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Pillows & Pleats
Pillows & Pleats

Top Treatments

Cornices & Valances

The finishing line of a beautiful room

A top treatment finishes a window the way crown molding finishes a room. It can hide hardware and blinds, make a window look taller or wider, and bring in color and pattern without covering the glass.

We design, build and upholster cornices and valances in our Waterford workroom, and every one is mounted level and secure by an insured installer.

Box pleated valances in a navy and red floral print above tall windows in a Hamilton, VA living room
Custom valancesHamilton
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Cornices

A cornice is a structured, upholstered board mounted above the window. Cornices are tailored and architectural, and they pair beautifully with roman shades, blinds or drapery panels. Outside mount cornices add height and presence. Inside mount cornices sit within the frame for a clean look that shows off fine trim work. Shapes range from straight boards to curved and scalloped profiles, finished with welting, banding or trim.

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Valances and swags

Box pleated valance
Tailored and traditional, with crisp inverted folds.
Board mounted valance
Lined and interlined for body, mounted on a board for a clean line.
Roman valance
Flat or relaxed, a favorite for kitchens and breakfast nooks.
Swags
Interlined with bump for a full, elegant drape, finished with banding or bead fringe.
Attached valance
Sewn onto drapery panels for a layered look in one piece.
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Where a bold fabric shines

Top treatments take far less yardage than full-length panels, which makes them the perfect place for a statement print or a precious fabric. We pleat patterned fabrics to pattern so the design lines up across the window.

Recent cornices & valances

From the portfolio

All cornices & valances
Cornice mounted over a blackout roman shade, Waterford, VA
Cornice mounted over a blackout roman shadeWaterford
Fabricut flat roman valance pleated to pattern, Waterford, VA
Fabricut flat roman valance pleated to patternWaterford
Inside mount banded cornice that shows off new trim, Leesburg, VA
Inside mount banded cornice that shows off new trimLeesburg
Scalloped valance for a child's room, Leesburg, VA
Scalloped valance for a child's roomLeesburg
Drapery panels with an attached valance, Round Hill, VA
Drapery panels with an attached valanceRound Hill
Attached valance on custom drapery panels, Loudoun County
Attached valance on custom drapery panelsLoudoun County
Fabricut linen swag interlined with bump, Ashburn, VA
Fabricut linen swag interlined with bumpAshburn
Shaped upholstered cornices in a blue print fabric with pink piping, on the workroom cutting table
Shaped, upholstered cornices with contrast piping, crafted in our Waterford workroomPurcellville
Striped swag finished with Samuel & Sons bead fringe, Ashburn, VA
Striped swag finished with Samuel & Sons bead fringeAshburn
Patti created absolutely beautiful window treatments for our home which included roman shades, grommet panels, cornices and a valance. Her attention to detail is truly awe-inspiring. She goes above and beyond to ensure you are happy with the final product. Additionally, she has a plethora of high quality fabrics for you to choose from and is very accommodating to keep you within your budget.
Tracy B. · Waterford, VA

FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the difference between a cornice and a valance?

A cornice is a rigid, upholstered board with a structured shape. A valance is made from soft fabric that is pleated, gathered or folded. Cornices feel tailored and architectural, and valances feel softer.

Can a cornice go over my existing blinds or shutters?

Yes. Hiding the top of blinds or shades is one of the most common reasons clients choose a cornice.

Will a valance make my window look smaller?

Not when it is mounted correctly. Mounting the top treatment above the window frame, close to the ceiling, makes the window look taller.

Also from the workroom

Consultations by appointment

Let’s begin with your windows

Your project begins with a private consultation in your home. We measure each window, listen to your vision, and bring curated fabrics, trims and hardware to evaluate in your own light.

Cornice mounted over a blackout roman shade, Waterford, VA