Thank you Cynthia, I had a valance over top of my windows and door, do you think I should put another one up to give it a finished look. Never had any for seven year once we moved in but had them made from National Drapries for the kitchen. I'm tired of them and would like to up date.

Do you need privacy? Do you have an unpleasant view? I am just wondering why you want to block out the natural light in your kitchen? I need light, I need to see outside. We purchased a second home this year, and the first thing I did was remove the wooden blinds. I felt like I was in a cave.

i know that many folks are getting those blinds, so they are very popular. I am just issuing a warning before you spend the money on them....:)

If you are bored of valances, then just get a matching valance from the blind company. This looks like a piece of crown moulding that has an L return to the wall. It will finish off the top of the blind very neatly.

Hi Grapefruit & Cynthia, I have a wonderful big backyard I have been told, lots of trees and hard scaping done over the years. I would love to have the blinds open all the time but our yard backs on to three other yards all two story homes and I feel we are on display. It's fine when the tree have leaves but not in the fall or winter. I live in Alberta Canada.

Hey Cynthia I love the idea of the Valance but wouldn't that

look strange with the oak window & door casing?

thank you so much for your opinions and wonderful ideas.

what would either one of you say if I went a cream coloured blind

It's too hard to tell from your photo whether white or cream would be best in your space. If you have someone come in with blind samples they can hold up different options and you'll see right away what will work best. The matching valance won't look strange because it relates to the blind. It looks like it's part of the blind when it's installed, but it just makes a nicer finish to the top than looking at the naked blind header.

As an alternative do a very simple fabric valance, and mount a pleated shade up underneath it. It will be hidden when up, but available to lower when you need privacy. With venetians you can see through them during the day, which would be an advantage however. With pleated ones, the view is totally gone.