From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary EnglishRelated topics: Householdvalanceval‧ance, valence /ˈvæləns/ noun [countable]1DHa narrow piece of cloth that hangs from the edge of a shelf or from the frame of a bed to the floor2especially American EnglishDH a narrow piece of cloth above a window, covering the rail the curtains hang onSYN pelmet British EnglishExamples from the Corpusvalance• Even a valance or pelmet will be given an extrahighlight when edged with an attractive fringing or braid.• And with Superstyle TwinTrack, a valance rail allows you to add a little extra style even in those awkward situations.• Dorma offers a range of ready-made curtains, valances and tiebacks.• Pin top edges of valance and lining together and drawstitch the folded edges together.• Front and rearvalances also bolt on, but are more costly than the sills to replace.• When all the pleats have been tacked in place, check that the finishedwidthequals the length of the valance rail.• Long platformcanopies supported by decoratediron and with woodenvalances soon appeared.Originvalance(1400-1500) Perhaps from Valence town in southeastern France