- A strip of stained glass at the top of the window serves as a glorious valence. Find stained-glass window sections at a salvage yard, have them custom made or make them yourself. You can also improvise: Use pieces from old lighting fixtures or candle holders to create a collage on a piece of glass or thick, clear plastic that can be installed at the top of the window frame. You can also create faux stained glass with a painting kit sold at craft stores. Decorate the top portion of the window where a valence would normally hang. Add interest to the bottom of your creation with a scalloped border.
- Scope out the hardware store or salvage yard to find an eye-catching piece of metal or wood that is at least as long as the window is wide. Dress up the piece by sanding off any old coating and rust and painting it to match the room's decor. Install it at the top of the window with screws or brackets. Look for something lightweight and flat enough to be installed flush against the wall on either side of the window. Possibilities include pieces from wrought-iron fences or gates or from old furniture, like the bottom of a dresser, the top of a bookcase or part of the roll top from a desk.
- Install a valence or curtain rod above the window. Connect a collection of small stuffed animals with wire to the rod. Dangle or wire a tightly packed array of ornaments along the rod. Artfully arrange a wide bouquet of silk flowers or silk vines around the rod and attach with ribbons or wire. Snake a series of designer scarves around the rod, allowing the ends to drop where they overlap. Cover the rod with glued-on feathers, old jewelry, ropes of beads or fringe.
