If you've been browsing for new window treatments lately, you've likely stumbled across the question of what is a valance return and whether or not you actually need one for your home. It's one of those industry terms that sounds way more complicated than it actually is, but once you see what it does, you'll realize it's the secret to making a standard set of blinds look like a high-end custom installation.
Basically, a valance return is that little "wing" or side piece that attaches to the main front part of your valance. While the main valance covers the front of your blinds' headrail, the returns wrap around the corners to cover the ends. Without them, you'd be staring at the metal brackets and the messy internal guts of your blinds whenever you look at your window from the side. Nobody wants that.
Why you should care about returns
I've seen plenty of people skip the returns because they think they're just an extra bit of plastic or wood they don't want to deal with. But honestly, it's all about the finishing touch. Think of a valance return like the side of a picture frame. If you only had the front of the frame and no sides, it would look thin, unfinished, and honestly, a bit cheap.
Beyond just looking pretty, returns serve a functional purpose too. If you're installing blinds as an outside mount—meaning they're attached to the wall or trim rather than inside the window frame—those returns are what close the gap between the blind and the wall. This helps block out those annoying slivers of light that peek through the sides, which is a lifesaver if you're trying to sleep in on a Saturday morning.
The difference between inside and outside mounts
When you're figuring out your setup, you need to know if you're doing an inside or an outside mount. This completely changes the conversation about returns.
For an inside mount, the blinds sit tucked away within the window casing. In this scenario, you usually don't need returns at all because the window frame itself hides the sides of the headrail. The valance just sits flat across the front.
However, for an outside mount, the headrail sticks out from the wall by a few inches. This is where the return becomes your best friend. It bridges that 3-inch or 4-inch gap, wrapping back toward the wall to create a clean, boxed-in look. Without them, your blinds look like they're just floating awkwardly off the wall.
Getting the measurements right
Measuring for returns is where things can get a little tricky if you aren't careful. You can't just guess the length; you need to know the projection of your blinds. This is simply the distance from the wall to the very front of the blind's headrail.
If your blinds stick out 3 inches from the wall, you need a 3-inch return. If you have extra-thick brackets or you're layering blinds over a bulky window trim, you might need a "deep" return that extends 5 or 6 inches. Most manufacturers will give you a standard size, but if you're doing a custom order, you'll want to double-check that the return is long enough to reach the wall without leaving a weird gap.
Different styles for different vibes
Not all returns are created equal. Depending on the material of your blinds, your returns will look and feel a bit different:
- Wood and Faux Wood: These usually feature a mitered corner, which is just a fancy way of saying the two pieces are cut at 45-degree angles to fit together perfectly. They often use a small plastic clip or a bit of wood glue to stay in place.
- Fabric Valances: These are often called "soft" returns. Instead of a hard piece of wood, the fabric just wraps around the corner and is held in place by the curtain rod or a bit of Velcro.
- Metal or Mini Blinds: These often use plastic end caps that snap onto the front valance. They aren't always the most stylish, but they get the job done.
How they actually attach
You don't need a degree in engineering to put these things together, I promise. Most modern valance returns use a simple L-shaped corner clip. You slide one side of the clip into the groove on the back of the main valance and the other side into the return piece. They snap together, and just like that, you've got a nice 90-degree angle.
Some higher-end wood valances might come pre-glued or use magnetic strips. I personally love the magnetic ones because if you accidentally bump into them while cleaning, they just pop off instead of snapping a plastic clip. It saves a lot of headache in the long run.
Common mistakes to avoid
One of the biggest blunders I see is people cutting their returns too short. Remember, it's always better to have a return that's slightly too long than one that doesn't reach the wall. If it's too long, you can usually trim it down with a basic saw (if it's wood) or a pair of heavy-duty shears. If it's too short, you're stuck with a gap that lets light in and looks unfinished.
Another thing to watch out for is clearance. If your window is right next to a corner or another piece of furniture, make sure there's actually room for the return to wrap around. Sometimes, you might only need a return on one side if the other side of the blind is flush against a wall.
DIY fixes for missing returns
If you bought blinds that didn't come with returns, or maybe you moved into a house where the previous owners lost them, don't panic. You can actually make your own. If you have some matching wood or even a sturdy piece of trim, you can cut it to size and use small "L" brackets from the hardware store to mount it to the side of your headrail.
For fabric valances, it's even easier. You can just buy a small strip of matching fabric and fabric-glue it to the edge, then wrap it around the side. It won't look exactly like a factory-made piece, but it beats looking at a raw metal bracket every day.
Wrapping it up
At the end of the day, understanding what is a valance return is just about appreciating the small details. It's a minor component in the world of interior design, but it's the difference between a "good enough" DIY project and a professional-looking home.
Whether you're trying to block out the morning sun or just want your living room to look a bit more polished, those little side pieces do a lot of heavy lifting. Next time you're ordering blinds, take a second to check your projection measurements and make sure your returns are accounted for. Your windows—and your sleep schedule—will definitely thank you.