Window valance

The earliest recorded history of interior design is rooted in the renaissance Era, a time of great change and rebirth in the world of art and architecture, and much of this time saw understated, simple treatments, eventually moving towards more elaborate fabrics of multiple layers of treatments, including, towards the end of this period, valances, swags, jabots, and pelmets.

They are often installed over kitchen sinks or in other areas where floor space may be limited or blocked; they can be used to hide architectural flaws and windows placed at different heights; when using blinds, shades, and shutters, valances are often used to soften the windows or to tie in the fabrics of corresponding furniture such as couches and recliners.

[citation needed] A flat, symmetrical fold of cloth sewn in place to create fullness, spaced evenly across the top of a drapery.

The cornice is typically constructed of a chipboard-style wood or other lightweight material over which some kind of padding is placed, then covered with a fabric of choice and finished with decorative trim or cording.

[citation needed] A stationary panel, decorative in nature, used in tandem with a swag (festoon), also known as a tail.

[citation needed] Much like a valance, only the fabric has been stiffened and shaped and then embellished with a variety of decorative edgings, including trims, tassels or color bands.

Typically placed at the top right and left corners of a window frame to accent an existing treatment, such as a scarf or drapery panel.