- Consider giving your box valance a faux finish that complements your curtain fabric. For example, if you have floral toile curtains with a light blue background and white print, paint the wood the same color blue, and splatter paint it with a white-paint glaze (one part paint, four parts glaze) for a light-hearted and unexpected complement to your fabric. Or, try a sponging-on technique by painting the base color onto the valance, and dipping a sea sponge into the white-paint glaze and dabbing it onto the dry paint.
- Try a botanical print if you have an earth-tone decor. If your room is modern with a lot of clean lines, try a bold botanical print to add a note of contrast. Or, if you're adding the box valance to formal living room windows, cover the valances in an earth-tone fabric that matches the curtains for a unified look.
- Create cascading rows of folded fabric over your box valance, to resemble a hobbled Roman shade look. Match your hobbled Roman shade by using the same fabric and material to create the box valance. Use the same length between the folds, or create shorter rows of folds for a contrasting but complementary look.
- Put a box-pleated valance over tall, formal living room windows with white sheers and matching draperies. For bare dining room windows without curtains, try a center-pleated, cotton toile box valance. Make it long enough to hang just below the edge of the box frame by about a foot. Place a dark accent color inside the pleat to enhance the toile print.
