valance

noun

va·​lance ˈva-lən(t)s  ˈvā- 

1

: a drapery hung along the edge of a bed, table, altar, canopy, or shelf

2

: a short drapery or wood or metal frame used as a decorative heading to conceal the top of curtains and fixtures

valanced

ˈva-lən(t)st 

ˈvā-

adjective

Illustration of valance

• V valance 1

Examples of valance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other rooms had no windows, which became masterfully unnoticeable in Kate Figler Interiors’ Venus Drawing Room, swathed in Gracie’s Linda’s Garden mural wall covering with a valance and drapery by Perennials that evokes the feeling of a windowed space. —Anne Lee Phillips, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024

The valance with oversize wavy edging cuts through all of the patterns with a calming pause. —Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2024

Additional weight savings came from Kevlar front fenders, roof, and front valance. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2024

Shoppers can save up to 64 percent on functional blackout curtains, pretty valances, and sheer drapes that will beautifully billow in the breeze of an open window (or in the line of fire of an air conditioner!). —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 24 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English valaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French valence, probably from valer "to lower" + -ence, -ance -ance — more at vail

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

valance

noun

va·​lance ˈval-ən(t)s  ˈvāl- 

: a short drapery or wood or metal frame (as across the top of a window)