behind the valances. Finally, if you really want to make the room feel airy and bright, consider combining a flat valance with sheer curtains, which is a window treatment idea for a timeless look. Alternatively, light roller shades bring in more light while adding a touch of modern softness with their clean, minimalist lines and textures.