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

Be sure to run it over tops of any valances, or in the draping or folds, as well as behind the curtains or blinds. —Sunshine Flint, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026

Elsewhere, deeper valances and vented sill covers help to smooth airflow, chrome parts—such as the bumpers and grille—are ceramic-coated, and all lights are upgraded to super-bright LEDs. —Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026

Big valances and heavy fabric can weigh the room down by blocking natural light, which can make the dining area look old-fashioned, Pauley says. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026

Add a Pop of Whimsy Clever hacks rule the roost, including in Lula’s room, where a ceiling track for curtains and a scalloped, valance-like topper in Sister Parish’s Verbena fabric create the illusion of a fairy-tale canopy bed. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 29 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for valance

• balance
• vallance
• counterbalance
• overbalance
• imbalance
• rebalance
• unbalance

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)