Valances are not out of style. There are many different styles and you need to pick the right style and fabric for your windows.

Tracy Valance Pattern · More Info

^Agree 100% with cdee18.

I have to agree. I think valances are dated.

I have bay windows in a formal living room and dining room. I do not need privacy but do need something to dress it up. Primarily white and navy and greige color scheme.

I have valances and drpaes in a very contemporary space, for some softness on large windows. I would however go roman shades if that was to be the only window treatment.IMO KCR pic might work in a very specific decor.

To me they tend to be dated. When we bought our current home it was full of valances over plantation shutters. First thing I did was remove the valances...and coordinating wallpaper in some rooms. Vast improvement.

I'm not a fan of them.

I tend to feel they are dated.

Dated trend.

Yep. Fussy and dusty. Bay windows are tricky. I have a few and leave them bare.

Completely dated.

I have a few and am removing them. Using pinch-pleated curtains hung from rings on bare rods, instead.

I like the punch of color or texture and the echo-absorbing qualities of fabric, but anything fussy is dated (IMHO).

Yes, they are dated. Roman shades or straight panels at the sides of windows are preferred. (And I love victory valances but will wait for them to come back around.)