Windows set the mood in a room—controlling light, privacy, and the overall “finished” look. While many people think first about blinds or draperies, the detail that often pulls everything together is the top treatment.
Top treatments can be functional (like Roman shades) or decorative (like valances and cornices). The best choice depends on the room, the amount of light you want, and how you use the space. Here’s a simple guide to choosing what works best—without getting lost in design jargon.
What counts as a top treatment?
Most top treatments fall into a few categories:
- Roman Shades: Soft fabric shades that fold neatly as they lift—function + style.
- Valances: Decorative fabric at the top of the window, often paired with blinds/shades.
- Cornices: Structured, tailored top treatments that create clean lines and can hide hardware.
- Soft Top Treatments (Swags/Cascades): More traditional, decorative styles for formal spaces.
BEST CHOICES BY ROOM
Living Room: balanced light + polished style
Great options:
- Roman shade + side panels for softness and control
- Cornice + panels for a tailored, custom look
- Valance over blinds/shades to warm up the room without heavy fabric
Kitchen: clean + practical
Great options:
- Tailored valance for a finished look with minimal fabric
- Flat Roman shade in a durable fabric for simple function
- Cornice to hide hardware and keep lines crisp
Bedroom: privacy and darkness
Great options:
- Roman shade with privacy/room-darkening lining
- Blackout shade + valance + panels for a layered, cozy look
- Cornice + blackout shade for clean lines and strong light control
Bathroom: privacy + humidity friendly
Great options:
- Roman shade in a moisture-tolerant fabric
- Simple valance paired with a privacy shade
Dining Room: the statement window
Great options:
- Valance + panels for a classic, elevated feel
- Swag/cascade styles for traditional homes
- Cornice for a more modern, tailored finish
Home Office: glare control without “office” vibes
Great options:
- Roman shade for flexible light control
- Cornice + shade for a distraction-free, streamlined look
- Valance to soften the room if you already have functional shades
Quick decision guide
If you want…
- Function + softness: go with Roman shades
- A finishing touch over existing blinds/shades: choose a valance
- A clean, tailored custom look: pick a cornice
- Traditional drama: consider swags/cascades
Top treatments aren’t one-size-fits-all—height, fullness, and placement matter. If you’re unsure what fits your windows and your style, Stocks Draperies can help you choose a solution that looks intentional and works beautifully every day.