Bedroom Window Treatments: Traditional Panels and Valances

Plaid flannel is an unexpected and distinctive choice for bedroom window treatments. The effect is dignified without being too formal or fussy. Topped by graceful swags, the long, slim drapery panels frame the windows simply, so as not to block the light.

Generous draperies frame this window wall, bringing the softening effects of fabric to the walls but still keeping things open. Pleated edgings lend a designer touch, and spiraling bedposts and gilded furniture add drama.

The bedroom welcomes the lavish use of fabric at the windows more than other rooms in the house because fabric creates a sense of comfort and softness—and the bedroom is all about comfort.

This master bedroom features a botanical print in gentle pastels, used at the windows, in bed linens, and on the slipper chair. Repeating the same fabric throughout the room is an easy way to create design unity.

Fabricated from the same plaid as the bed skirt, simple draperies topped by a scalloped and pleated valance frame the large window in this colorful bedroom.

Venetian blinds darken the room at night, so the draperies don't need to be operable. That allows for an installation outside of the dimensions of the actual window frame, so the window appears larger.

Striped floor-length draperies topped by a valance create a strong vertical line that makes the 8-foot ceiling seem higher. The valance disguises the hanging mechanisms for both the room-darkening white blinds and the draperies.

This layered bedroom window treatment communicates opulence and elegance. In a reversal of the usual arrangement, the drapery panels hang in front of the valance instead of behind it. Tightly gathered on short rods, the drapery's function is to frame the windows gracefully and to anchor the room's color scheme and palette of bold traditional patterns. The plain pleated valance with toile scallops stretches across the windows.

Cavernous rooms are common in new homes, leaving homeowners searching for ways to make such spaces more inviting. In this bedroom the visual space becomes more intimate when floor-length draperies and deep cornices in a large floral print frame the windows. The bold color draws your eye to the windows, distracting attention from the dimensions of the room.

With white shutters providing the room-darkening function in this child's bedroom, draperies can play a purely decorative role. This pairing of a shaped fabric valance and floor-length panels balances the canopy-and-curtain bed treatment.

The salmon pink floral fabric inspired the hand-painted flowers that dance across the wall and anchors the room's color scheme.

A box-pleated header anchored by welting gives way to soft folds in these simple drapery panels. Held by tiebacks, the draperies are arranged to form an inverted V that downplays the window architecture while still admitting light. Installing them near the ceiling emphasizes the room's height and creates a graceful effect.

Draperies should be lined to protect the decorative fabric from sun damage, but it's worth the investment to interline them as well. The interlining provides body and weight so the fabric hangs better.

Giving an effect similar to Italian stringing, large decorative curtain hold-backs gather up voluptuous silk panels. A contrasting header punctuates the top of the panels, which are hung with surprising simplicity, stitched to curtain rings on a brass rod.

The deeply scalloped sheers underneath are trimmed in pearl pendants dangling from strands of gold beads. The sheers exude extravagance but also have a purpose: to hide an uninspiring view.

Striped pinch-pleat draperies hung just below the crown molding emphasize this room's height and draw the eye upward to the vaulted ceiling. Stitched to chunky curtain rings, the panels fall from black rods that are extra long so the draperies can be pulled completely to the sides. This allows the plantation shutters to be fully operable.