Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

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

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
Subway tiles? Boring – try these 11 creative bathroom tile ideas instead
Wow yourself every time you walk into your bathroom with these cool ideas
Bathroom with tile and brick wall

Subway tiles are a tried-and-tested option for bathroom wall tile. It's a classic look to be sure, but it's also a bit boring and expected. There are a ton of other fun, more creative bathroom tile ideas that can make a big impact on your bathroom -- a space most of us spend a fair amount of time in getting ready, relaxing in the tub, or winding down after a long day with a face mask and a glass of wine.

The space should be one that excites and invigorates, and to do that, you'll want to ditch the old subway tiles in lieu of more exciting styles. We've done the research to come up with eleven creative designs that will "wow" you every time you walk into your bathroom.
Create texture

Read more
A coastal farmhouse living room is the cozy, casual aesthetic you need
Blend coastal decor with farmhouse design to achieve a fresh yet cozy look in your living room
White sofa with navy accents in front of shiplap wall

Sorry Chip and Joanna, there’s a new farmhouse style that’s capturing everyone’s hearts. While modern farmhouse decor is still a popular choice, many are turning to a cozier, breezier aesthetic: coastal farmhouse. This style combines the best parts of farmhouse and coastal decor to create a chic but still homey design style. How can you mix coastal and farmhouse? Keep reading to learn more about this laid-back aesthetic and ways to incorporate it into your living area.
Understanding the basics

Before you incorporate coastal farmhouse design into your home, it’s important to know the essential elements of each style. Farmhouse is a rustic interior design style inspired by colonial American farmhouses. The style prioritizes comfort and function and feels inviting for family and friends. Design elements are often simple, relaxed, and cozy. Furniture and decorative elements appear vintage and rustic, with a worn-in charm. Classic farmhouse elements include exposed wood beams, open shelving, rough textures, and welcoming, neutral hues.

Read more
What is a galley kitchen and can I design one?
Before designing your dream galley kitchen, you'll need to consider safety, function, and storage
A galley kitchen with blue cabinets

A galley kitchen is two parallel runs of cabinets with an aisle in between. It is sometimes referred to as a corridor kitchen. Ships and airplanes have galley kitchens because they are efficient and have a small footprint. They are popular for apartments, but some builders and homeowners favor them for open-concept homes as well as smaller homes.

They make optimal use of space because food storage, prep areas, and cooking areas are all within easy reach. They can have a very sleek, contemporary feel.
Some galley specifics

Read more