I get that response many times when I recommend to clients that they take down the valances above windows when they are preparing to put their home up for sale.
I understand they may have been expensive but many times that was 20-30 years ago so you have gotten your money’s worth. Even if they were purchased more recently you can take them with you to your new home or leave them folded in a closet for the homeowner if they want to use them
The reason I make this recommendation is:
1) Valances cut the ceiling height down.
It chops the room off visually part way up the wall and the buyer’s eye tends to stop right there.
2) Valances shrink the window size.
A large portion of a window is cut off because of a valance, sometimes 1/4 of the window on smaller windows. Buyers love large windows and lots of natural light. Valances hinder both of those making the windows look smaller and the room darker.
3) Valances cover up the view.
Many times homes have beautiful lots, gorgeous back yards with tall trees and you have to look under the valance to see it all. Show off what they are there for and where the value is, the land. The valances will not add value to the house no matter how expensive they were.
4) Valances are a personal preference
Some buyers like drapes, some like blinds, some like valances, some like bare windows. It is a personal preference and with the valances they see it as a chore to take them down, patch the wall and repaint if they don’t like them. It is always best to reduce as many personal style items as possible for a buyer.
There are many times I recommend drapes come down as well but valances are a must. For these and all recommendations when putting your house on the market, contact a professional Home Stager for a Home Staging Consultation.
