A Guide to Valances, Valance Sheets and More

Posted by mattfallon 28/10/2022 2 Comment(s) Bedding Guides,

Victoria Linen are a bedding manufacturer based in Lancashire, UK. Over 30 years they have become experts in luxury bedding made to fit any size of bed & delivered direct.

Valance SheetsLooking for the perfect fitted valance? 

Victoria Linen make a wide range of valances to fit any mattress and to any frill drop. UK Made in house.

Valance Sheets for any mattress depth and frill drop

Base Valances to any frill drop

Split Corner Valances for iron bedsteads

Easy Fit Valances for adjustable beds.

Available in luxury easy care, 100% cottons and heavier fabrics.

 

A guide to bed valances and valance sheets.

 

If you want to give your bedroom a classic touch, then it's time to invest in an ultra-sophisticated bed valance. Not only do they look stunning in any setting, but they're silky smooth to make dropping off a doddle.

Keep reading as we reveal everything there is to know about these must-have accessories, including the benefits and the difference between base valances and sheet valances. Plus, we'll also help you choose the best style to complement your interiors.

 

Now, we don't want to fluff our own pillow here but when it comes to valances we consider ourselves pretty knowledgeable. Its a product we have made for over 20 years to fit nearly any size of bed. 

From king size, to extra large emperor beds. Beds with four posters and adjustable beds, we have a range of valances and fitted valance sheets that can solve almost any bed type. Made in luxury thread counts so they're made to last.

All the valances we make ship have been cut, sewn by us in house and delivered direct to the customer.

 

 

 

What is a bed valance?

 

Bed valances are a type of decorative sheet that hides the base of your bed. Thanks to their unbeatable versatility, they're suitable for single beds, king-sized beds, four-poster beds and everything in between.

You can choose from various fabrics, depending on your needs. We create bed valances using easy-care 50/50 poly-cotton, 100% Egyptian cotton and 100% heavy cotton. Whatever your preference, the high thread counts promise to caress your skin while you nap.

Best of all, bespoke bed valances are made to order, meaning they'll fit snugly to any mattress depth. You can even find adjustable bed valances specifically designed for electric beds.

 

If you want to deep dive into our knowledge about bed valances, check out our valance guide below. But if you're pretty sure what type of valance you need click on the following links to browse our range.

 

Base Valance (valance that goes over the divan base)

 

Valance sheet (a bed sheet with a valance attached goes over the mattress and the divan base)

 

Easy fit or Velcro Valance (attached around the bed divan with velcro)

 

Split corner Valance (like a base valance but with splits at the corner, ideal for iron beds) 

 

The beauty of a bed valance.

 

The simple bed valance can hide a million sins! Designed to either dress your divan base or to cover the black hole space under your bed that is loosely referred to as 'storage'.

It can help turn any bedroom into a stylish, clean lined and modern space. Combining a pattern or block colour with a simple pleat will hide any scuffs on the divan or any unsightly suitcases, hidden away between holidays.

 

What’s the difference between a base valance and a sheet with a valance?

While there are many types of bed valance, they fall into two main categories – base valance and sheet valance.

A base valance is fitted underneath the mattress and covers the bottom of the bed. A sheet valance is fitted over the mattress, acting as both a fitted sheet and a valance.

Both are equally attractive, but sheet valances serve a dual purpose for busy family households and bed makers who don’t want the hassle of lifting their mattress. You can wash everything at once and remaking your bed is a breeze.

Base valances might be better for people who want more design options for their sheets. However, they are more of a commitment because you have to move your mattress to do laundry.

 

A little bit of history...

 

Historically speaking, valances were used to hide unattractive box springs and poorly shaped bed posts. Not unlike the bed skirts of today which often hide items stored beneath the bed as well as the occasionally annoying “dust bunny.”

It was quickly discovered that bed skirts also served to stop chilly winter drafts which tended to cool the bed from the floor up. In addition, those who had valances on their beds found bed bugs and dust mites were less of an issue in their homes. This, of course, makes perfect sense because the skirt can deflect dust, which is somehow drawn underneath beds. And so, the valance came into its own!

 

What type of valance do you need?

 

A bed valance has gone by many names over the years. It can vary from country to country and even region to region in some cases. We've pulled together the names we have come across over the years, feel free to add any we have missed to the comments below.

Other names for various valances:

 

Bed Valance:

  • bed ruffle

 

  • base valance

 

  • divan valance

 

  • bed skirt 

 

  • dust ruffle

 

  • Split corner valance

 

Valance Sheet:

  • box valance

 

  • valance sheet

 

  • valanced sheet

 

  • fitted valance sheet

 

Easy fit Valance:

  • Velcro attached valance

 

  • easy on valance

 

  • bed wrap valance

 

  • elasticated bed valance

 

4 types of bed valance for your sleeping space

 

1. Base valance

You can't go wrong with a traditional base valance, also known as a base valance sheet or a bed skirt. It fits seamlessly underneath your mattress and over the divan, adding a dash of intrigue to uninspiring bed bases.

We make our base valances in-house to suit every bed dimension and mattress depth. You'll also find a broad spectrum of colour options, including oatmeal, blush pink and slate grey. If you're feeling fancy, why not add complementary cushions and curtains to complete the look? Using the same fabric will tie the aesthetic together perfectly.

 

2. Valance sheet

fitted valance sheet is multifunctional and creates a sleek finish with little effort. It covers your mattress like a fitted sheet and features a drop frill to conceal your divan base.

Come laundry day, fitted valance sheets make the whole process easier. Instead of battling with bucket loads of linen, you can simply take off your combined sheet and valance while the mattress stays in place.

 

3. Easy fit valance

Haven't got time to grapple with traditional bed valances? Then choose an easy fit valance. Unlike standard bed skirts, our easy-fit designs have a sticky-backed Velcro strip that attaches to your divan. You don't have to lift your mattress (which is a task for the strongest of us) or struggle to squeeze the valance over the bed's base.

 

4. Split corner valance

split corner valance is the best option for metal bedsteads and some four-poster beds. It accommodates unique frames by having breaks in the frill, meaning it'll hang neatly over the corners without tangling.

 

How do you fit a bed valance?

Whatever name it may come under the bed valance usually fits in one of the following ways.

 

 

base valance

How do you fit a base valance?

 

To fit you will need to remove the mattress and place the valance base sheet over the divan base. The frill will then fall down around the outer edge and cover the edges.

Its always useful to asses your bed and mattress before committing to a base valance as moving the mattress every time for laundering can become a chore.

 

 

 

 

valance sheet

 

 

 

How do you fit a valance sheet?

No need to remove the mattress in this case as the name suggests the valance comes with a fitted sheet attached. To fit the linen simply slides over he mattress at each corner with the attached frill dropping over base of the bed.

While fitting is slightly easier with this valance, laundering the valance means you launder the sheet at the same time. Depending on the size of bed just make sure your washing machine (and you) are comfortable with that amount of linen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

easy fit valances fit with velcro to stay in placeHow do you fit an easy fit valance?

Probably the easiest valance to fit. The valance comes with one side of velcro stitched into the fabric. One side of the velcro arrives separately and is sticky backed. Stick this around the base of the bed and once in place simply attach the valance all around your divan base.

This valance requires no lifting of large amounts of laundry. When it's time for cleaning simply tear off from the velcro attached to your bed and put it in the wash, then re attach when done. Its an easy to use product that is also very popular with a lot of adjustable beds as the valance doesn't intefere with the workings of the bed.

 

 

 

2 Comment(s)

Kathy Tyrrell:
02/04/2023, 12:18:33 PM
Reply

Any tips for fitting a valance, please, as every time I try to slide the mattress over the bed base, the valance disappears under the mattress! The mattress is too heavy to drop onto the bed and I have nobody who can assist me. Should I just give up? Thank you. Kathy

VICTORIA LINEN COMPANY:
12/06/2023, 09:25:10 AM

Hi Kathy, please can you send us a quick email and we can assist you with this.

VICTORIA LINEN COMPANY:
12/06/2023, 09:26:07 AM

info@victorialinen.co.uk

June Stillwell:
18/02/2024, 11:38:41 AM
Reply

Hi. I have a pine bed frame with legs. Can you make a valence to go round them? I do not have anyone to help me with putting on a valence under the mattress. Thank you!

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