Cornice vs. Valance: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

When it comes to finishing your windows with elegance, two of the most timeless top treatments are cornices and valances. They both sit at the upper portion of your window, can be layered with drapes or shades, and add visual structure - but they are very different in construction, style, and effect.

Roman shades and ruffled valances each bring a distinct finish to the window - structured elegance vs. soft decorative detail.

In this guide, we’ll break down cornice vs valance so you can choose the best fit for your space and design goals.

Cornice vs. Valance: What Each One Is

What Is a Cornice?

A cornice is a hard, structured top treatment—typically built from wood or foam and wrapped in fabric. It adds architectural detail, hides hardware, and creates a clean, tailored look.

Best for: Formal or traditional spaces, modern minimalists who prefer clean lines, or large windows that benefit from structure

Common styles: Boxed, arched, scalloped

Visual impact: Bold, dimensional, sculptural

What Is a Valance?

A valance is a soft, fabric-based top treatment that drapes or folds along the top of a window. It’s lighter and adds softness or pattern without visual bulk.

Best for: Casual, romantic, or transitional spaces; layering with shades or curtains

Common styles: Flat, scalloped, pleated, relaxed

Visual impact: Light, airy, decorative

Cornice vs Valance: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Cornice	Valance
Structure	Hard / upholstered	Soft / fabric only
Formality	More formal	Can be formal or casual
Layering	Great over drapes/shades	Often layered with shades/drapes
Customization	Shape, fabric, trim, nailhead, etc.	Fabric, pleat, lining, trims
Installation	Mounts to wall or ceiling	Mounts to rod or board
Maintenance	Dust with cloth or vacuum	May require occasional steaming

When to Choose a Cornice vs a Valance

Ask yourself:

Do I want structure or softness at the window top?

Structure = Cornice

Softness = Valance

Is the space formal or casual?

Formal = Cornice

Casual = Valance

Am I hiding hardware or designing a focal point?

Hiding & defining = Cornice

Decorative accent = Valance

Am I pairing it with shades or drapes?

Both work well, but valances give a softer layered look.

Customizing Top Treatments at DDCD

Whether you choose a cornice or valance, DDCD’s workroom crafts each piece by hand—tailored to your dimensions, style, and fabric preferences.

• Choose from scalloped, arched, boxed, or flat styles

• Add trims, piping, banding, or nailheads

• Coordinate with existing drapery or shades

• Built to exact measurements for flawless fit

Explore Top Treatments Page

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Final Thoughts on Cornice vs Valance

Both cornices and valances are timeless window enhancements—but they create very different effects. If you’re after structure and boldness, a cornice is the way to go. If you want softness and movement, a valance may be the better fit.

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for. At DDCD, we’ll help you design the perfect finishing touch for your windows.