Curtains 101: What to Know About Panels, Sheers, Valances, Rods, and More

A scarf valance is a window treatment that, as the name suggests, can be arranged on the curtain rod, giving the rest of your curtains a jaunty topper (and often hiding the hardware, too). They're a pretty traditional — some might say old-fashioned — look, but you have to admit, this Crushed Voile Sheer Scarf Valance ($30) has a certain boho-chic vibe. Side note: valances are often confused with pelmets, which are boxier and more structured.