The bed stays -- came through the Civil War with only one little cannonball through the headboard, my grandfather was born in it -- solid walnut, new side rails have made it a standard Queen. Headboard shape makes it difficult, though, to decorate the wall above it. Rest of room is in similarly traditional style. Small first-floor bedroom in traditional 1920s foursquare with circular traffic pattern, of which 13x11 bedroom is part, so it does get seen, no problem with that to my thinking,

PROBLEM is what to do with wall above. Cd look for pair of round things framed in similar wood, but don't feel particularly inspired or hopeful, either, about that option. I now have a Wild Hair to put a valance/cornice above the bed in the same style/size/height as window headers, obviously painted white, and hang sheers straight down on either side, matching current window treatments, with which I am satisfied. I don't think the size of the room will stand anything heavier. Room is pretty tight already and I don't think the valance can come out more than 9-10 inches due to radiator pipes for room above, and although I originally wanted 12 inches, I still think this could work for the light, airy feel I'm going for.

So (1) what do you think about the valance idea, or do you all have other ideas I shd consider?

And (2) what about materials for the proposed valance? Obviously I can do wood and have even bought a nice bit of overrun trim that will help match to other woodwork, but recently I looked up valances and discovered that you can get STYROFOAM ones!!! But these are shaped and intended to be covered with fabric, which was not my original thought. I WAS concerned about the weight, though, because the whole thing will have to be mounted with reference to the position of the bed rather than to the studs. The sheers will weigh practically nothing; the hardware to mount them (which I have yet to identify -- info welcome) will weigh more, although I hope not much. So something lightweight wd be a great help, I'm guessing.

Your thoughts please, kind people?