What is a valance and how to choose it?

The use of antique household items in modern interiors is becoming more and more popular. Antique decor elements are a real highlight of the apartment's design. For example, many professional interior designers, who are probably already forgotten by everyone for a bed, are often used today in the design of bedrooms. Now it is sewn not only from lace, but also from various elite fabrics that match the overall style of the room.

A valance is an element of decoration that served as a decoration for a bed. It looks like a strip of fabric, decorated with embroidery or lace, which is sewn to the edges of the sheet or bedspread. When the bed is made, the valance hangs over the edges of the bed. Since ancient times, only natural fabrics (cotton, cambric, calico, damask) have been used, always white. On the front side of the bed, the valance was richly decorated with various decorative elements and lengths - it almost reached the floor. The beauty of the decoration depended on the artistic skills of the hostess. A variety of patterns were embroidered by hand, and the products themselves were then passed on from generation to generation.

In the old days, the valance, or, as it used to be called, the “valance”, was not only a decoration of the bedroom, but also had a purpose. Due to the cold floors in old houses, the beds were made quite high for a comfortable sleep (up to 1 meter from the floor). In addition, the free space under the bed served as a storage place for the owners' belongings.And in order not to flaunt everything folded under it, they used the valance as a kind of curtain. To avoid drafts under the berth, the "skirt" was sewn from a dense material. The embroidery that adorned this decorative detail was very different - geometric and floral patterns, images of animals and birds, elements of the World Tree, various mythological images. Some Slavic peoples depicted whole scenes from their lives on the valances - folk festivities, hunting.

Also, with the help of various techniques, amulets and symbols of protection were depicted. It was believed that such embroidery would save the owners from troubles and diseases. The features of the valances are:

• their functionality and practicality;
• adding elegance and wealth to the interior of the room;
• the ability to sew it with your own hands without any problems;
• long service life.

The valances in a modern design have acquired new shapes and colors. Designers have significantly expanded the variety of options for this decorative element. Nowadays, the valance serves as a decoration for almost any bedroom.

Lace valance will add romance and elegance to the bedroom of a teenage girl... The product with ruffles is suitable for a newborn's crib. A satin bedspread with an elastic band and a frill of lace will help to make the bedroom for couples more elegant.

Depending on the style of the interior, different models of valances are selected:

• classic style - light and dark. embroidered with gold thread or pleated (in the form of a skirt);
• provence - light shades of fabric, decorated with floral patterns;
• country - dense fabric of dark colors;
• high tech - plain fabrics without any decorative ornaments;
• modern, minimalism - strict valances, embroidered with geometric ornaments.

Below is a description of the main types of bed valances.

• Strict... They are products made of dense smooth fabrics (poplin, jacquard, gabardine), folds on such models are made only in the middle on each side or at the corners. Suitable for classic or high-tech bedrooms. It will definitely appeal to those who adhere to pure geometry in the interior.

• Drapery models... They create a certain charm and romantic atmosphere in the bedroom. Such products are sewn with soft folds and trimmed with lace, bows, embroidery, ruffles. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are used - silk, chiffon, batiste, satin and others. Such a valance looks gentle and feminine, so it will perfectly fit into the bedroom of a young girl, decorated in the Provence style.

• Pleated... A large number of folds are used for decoration (one-sided, two-sided, bow). So that the folds hang down beautifully and do not lose their shape, dense heavy material is used for sewing. Such a valance looks elegant and expensive.

Depending on the design features, valances are of two types.

• Whole... They are a single structure with a sheet or bedspread. They can be of the same color as the bedspread or stand out (another type of fabric or shade). You can make such a decorative element yourself by sewing it to the bedspread.

• Removable "skirt"... This product is a separate piece that is attached to the base of a bed or mattress with elastic bands, special loops or ribbons.

For those who decide to decorate the interior of their bedroom with a bed valance, you need to know a few important nuances that will help you purchase a product that is ideal for the decoration of the room. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

• Color spectrum overlap, as well as its design should match the style of the bedroom. The product should be matched to the color of bedspreads, curtains or furniture.It is possible to accentuate the interior with such a decorative element, but with caution. In a light monochromatic interior, it is worth using a bedspread with a bright-colored valance, decorated with some kind of ornament. If the room has a rich design, you should give preference to strict plain or pleated valances.
• Before buying you need to do accurate measurement bed base and mattress. You also need to know the height of the bed. The length is chosen exactly to the floor, the product should not lie on the floor or, conversely, not reach it.
• For sleeping places with low legs, they are perfect models with a vertically arranged geometric pattern. Beds with high legs are decorated with products with small patterns.
• To extend the life of the valance, you need to properly care for it. Choose models from high-quality fabrics, unpretentious in care.
• For those who want to extend the life of such a decorative element, you should choose removable "skirts". Any bedspread on the bed must be washed periodically, which is why solid types of valances will quickly lose their original appearance. You can wash a removable product only when necessary.