For those of you new to the RV world there is a plethora of terminology that flies by you from the day you even begin to think about owning a rig. There's a lot of research that goes along with understanding your RV, and the recreational vehicle lifestyle. One question you may ask is, "What is a valance?" As with all things in the RV world, RecPro is here to help. The strict definition of a valance is this:
Valance
A valance is a suspended covering that frames your RV window with a header, or a header and legs, to cover items such as window sills, window seals, and the top bar of blinds or roller shades. If we're still speaking another language to you, again, we're here to help. To assist you in understanding this part of the RV world (and a bit of interior design), here is a quick primer on valances:
Header – The cloth or cloth-covered box covering at the top of your window. Generally used to cover blinds, curtain rods, roller shades, and all other exposed hardware that comes with window treatments.
Legs – The 90° extensions that drop vertically, on either side of the window, below the header
Valance F.A.Q:
You may have many questions when you look to add or replace, the valances in your RV or living space. As with all things to do with your RV, there is a price tag attached, and you want to make sure you do things right the first time. We want you to do things right, as well as have all the information you need! Here is a short list of questions we frequently receive from our customers:
Q: Does the valance go by other names?
A: Yes. While these differ stylistically, they are also known as drapery headers (in homes), skirts, swag, valance skirts, window headers, treatments, Pelmets (UK), headers, cornices, and window treatments.
Q: How much wider should a valance be than the window it is covering?
A: Typically, you want your valance to have an overall profile that is 3" to 4" wider than the window it is covering.
Q: What are the differences between the valance types?
A: While they're the same in the general sense, valances are a cloth covering the window while a cornice is backed by a frame (typically plywood.) Swag is draped curtain, lace, muslin, or another soft textile that covers the top and sides of a window.
Q: How high do you hang a window valance?
A: While situations vary, the general suggested height is 4" above the window. This will typically be enough clearance to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as cover any exposed hardware.
Q: Do you have Ascot or Balloon valances available?
A: We offer the cornice style valance, which is the industry standard in recreational vehicles. All other styles are generally suited for home applications.
Q: How long will my valance order take to arrive?
A: As with all custom orders through RecPro, you need to allow 3-4 weeks for the item to be completed. Generally, our manufacturing partners move rather quickly, and you may see your order in as little as two weeks. We will send a notification to our customers when their custom orders are ready to ship. We recommend purchasing all custom orders a month before "RV season" hits so that when it comes time to bring your RV out of hibernation, you will be ready to install (or replace) your valances.
Q: How do I measure my windows so that I give RecPro the proper measurements for my custom valances?
A: When measuring for your valances, we recommend a design professional help you measure your windows. If you are doing the work yourself, first and foremost, take each measurement twice (if not three times.) The old carpenter's adage, "Measure twice, cut once" is especially true when ordering custom pieces. The three primary measurements you should take are the width, height, and depth of the valance to fit around your window's frame. Round all measurements out to the nearest 1/8". Do not understate your measurements. Make sure and have the exact measurements of your window's frame.
Q: Do valances help with reduction of road noise?
A: While they may help to dampen road noise slightly, the difference would be negligible. Cellular shades are the best choice if you want to have a cheap, efficient, and easily-installed option for noise reduction.
Q: Do you have different designs of valances?
A: Yes. We offer the valances in our Suprima fabric in the four primary RecPro colors:
Putty, Toffee, Chestnut, and Mahogany.
We also have four proprietary design profiles for our valances:
Sunrise, Sunset, Ocean, and Mesa.
Our color palette and design profiles are crafted explicitly so that they can easily blend into your existing interior design. The tones of our furniture, valances, head knockers, and other interior items are made to accentuate your existing materials. They are strong enough in presence to stand out to anyone that visits your RV.
Explore our valance product categories, or call our helpful Customer Care Department, to get more information on how you can customize your RV with a variety of valances today!
