How Faux Wood Valances Work

What Is a Crown Valance?

A crown valance is a decorative front piece installed across the top of a window blind to conceal the headrail and mounting hardware. It creates a finished, furniture-like appearance by covering the mechanical components of the blind while adding visual detail to the window treatment.

In addition to the front valance piece, many crown valances include side returns. These short pieces extend back toward the wall or window frame to cover the ends of the headrail, creating a clean and complete look when the blind is viewed from the side.

Crown valances can be manufactured with either straight-cut corners or mitered corners, depending on the blind style and installation method. These options affect how the front valance connects to the side returns and how the corners of the valance appear when installed.

When do I need returns?

For inside-mounted blinds, returns are often unnecessary if the blind is installed deep enough within the window frame so the headrail and brackets are not visible from the side.
If the mounting brackets extend beyond the window frame, longer returns may be required to properly conceal the hardware.

When selecting return depth:

• 2½" returns will fully cover the mounting brackets on most outside-mounted blinds.
• 1⅝" returns are typically suitable when brackets are partially recessed within the window frame or casing.
• 3/4" & 5/8" Returns available with some styles