Valances without curtains
Valances are those quarter-length curtains that hang from curtain rods. Their main purpose is to block the unsightly parts of curtains, such as the fastenings. They can really spruce up a room, but they aren’t standalone pieces. They need a set of curtains to make your living room look good.
Also, don’t think of installing valances if you use window shades. The color of the valances will clash horribly against the solid white or gray of shades. To be on the safe side, don’t even think of getting valances in the first place. A curtain with a nice, dark-colored rod is all you need to conceal fastenings.