The Window Topper We Tore Out Is Back

Not long ago, homeowners were taking valances down as fast as they could.

They looked too frilly, too matched, and too tied to the decorating style of the 1980s and 1990s.

Now they are coming back.

According to Yelp’s 2026 Summer Home Trends report, requests for valance and cornice installation have doubled.

At the same time, searches for Roman shades are up 70%.

The two trends may be connected.

Roman shades have been popular for years, but their hardware can remain visible at the top of the window. A valance or cornice can hide the headrail, brackets, and other parts that make the shade work.

A valance is a short piece of fabric that covers the top portion of a window.

It can be gathered, pleated or tailored and may be used above shades, curtains or even by itself.

A cornice serves much the same purpose, but it is usually a rigid box made of wood or a padded frame rather than soft fabric.

Both can hide hardware and add color, pattern, or texture without requiring full-length drapery panels.

That also makes them a way to use a more expensive fabric in a smaller amount.

But the version returning now is not necessarily the heavily swagged, ruffled style many homeowners remember.

Today’s look tends to be simpler.

Think flatter shapes, cleaner lines, and more tailored fabric.

The idea is familiar.

The flounces are not.