Valances

A valance is a decorative bed accessory that sits between the mattress and the bed base, with a fabric skirt that hangs down to cover the divan, drawers or base frame underneath. The right valance does it so cleanly that the bed reads as a single piece rather than a stack of components. It is one of the smaller purchases in a bedroom, but it makes a noticeable difference to how finished the overall setup looks.

Platform valances are the most common, and have a fitted base that the mattress sits on and a skirt that drops to the floor. Fitted valances wrap around the base of the mattress itself, and are useful for adjustable beds where the base section moves. Sheet valances, sometimes called a valance bed sheet, combine a fitted sheet with an attached skirt in one piece. All three give the bed a tidier, more finished look, and they are particularly popular on divan beds, bedstead frames and storage beds where the base is functional rather than decorative.

Valance skirt styles generally divide into two main camps. Frilled and gathered valances have a softer, fuller drape that suits traditional and country bedrooms; pleated, tailored and box-pleat designs on the other hand have a sharper, more structured fall that reads more modern. Split-corner valances are essential for four-poster beds and any frame with visible corner posts, since the slits allow the skirt to sit flat around each leg without bunching.

Depth and fabric matter as much as style. A standard valance has a drop of 12 to 14 inches and works on most divans, although deeper skirts of 16 inches or more are also available and are better suited to taller divan and storage beds where the drop from mattress to floor is greater. Cotton and polycotton are the most washable and the most common, whereas pure linen and cotton sateen give a more luxurious finish for guest rooms and master bedrooms. Plain white, cream and grey are the most versatile colours, though pink, blue, stripe and printed fabrics let the valance become part of the room's colour scheme rather than disappear into it. Velvet valances give a heavier, more decorative finish for autumn and winter bedrooms.

Flitch brings together valances from more than 100 UK retailers in one place, so you can compare frilled, pleated, plain and split-corner styles alongside the full range of fabrics, sizes and drops. Filters narrow results by size, depth, material and colour, and our personal stylist service is available for anyone matching a valance to an existing divan, bedstead or four-poster setup.

What does a bed valance do?

A valance hides the bed base, divan or storage drawers, giving the bed a neater, more finished appearance. It also reduces dust gathering under the bed and on top of the divan platform.

What size valance do I need?

Match the valance to your mattress size: single, double, king or super-king. The platform fits over the base, not the mattress depth, so the size follows the base dimensions.

What is the difference between a frilled and a pleated valance?

A frilled or gathered valance has a fuller, softer drape with a more traditional look. A pleated or tailored valance has structured folds that give a cleaner, more modern finish.

How do I fit a valance with a four-poster bed?

Look for a split-corner valance, which has slits at each corner to fit around the posts. Standard valances will not sit flat on a four-poster without these cuts.

How deep should the skirt be?

Measure from the top of the bed base to the floor. Standard divans usually need a 12 to 14 inch drop; taller storage beds and high bedstead frames often need 16 inches or more.

Can a valance be used without a separate fitted sheet?

The platform section is not designed to be slept on directly. A fitted sheet goes on top of the mattress as usual, with the valance sitting beneath the mattress to cover the base.