What Are Valances and Why Would You Want Them on Awnings?

Valances are usually strips of fabric that hang at the top of windows or on the bottom edge of awnings. On windows, valances are frequently used to cover up the topmost hardware, like blinds or curtain rods. Instead of having your room design marred by utilitarian window mechanics, valances provide a fashionable ornament that enhances décor.

Valances play a decorative role on awnings. They generally aren’t covering up door or window hardware; they’re just there to add flare and class to your awning. Valance styles, colors and trim can add character to what might be an otherwise mundane feature of your home.

Drop Valances and Drop Screens

There’s another functional benefit offered by valances, or drop screens, on certain types of window or patio awnings. Particularly long or extendable valances provide additional protection from the horizontal UV rays of the setting sun.

When the sun is directly overhead the awning itself provides complete protection. As the setting sun starts shining directly into windows or patios, the awning might not be providing as much sun protection.

Even regular valances can provide some additional sun protection as the sun drifts lower in the sky (or conversely rises in the morning), but longer valances and drop shades provide significantly enhanced protection during certain times of day.

Drop shades can also increase privacy for patio awnings since they drop down an extra layer of fabric between your seating area and the rest of the world.

Contact our sales team if you’d like to learn more about drop shades for your patio awning.

Valances Available from Arizona Awnings in Phoenix

One of our goals at Arizona Awning is to give our residential and business customers a truly diverse array of customization options for their awnings and shade solutions. In addition to offering dozens of fabric options from companies like Sunbrella and FIRESIST, and a host of different awning shapes and sizes, we also let our customers choose one of 10 different valance styles.  

Valances are optional. If you want a clean, no-frills awning, you don’t have to get a valance added to your awning installation. But valances are a great way to further set your window or patio cover apart.

Although some people might consider valances to be dated, they have never truly gone out of style. Saying valances are outdated is like saying Italian Villa or Mediterranean décor is out of style just because it invokes a design aesthetic that’s hundreds of years old. Valances add a touch of classical charm, especially when they’re just one part of a cohesive exterior motif.

Our Phoenix home and business customers have a truly diverse array of personal and architectural styles, and we have a varied selection of valance styles to match. 

• English
• Swiss
• Straight-Hemmed Edge
• Spanish
• Southwestern
• Roman
• French
• Riviera
• Greek
• Rolling Hills

Every valance style possesses its own unique charm. Straight-hemmed edge valances are a clean, minimalist awning addition that works well with exteriors that emphasize straight lines. Southwestern style valances feature the stepped pyramid design frequently found in Southwestern and Native American art. Riviera’s complex yet subtle notches evoke an elegantly relaxed coastal mood.

If you’re not sure what kind of valance would work best for your awnings – or if you should add a valance to your awning at all – don’t hesitate to speak with one of our awning design experts. We’re always happy to give advice to our customers about their valance choices. The ultimate decision is up to you, but we can help you weigh the pros and cons.

Exceptional Awning Design and Installation in Phoenix

High-quality, dependable awnings can be an impactful value-added addition for your home or business. They’re an affordable modification that can have an outsized positive influence on the look of your exterior. They also have energy efficiency and comfort benefits as well.

Valances can add an extra layer of dimension to your awnings and soften the appearance of your home’s exterior. If you’re interested in having awnings installed on your home, with or without valances, give us a call at 602-252-3430 for a free installation estimate.