Are Bed Valances Out of Style? Trends in Modern Bedding Design

Once a staple of elegant bedrooms, bed valances are now sparking debate—are they making a quiet comeback or fading into vintage nostalgia? With shifting design preferences, it’s time to assess their current relevance.

Bed valances are not out of style—they’ve evolved. Rather than fading, they adapt, offering timeless elegance with modern flexibility. For those seeking refined charm, they remain a valuable design element. Discover how to incorporate them into your space and redefine their role in contemporary bedding design.

So are valances out of style, definitively? We asked half a dozen sought-after interior designers to weigh in from across the country on the fate of valances in modern design. As you redecorate your home or prepare to stage it for the market, keep their advice and photos (which they were kind enough to share!) in mind. 6 Curtain Styles Designers Say Are Outdated (and What to Use Instead!) Interior designers suggest avoiding these curtain trends to ensure your home feels stylish and fresh.

Window valances are dated only if you make dated design decisions. So to avoid any embarrassments, follow this list of styles and fabrics the pros use in 2025. So, to answer the question above, Yes, valances are still in style when made out of trending fabrics, colors and designs! Plus, classic designs are always in style, they just may need to be updated in a more current fabric pattern or color.

Are curtain valances old fashioned? Also known as pelmets, window valances are a reminder of bygone days. Fitted valance sheets come as bed sheets with attached valances and can be used on several types of bed frames. They are placed over the mattress as regular sheets and the valance frills cascade down to the ground depending on the length.

A drapery valance is a short decorative piece of fabric that hangs across the top of a window. Traditionally used to hide curtain rods and hardware, it also adds texture, color, and dimension. Common in formal and traditional interiors, valances now appear in modern, minimalist, transitional, and eclectic spaces.

While trends fluctuate, valances are not considered out of style and can enhance a room's decor when selected thoughtfully. Valances are ideal for quickly refreshing the appearance of an old bed, without having to make a costly investment. 'It's an affordable way for homeowners to add style and personality to their bedrooms by experimenting with colours and textures,' adds David.

Valances are not out of style as long as your choice fits within the scheme of current-day window treatment trends and styles. Although valances may not be as prevalent as in previous times, they can still serve as a stylish addition to conceal window tops or hardware. In 2024, there are even options for motorized and eco-friendly valances, which speak to this treatment's adaptability over.

If you like valances and pelmets because they provide interest at the top of the window, you can achieve a similar but more modern setup by pairing your curtain panels with Roman shades. It's a classic blind style that pairs perfectly with curtains.