How can I modernize Old built on valances?

Kristin Borle
by Kristin Borle
Hi I've just purchased an older home with built on window valances. I don't love them but they are attached to the walls and ceiling so I don't really want to tear them down either. I am looking for ideas to modernize them. I feel the that they take away from the beautiful windows behind.

Note this is the current owners decor, mine will be modern eclectic with greys, navy blue and mixed metal/ rose gold accent pieces.
  9 answers
  • Dysko7710 Dysko7710 on May 21, 2017

    You could paint a fun stencling pattern on them with fabric paint. Or hang prints from them to add art to the space. Or sew draped fabric in a swag over the existing valances. Or sew on tassels or other embellishments to match your decor.

  • My best guess is they are screw mounted to the wall / ceiling. See if you can find them, unscrew, take down and revamp as you wish! If not, paint! Good luck!

  • Michele Pappagallo Michele Pappagallo on May 21, 2017

    It's hard to tell in the picture if they are wood/drywall or fabric. If they are fabric, I would spruce them up with something more modern to match your decor. ...maybe a fun print or something colorful to help perk them up a bit. If they are wooden or drywall, I would try painting them to blend into the walls a bit.

  • Pat Ruge Pat Ruge on May 21, 2017

    If you changed out the drapes to a lighter color and covered the entire wall, the valance would almost disappear by painting it to match the lighter color drapes. I would even consider back-lighting the valance for more ambiance. If your budget does not allow new drapes, then I would paint the wall and valance a lighter color (matching), remove the drapes and install some back-lighting. This plan works if you never close the drapes anyway. I think it is the drapes that are the distraction as it is now - not so much the valance.

  • Teresa Teresa on May 21, 2017

    How about replacing the current drapes with a lighter color and painting the entire wall and valance an accent color?

  • Pat Pat on May 21, 2017

    That is a strange valance.....curtains are not even over to the ends of them. If you have to leave them, I would paint them the same color as the walls and put your curtains to the end, if possible. Taking them down would be best if you want a more modern look.

  • Marcie Marcie on May 21, 2017

    From a home staging professional point of view - if you can, take them out. Check to see how they are attached to the wall. They make the room feel much smaller. By taking it/them off, you will open up the room . They are not structural, so you can take them off either by unscrewing, or by demo! But you will have to do a little patch where they were attached to the walls. Not the easiest answer as just painting or covering, but I think you'll be much happier.

  • Sharon Sharon on May 21, 2017

    Agree that is one strange valance. I would also make drapes same color as valance and take out to the corners so its a solid wall of one color. or I would remove. Shouldn't be hard, they are usually installed with angle bracket and a few screws. Just fill holes and paint with matching paint.

  • Julia Olson Chomcy Julia Olson Chomcy on Sep 16, 2018

    I stumbled across this because I was googling what to do with my window valance. It’s exactlty the same. I hate mine. What did you end up doing to yours?? Take it out? Paint it? New drapes?


    Thanks :)