Is it time for a kitchen makeover? Freshen your window treatments with valances. They are certainly more practical in the kitchen than side panels since they only cover the top of the window and don't extend to the floor. 
The style is important and should relate to the rest of the kitchen. Look at repeating the valance shape that is on the kitchen chair backs, or the lines of the kitchen architecture, or other features in the kitchen you might want to highlight. The valances can be scalloped, arched up or down, buttoned, triangular shaped or straight with trim. And really this is only the beginning of choices you might have.
Many valances are mounted on a board that is hidden so you only see the fabric and the shape of the valance. But if you have room, a decorative rod adds to the design. The color of the rod can be repeated from a color in the ceiling fan, the decorative hardware or any other accent you want to make. This could be a contrast color or a blending color.
We often use metal poles and finials but you could use wood poles too. The size of the wooden pole or decorative metal rod is also important and could be as small as 1" in diameter to as big as 3" in diameter. Take the size and scale of the room into consideration when selecting the size of the hardware.
The fabric choice can add a decorative accent repeating the colors or patterns already used in the kitchen or the adjoining room. The fabric could contrast with the existing colors for a highlight. It is always good to repeat the valance colors in another way in the kitchen so the valances don't seem to be hanging in space all by themselves.
Keep in mind that valances can hide imperfections in your room. Sometimes the windows or doors are not at the same height but the valances can be mounted all the same distance down from the ceiling and can hide that problem. Maybe there is an imperfection on the wall and that can be hidden too with valances.
If you have a hearth room or a family room next to the kitchen, consider coordinating your window treatments in the kitchen with those other rooms as well. You might add drapery panels in the adjoining room but use the same style and fabric for valances in both room. Or maybe you would use a different fabric - one casual for the kitchen and a coordinating fabric a little less casual in the family room.
Custom window treatments can take into account your lifestyle, the size and shape of your windows and your color preferences. This can be a fun project and will give you a chance to express yourself. We would be glad to help you find the just right fabric and window treatment style that will make you smile.
