Is It A Cornice Or Valance?
What is the difference between a cornice and a valance?
The verdict is in… cornice and valance do not mean the same thing. It’s a common misconception which anyone from purchasing agents to site contacts to interior designers all have some trouble with. Valances and cornices are not the same thing and the two words therefore cannot be used interchangeably. We understand the confusion and many times pictures look incredibly similar which makes it even worse. So what is the difference between the two? Well, we are here to explain and clear all of the confusion up for posterity’s sake.
What is a cornice?
A cornice is a top treatment constructed out of wood, on all sides. It may be fabric lined and covered, or it may be stained or painted but what makes it a cornice is that the sides and front are all constructed from wood. Plywood is usually used when it is fabric wrapped.
What is a valance?
A valance is made with a wood top board, has a fabric front and may have fabric sides which hang loosely from the top board. The fabric front and sides may be finished in a variety of ways. Valances are always made by a drapery manufacturer. See all of the different valance styles here.
Example
Check out that curved valance. See all of the different valance styles here.
And…. That’s it. It is truly that simple. We’ve included a few extra notes on typical valence/cornice information below but the point to remember is – Cornices are constructed of wood on all sides while valances have a wood top board with fabric front and sides.
Both cornices and valances have options on the size drop (length of cornice/valance), the size of return, whether there is a return at all, how the top is constructed and how it is mounted to the wall or ceiling.
Here is all the above information, summarized in one PDF card. Download it and reference it often!
Other Common Cornice/Valance Questions are answered in subsequent posts titled "What is the Best Cornice Construction for Me?" & "Millwork Cornices - Another Option". If it is specified that the General Contractor or property will be constructing the cornices directly we recommend taking a look at the Resource Card, GC Cornices as reference.
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