Sophistication at the Top: A Guide to Window Top Treatments
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Top treatments are a form of window treatment traditionally made from ornamental draped fabric or wood upholstered with fabric. They are secured at the top of the window to add flair and sophistication to a room and improve design scheme cohesion. Top window treatments are also frequently used as a tasteful cover for hardware that holds soft or hard window under-treatments.
You can use top treatments to complement drapes, Roman shades, roller shades, and blinds or as standalone treatments for the top — and sometimes sides! — of your windows. In other words, they can be the cherry on top or act as a crown: the only accessory needed to draw the eye to the beauty underneath.
Like all soft furnishings we design and fabricate at The Pinched Pleat, our top treatments are endlessly customizable and can be tailored to any style. We take pride in creating classic top treatments while maintaining an eye for contemporary detail. Keep reading to learn about the different styles of top treatments, including valances, faux Roman shades, pelmets, soft cornices, cantonnières, lambrequins, indoor awnings, and swags and jabots.
Choosing Your Style: Exploring Options in Top Window Treatments
Top treatments make any space feel more stylistically coordinated regardless of whether you pair them with other window treatments. These treatments make a statement, and the specifics of that statement are entirely up to you. If you like the old-fashioned look, we can make lambrequins in the classic medieval style, or you prefer a sleek, modern pelmet or a romantic, relaxed set of swags and jabots.
The versatility of top treatments makes them a perfect finishing touch for draperies and Roman shades. They also double as a method of concealment for hardware you’d rather not see. Additionally, a top treatment that covers the upper edge of your window can make the window seem elongated because the eye does not stop as abruptly at the top frame. There’s an element of mystery regarding how high the window stretches, aided by a softer transition from the pane to the wall above.
One treatment top style may suit your needs better than another, so look below to discover your ideal top treatment.
Valances
A fabric valance can hang from a rod or a wood frame at the top of your window. Valances are typically 12 to 18 inches long and only cover the uppermost part of your window. Valances come in choosing solid or patterned fabric to match or complement paired window treatments or your other decor. These treatments can be simple fabric stretches with soft folds resulting from the hanging method, or they can be intricate and sophisticated with different pleat styles or hem shapes. Valances are commonly paired with drapes hanging from utilitarian drapery tracks to hide this less-than-beautiful hardware and create a polished, elegant, or cozy final look. Valances are frequently used as stand-alone treatments to add a pop of color or pattern to a room’s design schemes.
Faux Roman Shades
Faux Roman shades are a kind of valance fabricated to look like a Roman shade in the “drawn up” position. These faux shades are not functional like traditional Roman ones; they cannot be drawn up or down. These cleverly made stationary treatments are strictly decorative, giving your window a healthy dose of personality. Faux Roman shades can mimic flat fold, hobbled, and relaxed styles. This top treatment is a timeless, hassle-free option that makes it easy to bring the beauty of the Roman shade to your home.
Pelmets
A pelmet is a wood frame upholstered in fabric and placed at the crown of your window to cover curtain tracks, rods, and other hardware. You've likely seen pelmets in hotels or dignified country homes. Many modern, well-decorated homes don pelmets at the top of their windows. This top treatment also helps with temperature and light control because it acts as a solid border at the window's top edge.
Pelmets can vary widely in appearance, from simple and streamlined designs to more elaborate and ornate styles. They may feature straight edges or shaped profiles and can be tailored to suit different design aesthetics, from traditional to contemporary. Pelmets can also be used with other window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, or shades, to achieve the desired style and functionality.
Wood Cornice
A wood cornice is a decorative window treatment element placed at the top of a window to add style and character to the window dressing. This structured box can be ornately carved, painted, or stained to complement your room's decor. Wood cornices cover utility drapery rods or another treatment, providing a polished look and extra light control. Wood cornices range from simple and sleek designs to more intricate and elaborate styles.
Cantonnières
A cantonnière is a decorative cornice or valance used in interior design to adorn the top portion of window treatment. A cantonnière typically consists of a decorative wooden or upholstered cornice mounted above the window frame. Many cantonnières have ornate carvings, molding details, fabric trim, or other embellishments. Cantonnières are commonly found in traditional or formal interior settings, such as formal living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, where they can contribute to a sense of refinement and elegance. However, depending on their design and finish, they can also be adapted to suit contemporary or casual decor styles.
Lambrequins
Imagine the lambrequin as an older sibling to the pelmet. Much like pelmets, lambrequins are commonly made from wood upholstered in fabric and are placed at the crown of your window. Unlike pelmets, lambrequins extend farther down the sides of the window, sometimes even to the floor. This window treatment dates back to medieval times and was popular as a decorative way to prevent drafts and thus control temperature. Lambrequins are still a fantastic choice for people who want to block drafts or control light on the sides of the window. Lambrequins pair well with drapes and shades to give your window a fully dressed appearance. Custom lambrequins come in any shape and can be upholstered in any fabric and trim.
Indoor Awnings
Unlike traditional awnings used outdoors to provide shade and protection from the elements, indoor awnings are decorative and enhance a room's aesthetic. They are made from fabric and can be designed to mimic the look of outdoor awnings, adding a unique architectural element to the interior space.
An indoor awning can control light, add a pop of color, or introduce a theme to a room's decor. Indoor awnings are often seen in kitchens, cafes, and themed interiors with a touch of whimsy.
Swags
A swag is a piece of fabric hanging from two or more points to create a semi-circle curve that covers the top of a window. A window can have a single swag at the top or several swags to create layering or waves with multiple hanging curves. You can elect to use different methods to draw attention to the separation between swags with trumpets, tassels, or trim or use criss-cross swags to eliminate gaps. Swags can be used by themselves or as a complementing feature to other top treatments.
Double Bell Cascade
Waterfall Cascade
Cascades
Cascades are vertical fabric strips that hang from swag ends, enhancing window elegance and formality. Their length and fullness vary to suit the window's size and desired impact, adding sophistication. Typically made from the same fabric as the swag for uniformity, you can use contrasting materials for a dramatic effect. This window treatment is common in formal spaces like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, contributing to a traditional, elegant decor.
Fan-Top Horn Jabot
Double Stacked Jabot
Jabots
Jabots are often pleated to create a cascading effect, complement swags, and extend the window treatment with fabric tails along the sides. These curves form a display of striking elegance. Adding jabots enhances the window's dimensional depth and adds a layer of visual texture that can transform a room’s aesthetic from simple to luxuriously intricate.
Discover the Midwest's Favorite Window Top Treatments
The world of window treatments is ever-evolving, with various styles coming in and out of vogue. Specific top treatments have stood the test of time in the Midwest due to their adaptability and aesthetic charm. Here's a glimpse into our clients' most sought-after styles:
№ 1 | Valances: A Timeless Favorite
Valances are in high demand because they blend seamlessly with various interior designs. Box pleat valances and faux Roman shades are in high demand for their classic look and ease of integration into any space.
№ 2 | Pelmets and Soft Cornices: Unique & Tailored
Far from the standard straight-edged designs, today's pelmets and soft cornices break the mold with creative contours, including pagoda shapes, elegant scallops, and graceful arches. These statement pieces often feature eye-catching details like contrasting banding and luxurious tassels.
№ 3 | Swags: A Modern Revival
Swags are experiencing a comeback with a modern twist. The preference now is for box swags, which are less elaborate than their predecessors from the '80s and '90s. The updated swags are streamlined, often forgoing the traditional jabots for a cleaner, more contemporary look.
While trends play a significant role in the popularity of these top treatments, they are also chosen for their practical benefits. They offer insulation against drafts and effectively conceal the light gaps that can occur when a Roman shade is mounted inside a window frame. Whether driven by style or function, valances, pelmets, and swags continue to be the top picks for enhancing the ambiance of a room.
Talk to Us About Top Treatments
The Pinched Pleat is experienced with designing and fabricating all of the top treatments described above, and we’re also well-seasoned in giving suggestions. It can be overwhelming to wade through the options alone, so set up a complimentary initial consultation or e-mail us for assistance.
We can’t wait to hear about your interior design goals and recommend a top treatment to help you achieve them!
