Valances are useful window features because they conceal your curtain rod while adding a touch of color and texture to the top of the window. You can use valances in many different ways for a feature that’s lush and elegant or subtle and simple. The first step in deciding on the right valance and accompanying window treatment for any part of your home is assessing the overall décor of the room. Window treatments are something that should be customized for each part of the house. Using a one-size-fits-all approach to window coverings will result in a dull look that doesn’t complement your home as well as it could.

If you want a window to look wide open and let in lots of light, you can use a valance as the only window treatment for that particular window. While you can use valances along with drapes or curtains, you certainly don’t have to. In a kitchen or bathroom, too much fabric can get in the way of the room’s functionality. Long curtains at a window over the sink also have the potential for getting very dirty. Valances stay up and out of the way while keeping your window from looking completely naked. If the valance is the only treatment you’re using, go bold with dark or bright colors.

If you have a large window, you can use valances to lightly cover the top of the window while drapes or curtains hang on either side. To achieve this look you will need a special double curtain rod. The valance is hung from the top or outermost rod while the curtains hang on the rod beneath. With this combination, you don’t see the top of the curtain, so make sure you don’t choose a design where the upper portion should be revealed. You should select a valance that coordinates with the curtains, but they don’t need to be in the exact same fabric.

One wonderful trick you can do with valances is to make the window appear much taller than it actually is. With heavy, elaborate curtains you can use an equally expansive valance that reaches all the way to the ceiling. As long as the bottom of the valance covers the top of the window, no one will know how tall the window actually is. This trick of placement makes the windows look more impressive. You can make the window look wider as well by hanging the curtains further to the side of each edge of the frame. As long as the very edge is covered, the wide panels will make the window space appear larger.

Before you grab just another plain functional shower curtain, consider that this is the largest decorative feature in many bathrooms. The shower curtain takes up a whole wall in the average bathroom space. If you’re living in an apartment, you may not be able to paint or retile, so this curtain is the biggest statement you can make in your bathroom. The bathroom is functional, certainly, but you also spend a lot of time here getting ready for the day and unwinding at night. Choose a shower curtain that will make the space beautiful, comfortable and uniquely suited to you.

If you like to enjoy a good long soak in the bathtub, an elaborate shower curtain can give you extra privacy in this space. Instead of a single curtain, consider using two. When you bathe, you can use tie backs to hold them open on either side. This frames the tub beautifully and creates a nice little hideaway for bathing without the need to close the curtain entirely. If you want to hand double curtain rods, you can even achieve this look along with a single, traditional shower curtain on the inner rod for use when you take a shower.

For morning people who like a little pop of color to get the day going, a shower curtain in bold bright colors and patterns is just the thing. Channel the beach with shades of seaweed green, aquamarine and cobalt blue. You can use a curtain that features a beach scene itself, or go for a more subtle look with solid colors and geometric patterns in unmistakable beachy hues. Begin the day with a splash of cheer with a sunny yellow. Pair this color with crisp black and white for a look that’s both sophisticated and uplifting. Use your favorite colors in bold shades to start the day right.

For those who prefer to wake up slowly, a palette on the other end of the spectrum will work best. Look for a gauzy shower curtain in lavender or slate gray. Use quiet calming hues that make the space soothing and comfortable. Shower curtains certainly don’t need to be plastic as long as you have a liner beneath. Select a fabric that’s soft and flowing. Transform your bathroom into a spa with cool shades like blue that are naturally relaxing. Pile a basket of white rolled towels beside the tub, keep aromatherapy oils on hand and you’ll have a luxury retreat.