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

That level of period detail extends to Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper, ball-trim swag valances and wall air vents laser-cut in Moorish patterns. — R. Daniel Foster, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026

In some cases, a valance is added to the top to hide the window frame and hardware. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

If there are more than 18 inches above the window, hang floor-to-ceiling curtains by adding a valance. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

Layered curtains, custom drapes, and even traditional valances are turning windows from an afterthought to a focal point. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 6 May 2026

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)