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

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

Instead, fabric covers the entirety of the headboard, and a small, upholstered valance hangs over the very top of the mattress. —Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2025

West Elm’s flax linen curtain set also leans more pared back, but the valance detailing gives it a little extra oomph. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025

Plus, Budget Blinds also carries a variety of drapes and valances. —Liz Ohanesian, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 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)