I would say no valance for a cleaner look and easier upkeep.

Agreed. No fabric valance. Woven woods shades have beautiful texture and it's better to let them be the focal point.

My question is about the shade itself. Most woven natural shades are designed with a valance at the top. Recently..... I've seen new designs where the shade comes down in one piece with the mechanism hidden in the back......instead of the traditional valance covering the wood and string. See picture dytecture used above. Sorry I didn't make that clearer. Actually, I don't care for fabric valance either. I will be using fabric panels on either side of woven shades.

Thank you!

Agree with first 2 comments - keep it clean and simple, no valance.