How to handle dated 70s window valance?

August 13, 2013 1:56 PM

How do I put window coverings in my bedroom and have it look modern, given the built in valance?

I live in a 70s era condo. It has built-in window valances, much like this one. I am reluctant to pull them out because my strata (and common sense) require me to do asbestos abatement because of the textured ceiling and the drywall mud compound, both of which have tested positive in other units.

I am renovating in small ways and want my place to look more modern. What can I do about drapes so that everything looks up to date and modern? The current track is for pinch pleats. Should I just go with those? The window wraps around a corner slightly, for another foot or so. I was just planning to go with basic white. I want to block out light as there is a street light almost at window level that shines all night.

Apologies if I have not provided enough info. I am new at this.

posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

That's not really a valance, it's an interior soffit. You can paint it, and that might lighten it up quite a bit. Or you can add to it, a la the uber-chic style of the 1940's and put your curtains between the two. (I'm thinking of the way Sam Spade's apartment does it in the Maltese Falcon. But I can't find a picture! Watch the movie, you won't be sorry.)

Put some molding on that bad-boy, tart it up, make it look like you MEANT to do it. Here's one with storage, but you get the idea. Here's a simpler one.

This is going to be awesome.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 2:19 PM on August 13, 2013

Response by poster: I don't quite follow about how you mean put my curtains between the two. I'm trying to flip through the movie on Youtube, but haven't quite figured out whose apartment is whose.

I just looked at my valance/soffit and realized it is shorter than the one I linked to. Mine is more like 3-4". I could just put pinch pleated drapes up. Would people walk in and think things were totally dated? That's my worry. Not that they live here, but I might want to sell some day.
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 2:24 PM on August 13, 2013

It's hard to explain, when you have some time, watch the movie and look at the windows.

Pinch pleats are fine, just get them in a nice fabric (easy to make yourself too.)

If I'm getting this right, won't the pleats be under/behind the valance?
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 2:32 PM on August 13, 2013

Response by poster: Yes. I guess I've had so many people tell me that the valances are dated and I should get rid of them, that now I'm worried about everything looking dated. (Of course, you would have to look past the textured popcorn stipple ceiling too.) Grommets are more in style around here.
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 2:35 PM on August 13, 2013

Grommets are looking tired. Blaze a resurgence of pinch pleats!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 3:31 PM on August 13, 2013 [1 favorite]

Do you want curtains that insulate and help keep heat in (or heat out)? Insulated window coverings will also reduce light.
Do you want to reduce or maximize the amount of light? I have thin linen curtains because I want as much light as possible.

Things that are swagged and/or draped are not in fashion. Pinch pleats are fine, a little bit more formal. Blinds are quite useful, and look more minimalist. Keep it neutral and simple for a modern look.

You can look on HGTV by 'modern' and by room.
http://www.hgtv.com/living-rooms/modern-loft-living-room/pictures/index.html
http://www.hgtv.com/designers-portfolio/room/modern/living-rooms/2859/index.html#//style-modern
posted by theora55 at 4:04 PM on August 13, 2013

Response by poster: Thank you for this info. I didn't think about how the valance would cover the pinch pleat tops. Thanks for the HGTV link too.
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 6:11 PM on August 22, 2013