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Short answer
A pelmet, valance or swag is a decorative top across a window that hides the track, blocks light from above and makes the window look grander. A pelmet is a hard, fabric-covered or built-in box; a valance is soft fabric that is gathered or pleated; swags and tails are draped fabric for a formal, traditional look. In modern Malaysian homes, the curtain box built into the ceiling does the same job more simply.
The types
| Topper | What it is | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Hard pelmet | A board or box, often covered in fabric, fixed above the window | Tailored, architectural |
| Curtain box | A pelmet built into the ceiling, common in condos | Clean, modern, hidden track |
| Gathered valance | A short curtain gathered across the top | Soft, traditional |
| Box pleat valance | A short curtain with flat, even box pleats | Smart and tailored |
| Swags and tails | Fabric draped in curves across the top, with hanging tails at the sides | Formal, classic, hotel-style |
What a topper does
- Hides the track and the curtain heading.
- Blocks light escaping above the curtain, which helps blackout bedrooms. See Blackout Curtains.
- Adds height when fixed high above the window.
- Adds a pattern or colour without a whole patterned curtain.
In a Malaysian condo, a curtain box built into the ceiling during renovation does the first three jobs neatly. See Curtains for a New Home.
Fabrics for toppers
- Hard pelmets: medium-weight fabrics stretch smoothly over the board; jacquards and damasks show their pattern flat. See Floral and Damask Curtain Fabric.
- Valances: light to medium fabrics gather or pleat neatly.
- Swags and tails: soft fabrics that drape well; velvets and lighter jacquards for formal rooms. See Velvet Curtains.
- Contrast linings on tails show as they fold, adding a detail.
Tip
Match the topper to the curtain fabric for a calm look, or use a pattern on the pelmet over plain curtains to add interest without busy windows.
Modern or traditional?
Swags, tails and gathered valances suit traditional rooms, hotels and formal dining rooms. For modern rooms, choose a slim hard pelmet in the wall colour, a tailored box pleat valance, or a hidden curtain box with S-fold curtains. See Curtain Design Ideas.
Care
Toppers gather dust on top. Vacuum them monthly with a soft brush. Fabric-covered pelmets cannot be washed; spot-clean or re-cover them. Valances and swags can usually be taken down and cleaned like the curtains. See How to Wash Curtains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pelmet and a valance?
A pelmet is hard: a board or box, often covered in fabric. A valance is soft fabric gathered or pleated across the top of the window.
What are swags and tails?
Fabric draped in curves across the top of a window, with hanging tails at the sides; a formal, classic window treatment.
Are valances old-fashioned?
Gathered valances and swags look traditional. Slim hard pelmets, box pleat valances and hidden curtain boxes suit modern rooms.
Does a pelmet help with blackout?
Yes. It blocks light escaping above the curtain, which helps darken a bedroom.
Is a curtain box the same as a pelmet?
A curtain box is a pelmet built into the ceiling, common in Malaysian condos. It hides the track and blocks light from above.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.