Regency Valance Styles

History

• Regency window treatments tended to include pairs of curtains that were built up in layers and hung from a decorative pole. The pole would often be covered by elegant fabric, draped in loops, swags and festoons. This eventually became known as the valance. The main, heavier curtains would be pulled back with curtain hooks or tasseled cords along with the under curtains, which would be made from cotton or muslin.

Symmetry and Shape

• Symmetry was hugely popular in regency interiors. Although valances would occasionally be designed with a horizontal bottom line, more often the valance would rise toward the middle, creating an arch shape. Valances would always be vertically symmetrical. Pelmets -- valances made from a solid material and covered in fabric -- were also popular, and the lower edge would be decoratively shaped.

Swags, Tails, Loops and Festoons

• During the Regency period, a popular way of creating a valance would be to loop fabric over the curtain rail to create a luxurious draped effect. The swag is the part that hangs down in a "U" shape, while the tail is the part that hangs down the side of the curtains. The swags would be around one sixth the length of the window, while the tails between one and two thirds the length of the curtain. Another popular valance treatment was the festoon, which was created out of fabric draped and bound at intervals.

Fabric and Trimming

• The valance would usually be made in the same fabric as the main curtains, trimmed with fringing or beading. As well as adding elegant decoration, the heavy trimming ensured that the fabric draped well and remained unmoved by gusts of wind. Popular fabric choices were striped silks and damasks, often in the same color as the upholstery. Drapery fabrics were often lined with a contrasting or complementary colors and popular shades were sulphur yellow, pale blue and green.