Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Barbara d'Arcy and her model rooms at Bloomingdale's were huge. Big time influential. And her 1973 book Bloomingdale's Book of Home Decorating
Looking through my copy of it over the weekend (what better way to spend a snowy day than curled up on the sofa reading a vintage design book?), I noticed the shapely valances and lambrequins that d'Arcy employed often in her schemes. Sometimes they were used over windows, while at other times it was a bed that got the crowning touch. Now I do love simple curtains, but sometimes it would be nice to see some oomph on one's windows. There are some windows that look a tad sad- dare I say deflated- with a wardrobe of only plain panels. But if you were to add one of these valances with an interesting edge, well, it's a whole new window, isn't it.
(All images from Bloomingdale's Book of Home Decorating
I will be on the lookout for this book. I adore vintage decorating books and using them to glean the classics from the trends and see how styles evolve.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! I will be hunting for this book on abebooks.
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting this matter of valances. I have a long & tall bedroom with two windows (15 X 8). And valances that extended up above the windows were the perfect solution in terms of scale and correcting architecture.
Jansen was known for its valances, and David Hicks hung a multitude of them at windows as well in the 1960s. Many of the shapes were taken from 17th-century examples.
ReplyDeleteLove valances but haven't seen much of them since the decline of the use of fabrics, most likely because of the cost per yard/labor mixed with the change in decorating going towards a cleaner look. So yay for bringing them back into style - these are absolutely gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteMy windows are particularly beautiful so I choose to disguise them. I think valances are a good trick for turning the eye inwards and celebrating the interior view. I am quite smitten by them as an art form.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely going to be on the lookout for this book. I love the treatment on all of the beds ... somehow they remain romantic and modern. love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for valances and good extensive use of fabric but I find them oppressive if they are placed too low - don't like to feel boxed in! Still that day bed treatment in photo 2 works and the tent look in the last picture - glorious!
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