Want to make you living room more formal for the holidays?  With family and friends visiting, one way to make a great impression and change your space at the same time is to update your window treatments.  If you are looking for a formal update, you should consider adding balloon curtains in your living room.

Photo by Interior Enhancement Group, Inc. - Look for Victorian living room design inspiration

Balloon curtains have been around for many years and for a very good reason.  The style is timeless.  They can normally be found in Victorian homes and work well for picture or bay windows.  However, you do not need either of the mentioned above to utilize this beautiful window treatment.  We have a very formal version of the balloon curtain in either a silk dupioni or a faux silk taffeta.  Both of these options make a very formal window treatment, and would be the perfect option to make your living room more formal for the holidays.

Your condo design is perfect. This is the thought going through your mind as you come into your sanctuary after a long day’s work. The contemporary, minimalist design and colors you chose give the illusion of spaciousness to your small one-bedroom unit. At the same time though, you have a yearning to give it a more feminine touch. After all, your home should reflect your personality. An independent capable woman you are indeed, but a woman nevertheless. Adding custom balloon shades may just be the answer.

The versatility of balloon shades is one of the  reasons for its popular use.

1.   Use it as a short valance to accent window-length or floor length curtains.

2.   Highlight it as an actual curtain that also shields from strong sunlight.

3.   Give it a supporting role as a second sheer curtain to let in diffused day light.

4.   For a totally romantic result, use balloon shades in tandem for both the block-out layer and the sheer layer, with the sheer layer hung lower than the block-out layer. The result speaks feminine but not frilly.

5.   If you want the same effect but prefer to use only one full curtain, opt for a different colored edge.

6.   Another twist to balloon shades is to have uneven, wider gaps between scallops versus the more conventional evenly-distanced scallops.  This works well with wide windows.

Balloon shades also allows a wide range of fabrics to be used. Satin is a good choice for both men and women’s bedrooms. The sheen of satin gives a rich elegant look and its soft texture allows the flounces to fall perfectly. Velvet is favored for valances, although velvet floor-length curtains in a spacious room can look simultaneously imposing and cozy. Cotton and gingham in light colors go well in kitchen and bathroom windows. Sheer material is the preference for bedrooms and kitchens, but they can also be utilized in living and dining spaces for tandem use with more solid material as described in number 3 above.

The hands down best feature of balloon shades is that you can use it with your existing window treatment. Working with your condo‘s interior in shades of monochromatic beige, all you would need to do is add a satin balloon valance in deep burgundy or apple green with a sheer white fringe. The romantic touch will blend with contemporary minimalist and result in just the right touch of softness. It will also definitely reflect your feminine chic.

Balloon Valance Decorating Ideas

The unusual shape of Balloon Valance makes it look lovely and refreshing. They say that the key is what the fabric is made of and how it is pinched in and folded to resemble its balloon shape. But here are more ideas to make out of your balloon valance’s beauty.

Consider the main theme of your home with the material you’ll choose for your curtains. Remember that a light weight and light colored fabric gives a feeling of comfort and purity. On the one hand, cotton materials mean a more formal and solid look. Regarding the patterns, you must also balance it with existing patterns around your home.

These are different types, designs, patterns, and styles of balloon valance that you can choose from: Balloon Roman Curtains, White Lace Balloon Shade, Pleated Balloon Valance, Waverly Balloon Valance, and Drawstring Ruched. You can use materials such as silk, sheer, cotton and plastic craft rings.

Also, you can buy ready-to-hang curtains online or at the nearest local store in your area.  Some balloon valances are creatively ruffled. The secret is that some people stuff their valances with tissue paper that creates the extra shape.Plus, you can also combine your balloon valance with other window accessories such as window shutters interior, blinds, drapes, enclosed blinds for wood decors and more.

Remember to be very creative and put some spice on it so your house will be very gorgeous without spending too much.

 

Balloon valances are a great window top treatment idea.  Very similar to the Austrian shades, the balloon valance when raised form poofs that mimic balloons.  The balloon shades date back several centuries, but became popular in the United States around the 1980's.  This style is very popular in Victorian and Country style homes.

Silk Balloon Valance with tassel trim