10 RV Window Valance Ideas for Your RV Makeover
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Are you looking for a way to personalize your RV and make it feel more home-like? Do your windows leave something to be desired? In this article, we’ll give you lots of RV window valance ideas, whether you want to recover them, paint them, replace them with wood, or ditch them entirely and go for curtains.
First off, let’s define our terms! In an RV, a cornice and a valance are both decorative window treatments, but they serve slightly different purposes and have distinct designs.
A cornice is typically a rigid, upholstered box-like structure mounted above the window, concealing the hardware and providing a more formal, tailored look. It can also add insulation and block light gaps for a polished finish. On the other hand, a valance is a softer, fabric-based treatment that drapes or hangs above the window, often adding a casual and lightweight decorative touch. While cornices offer a structured and modern aesthetic, valances are more traditional and flexible in design, catering to different styles and preferences.
So are the window treatments that come already installed in an RV a valance or a cornice? Call it whatever you want!
While many people doing window makeovers remove the window treatments completely, including the blinds, there are also ways to keep the blinds in place and still change up your look. One of these RV valance ideas is sure to inspire you!
Idea 1: Pin Fabric to Cover the RV Window Valance
Want to update your RV valances without much hassle? Pinning fabric over them is an easy, no-commitment option. Pick a fabric that fits your style – maybe a fun print, a cozy plaid, or a simple neutral tone. Drape it over the valance and secure it with straight pins or fabric clips. No sewing required! This is perfect if you like switching things up often or want a temporary fix. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to hide outdated patterns or colors. You can even use leftover fabric or thrifted finds to keep it affordable and unique. Check out how Kristin did this from the photo above!
Idea 2: Pin and Bunch Fabric to Make a No-Sew RV Valance
If your RV valances feel too plain, try pinning or bunching fabric to make a cute short curtain over them. Choose lightweight fabric, like cotton or linen, and drape it over the top of the valance. Use clips or pins to bunch the fabric, creating a relaxed, gathered look. This adds a cozy, layered vibe to your space without removing the existing valance. It’s a quick and easy project that doesn’t require sewing, and you can swap out the fabric whenever you want a new look or color scheme. Check out how Heather did it here!
Idea 3: Cover the Valance with Lace
Lace can add a soft, vintage charm to your RV valances. To do this, cut a piece of lace slightly larger than the valance, then wrap it around and secure it with pins, fabric glue, or a staple gun. The delicate texture of lace allows light to filter through, giving your space an airy, romantic feel. You can also use lace table runners like Kathy did in the picture above!
Idea 4: Reupholster RV Valances with Pretty Fabric
Reupholstering your valances is a great way to give them a completely new look. Choose fabric that matches your RV’s style—something modern, colorful, or neutral—and follow a step-by-step tutorial to remove the old fabric and staple on the new. It’s a bit more work but totally worth it for the polished result. This is a great option if your valances are outdated or damaged. Once reupholstered, they’ll look fresh and custom-made, making your RV feel more like home.
Idea 5: Remove the Valance but Leave the Blinds
If the valances don’t fit your style, you can remove them entirely while keeping the blinds in place so you can still totally block out light when needed. Add curtains for a softer, more personalized touch. Choose a curtain rod that matches your decor, then hang lightweight or blackout curtains, depending on your needs. This option is simple, affordable, and gives your RV windows a fresh, clean look without major changes. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to balance function and style.
Idea 6: Add Some Macrame
Add a boho vibe to your RV by hanging macramé in front of your valances. You can buy pre-made macramé hangings or create your own if you’re feeling crafty. Hang them from small hooks or rods mounted above the valance, letting the macramé drape down for a layered, textured effect. It’s a great way to add a personal touch and soften the space without removing the valances. Pair it with other natural elements like plants or woven baskets for a cohesive, laid-back look.
Idea 7: Put Curtains Under the RV Valance
Long curtains behind the valances can instantly elevate your RV’s look. Choose lightweight or flowy fabrics, like sheer panels or linen, to create a soft and cozy vibe. Install a curtain rod behind the valance, then hang the curtains so they cascade down the sides of the window. This adds depth and makes the space feel larger. Plus, it’s an easy way to cover the blinds without permanently removing anything. Long curtains also let you play with different colors or patterns to fit your style.
Idea 8: Recover the Valances (With New Fabric)
Reupholstering your RV window valances is a great way to give them a completely new look. Choose fabric that matches your RV’s style—something modern, colorful, or neutral—and follow a step-by-step tutorial to remove the old fabric and staple on the new. It’s a bit more work but totally worth it for the polished result. This is a great option if your valances are outdated or damaged. Once reupholstered, they’ll look fresh and custom-made, making your RV feel more like home.
Idea 9: Paint RV Valances with Fabric Paint or Chalk Paint
Photo: Lisa Braddy
For a quick and budget-friendly update, consider painting your RV’s valances using fabric paint or chalk paint. If they’re wooden or have a smooth surface, you can sand them lightly and paint them in a color that fits your aesthetic. Go for a crisp white for a clean look or choose a bold color to make a statement. Chalk paint works great for this since it’s easy to use and gives a nice finish. This method is super simple and doesn’t take much time, making it perfect for anyone looking for an easy DIY upgrade.
Idea 10: Build a Wooden Cornice to Replace the Factory Cornice
If you’re looking for a custom touch, consider building a wooden cornice to replace the factory valances. You can keep it simple with clean lines or add decorative molding for a more classic look. Paint or stain the wood to match your RV’s interior, and voila—a completely transformed window treatment. This project requires a bit of DIY effort but delivers a polished and high-end look. Wooden cornices are durable and timeless, making them a great long-term upgrade for your RV.
Bonus Idea: Remove and Replace the Window Coverings Altogether
For a full transformation, consider removing the valances and replacing the entire window treatment. You can opt for sleek roller shades, Roman shades, or full-length curtains depending on your style. This gives you a blank slate to design window coverings that better suit your taste and needs. It’s a bigger project but worth it if the factory valances and blinds don’t match your vision. New window coverings can make your RV feel more like a home and less like a standard camper.
How to Remove RV Valances / Cornices
If you’ve decided that you don’t want try to reupholster or otherwise makeover the original RV window valances in your RV but are wondering how hard they are to remove, rest assured–they are actually very easy to take off your windows. All you need is a screwdriver! (But, an electric drill will make the job MUCH easier.)
If you want to only remove the valances but leave the shades, the first thing you’ll want to do is determine whether the window shades are attached to the walls of your RV or to the cornices themselves. If they are attached to the window treatments, I recommend first removing those screws and screwing them to the walls instead, because they can be kind of tricky to hang back up.
If you’re planning to remove both the valances and the window shades / blindes, all you have to do is start taking down screws and eventually they’ll all come down. After that, you can fill the holes with some putty to match your walls and hang whatever new RV window treatments you like. And as long as the screws you use are shorter than the ones you removed, you don’t have to worry about accidentally punching through the exterior wall of your RV.
Conclusion
RV window valance upgrades are a great opportunity to make a big impact, sometimes even in a temporary way. Whether you keep your original RV valances in place, cover them, or remove them entirely, you’ve got many options for new looks to make RV windows you love. For even more RV window makeover ideas, check out this article: 44 Ideas for an RV Window Makeover
