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The best valance curtains to create a vintage, retro, or rustic vibe in your home

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A valance curtain dresses up the top part of a window and covers up any hardware like rods or brackets. Elevate simple window coverings like shades with a fun valance curtain for a more visually intriguing room. To help you find the perfect curtain to complete your home decor, we’ve picked out the best valance curtains on the market.

Valance curtains are commonly used for kitchens, but they can be used throughout the home wherever your window needs a little embellishment. A valance curtain for the kitchen usually features scalloped designs in bright, refreshing colors.

Living room curtains with valances achieve a layered look often paired with opulent, full-length curtains. Other popular styles include swags, scarfs, and pleated curtains. Let’s check out which one might be best for you.

No. 918 Alison Floral Lace Curtain Valance

Best Overall

The No. 918 Alison single panel curtain is the best overall choice and looks especially nice when matched with longer lace curtains from the same company. It features a sheer white polyester lace in a floral pattern that’s safe for any washing machine. A top pocket helps you install this curtain on a standard rod.

Decotex Premium Quality Scarf Valance

Best Alternative

Choose the Decotex valance curtain for the best alternative to traditional window coverings. The elegant, asymmetric scarf design gracefully festoons your window for a unique look. This polyester curtain is an ideal accent piece to soften bold patterned coverings or complement a busy gallery wall.

NICETOWN Blackout Window Valance

Best for Blocking Light

Stop light from peeping through the upper part of your window when you pair this sunlight-absorbing valance with long, blackout curtains. This high-quality fabric is engineered with triple weave technology to provide ultimate privacy and light-absorbing power. A solid gray color meshes well with most colorways. To iron out wrinkles, use a low temperature setting to protect the fabric.

Think of valance curtains as window toppers that match well with shades, blinds, or curtains but also work as stand-alone coverings. Their short length makes them ideal accent curtains that provide partial privacy. Consider a valance from our list for an offbeat choice of curtain that’s unique and practical.

21Oak Contributor
21Oak Contributor
21Oak Contributor
Transform your bathroom with Hydro Systems’ new custom color bathtubs
Transform your bathroom into a wellness sanctuary with Hydro Systems
Hydro Systems Lido Stone Grey

Hydro Systems announced the launch of its new custom color bathtub offering, designed to bring a fresh, personalized approach to bathroom wellness. With an expanded palette that includes 15 premium shades, any Pantone or RAL hue, and even custom swatch matching, homeowners now have unlimited ways to infuse color into their bathroom retreat.
Color plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of a space, and Hydro Systems is tapping into that influence to help homeowners create bathrooms that support relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. Whether choosing calming blues and greens or more energizing shades like terracotta or golden yellow, every hue offers the opportunity to make a personal statement while enhancing the mood of the room.
"By enabling homeowners to create the perfect color match, Hydro Systems ensures that the bathroom becomes more than just a functional space," said a Hydro Systems spokesperson. "It becomes a personalized sanctuary that enhances physical and mental well-being."
This new offering allows homeowners and designers alike to move beyond traditional white tubs and transform the bathroom into a vibrant, wellness-centered haven when remodeling a bathroom. With complete color flexibility, the bathtub becomes a true design element — one that reflects personal taste while setting the tone for a more mindful daily routine.
Unlike standard bathtubs, Hydro Systems’ custom color options combine luxury, wellness, and individuality in one seamless solution.
For more information about the new custom color bathtub collection, explore Hydro Systems bath tub options today.

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The apartment decor trends renters are looking for in 2025
Learn what renters are looking for to make their apartment a home
Apartment with accent wall

Apartment decor trends are shifting as renters look for ways to personalize their spaces while maximizing functionality. According to the Rently 2025 Apartment Design & Decor Trends Report, conducted in partnership with the third-party survey platform Pollfish, 500 U.S. renters planning to refresh their homes in 2025 revealed their top priorities.
From optimizing small spaces to integrating smart home technology, these trends reflect a growing desire for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. Whether you're a renter looking for inspiration or a property owner wanting to attract tenants, these key apartment design elements are shaping the future of rental living.

1. Maximizing small spaces

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Nature-inspired homes sell for $12,500 more, new Zillow research finds
Organic modernism can boost your home value.
Stone fireplace with natural decor

Homeowners preparing to sell this spring may want to consider the power of natural home design. New research from Zillow shows that homes featuring organic, nature-inspired elements are commanding higher sale prices. In fact, sellers could get up to 3.5% more, which amounts to roughly $12,500 on a typical U.S. home.
The trend of incorporating natural elements is known as organic modernism. This design approach blends earthy textures with clean, modern lines. Popular features like soapstone countertops, white oak floors, and Venetian plaster walls are resonating with today’s buyers, who are increasingly drawn to homes that feel calming, refined, and connected to nature.
“The contemporary look of homes today is characterized by natural stone, wood flooring and cabinetry, and textured walls,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow home trends expert. “Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes.”
According to Zillow’s analysis of over 2 million listings, homes with the following features are consistently selling at higher prices:

Soapstone countertops increase sale price by 3.5%.

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