The Bedroom Detail Interior Designers Are Loving Again
Photography: Octavia Dickson, Harry Crowder
/

The Bedroom Detail Interior Designers Are Loving Again

Forget the 80s connotations – valances are having a modern moment. Why? Because they’re a simple and affordable way to soften and switch up the look of a bedroom. Here, designer Octavia Dickinson tells us why she likes them and how to make them work…
Photography: Octavia Dickson, Harry Crowder

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

It Adds Comfort & Softness To A Scheme

“I almost always use a valance on a bed unless it is a French bed on legs. It hides the bottom of the bed (a must for a divan base) and brings more texture and pattern to a scheme. A valance is all part of dressing the bed and without one, they can look less comfortable and rather bare.” 

It Serves A Practical Purpose 

“Valances were originally designed to stop the bed base from getting dirty, but they now hide the bed base, so a valance is beautiful as well as practical.”

It Can Be Contemporary Or Traditional

“For a modern update, I would design a kick pleat valance as opposed to a gathered valance, which would have cleaner, sharper lines and therefore look more contemporary. There are lots of different styles to choose from, but gathered valances act as a softener to a room. Sometimes, I choose a pretty small fabric print or I'll go for a plain with a contrast border running along the bottom.”

It Can Be Mixed Or Matched 

“Sometimes, I match the fabric of the valance to the fabric of the headboard or the curtains, but other times I use a whole new fabric and stick to simple white linens in the bedding and elsewhere.”

It Suits Higher Beds 

“I ideally like adult beds to be between 70cm and 75cm high (to the top of the mattress) and children’s beds to be around 60cm high, but a valance will also suit a slightly higher bed, as well as making it look cosier and more whimsical.”

Visit OCTAVIADICKINSON.COM 

Lucy Barlow

Elizabeth Stanhope


Inspired? Here’s How To Get The Look…

Pink Flutter Valance Fitted 100% Cotton Sheet

Cath Kidston, 
From £35

Tangier Red Stripe Ruffle Bed Valance

Alice Palmer & Co, 
From £295
Fashion. Beauty. Culture. Life. Home
Delivered to your inbox, daily