Kitchen cabinet valance ideas. What is valance cabinet trim?

For centuries, home decorators and interior enthusiasts have recognized the power of decorative trims to elevate the visual appeal of a kitchen space. Rooted in both functionality and aesthetics, kitchen cabinet valances have a rich history that dates back to the origins of kitchen design. 

Cabinet wooden valances were initially introduced as a practical solution to conceal the gap between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. A kitchen cabinet valance bridged the divide, creating a cohesive and polished look. Cabinet valances for the kitchen also hid unsightly electrical wires and under-cabinet lighting fixtures, resulting in a visually clean and streamlined kitchen. 

As time went on, the design world recognized the potential of the under-cabinet valance as more than just functional additions. They became an opportunity to infuse personality, elegance, and artistry into kitchen spaces. From intricate crown moldings to sleek and minimalistic styles, valances evolved to encompass a wide range of designs, catering to various tastes and design preferences.

In this ultimate guide, we invite you to explore many kitchen cabinet valance ideas. From classic crown molding valances that exude regal charm to modern glass panel valances and kitchen cabinet wood valance ideas that showcase your treasured glassware, we will take you on a journey of inspiration and creativity.

What are cabinet valances and why are they need for?

Cabinet valances can be decorative trims which are attached to the top of the kitchen cabinets or under the cabinets. They bridge the gap that exists between the cabinet and the ceiling or serve as aesthetical extensions. With and without kitchen cabinet valances, they would still be functional. However, kitchen cabinet valances are like the perfect finishing touch that completes the overall look of your kitchen. A kitchen cabinet valance may seem like a small detail, but its impact on the overall design and functionality of your kitchen is significant. Here are five reasons why a kitchen cabinet valance is a necessary addition:

1. Aesthetic enhancement

Kitchen cabinet wood valances are a finishing touch to your kitchen cabinets, creating a seamless and cohesive look. It bridges the gap between the cabinets and the ceiling, providing a polished and complete appearance to your kitchen. Whether you opt for a classic crown molding valance, a simple MDF kitchen cabinet valance, or a sleek modern design, it adds a touch of elegance and elevates the overall aesthetic appeal of your space.

2. Hidden wires and fixtures

Under-cabinet lighting fixtures and electrical wires can be unsightly and disrupt the visual harmony of your kitchen. An under-cabinet valance trim serves as a practical solution by concealing these elements, creating a clean and clutter-free look. It ensures that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but also functions efficiently.

3. Dust and grime prevention

The top surface of kitchen cabinets is prone to collecting dust and grime, which can be difficult to clean and maintain. By installing a wood kitchen cabinet valance, you create a barrier that prevents dust and debris from settling on top of the cabinets. This makes cleaning easier and helps to keep your kitchen looking pristine. 

4. Personalization and style

Kitchen cabinet valances come in a variety of styles, allowing you to personalize your kitchen or create a valance and express your unique taste. Whether you prefer a traditional, contemporary, or eclectic design, there're custom upper cabinet valances to match your vision. It's a subtle yet impactful way to infuse personality into your kitchen and make it truly feel like your own.

5. Visual illusion of height

If you have low ceilings or want to create an illusion of greater height in your kitchen, wood kitchen cabinet valances can be a game-changer. By extending the kitchen cabinet valance profile visually to the ceiling, a valance gives the impression of taller cabinets and an overall more spacious feel. This is particularly beneficial in small kitchens where maximizing vertical space is essential.

Kitchen cabinet valance styles

Now that we understand the significance of cabinet valances, let's explore the various styles that can elevate your kitchen's aesthetic to new heights. From traditional to contemporary, there is a wide range of styles of cabinet base valances to suit every taste and kitchen theme. 

• wood kitchen cabinet valance

The wood kitchen cabinet valance style is a classic choice that brings warmth and natural beauty to your kitchen space. Typically crafted from high-quality wood such as oak, cherry, or maple, this style offers timeless elegance and durability. The wood valance can be intricately carved or have simple, clean lines depending on your preferred aesthetic. Custom wood cabinet valances complement a wide range of kitchen designs, from traditional to farmhouse and even contemporary, adding a touch of sophistication to your cabinetry. 

• Double arch kitchen cabinet valance

The double arch kitchen cabinet valance style features two gracefully curved arches that rise symmetrically from the sides of the cabinets and meet at the center, forming an eye-catching peak. This design element brings a sense of grandeur and sophistication to your kitchen, reminiscent of classic architectural elements found in stately homes and palaces. 

• Kitchen cabinet window valance arch

The kitchen cabinet window valance arch is a unique and eye-catching style that adds architectural interest to your kitchen cabinets. Designed to mimic the shape of an arch, this valance gracefully curves across the bottom of the cabinets, creating a focal point that draws the eye. It adds a sense of grandeur and elegance to your kitchen, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a touch of sophistication and a hint of old-world charm. 

• Kitchen cabinet roman valance

The kitchen cabinet roman arch valance brings a touch of softness and tailored elegance to your kitchen. Inspired by Roman shades, this style features panels that create a neat and structured appearance. The material options are endless, ranging from bold patterns to subtle solids, allowing you to match the valance to your kitchen's color scheme and overall design aesthetic. The Roman valance adds a cozy and inviting feel while providing a stylish look to your kitchen decor. 

• Brown cabinet kitchen window valances

If you have brown cabinets in your kitchen, choosing a coordinating brown cabinet kitchen window valance can create a cohesive and harmonious look. This style allows you to extend the color palette of your cabinets and to design elements together seamlessly. Opt for a valance that matches the shade or tone of your cabinets, whether it's a golden oak kitchen cabinet valance, warm espresso, or a glazed toffee kitchen cabinet valance. This approach ensures a unified and polished appearance while enhancing the overall beauty of your kitchen. For those seeking a rustic or farmhouse-inspired aesthetic, a kitchen cabinet valance pine is an excellent choice. 

• Shaker kitchen cabinet window valance

The shaker kitchen cabinet window valance is a perfect blend of simplicity and timeless design. Inspired by the clean lines and functional style of shaker furniture, this valance features a minimalist profile that complements a wide range of kitchen aesthetics. If you prefer this style, opt for a kitchen cabinet valance white. The focus is on craftsmanship and quality, with a streamlined and uncluttered look. Custom shaker upper cabinet valances add a touch of understated elegance to your cabinets while maintaining a fresh and modern appeal.

• Farmhouse kitchen cabinet valances

The cabinet valance can be stained or left unfinished for a more natural, rustic look. It pairs well with farmhouse sinks, vintage-inspired accessories, and other elements that embody the charm of country living. This style allows you to create unique kitchen cabinet valance designs and a tailored look that perfectly fits your kitchen design. You can work with a skilled craftsman or cabinet maker to design unusual kitchen cabinet valance designs that match your specific dimensions, preferences, and style requirements. Custom shaker upper cabinet valances offer endless possibilities for creativity and can become a standout feature in your kitchen, showcasing your individuality and attention to detail.

Cabinet window valance

A kitchen cabinet valance over the window is a decorative element that is commonly used in kitchens to enhance the appearance of cabinets located below windows. Kitchen cabinet window valances serve as a finishing touch to create a cohesive and polished look in the kitchen space. There are various types of kitchen cabinet bottom valance available, each with its own distinct style and design.

• One popular type of cabinet valance is cabinet valance molding. This type of valance features a decorative molding piece that is installed along the bottom edge of the cabinet, right below the window. This is the valance to match the kitchen window cabinet. It adds an elegant touch and helps create a seamless transition between the cabinets and the window. Valance for kitchen cabinet moldings is available in different profiles and finishes, allowing homeowners to choose the one that best matches their kitchen décor.
• Another type of kitchen cabinet window valance pointed arch commonly used for kitchen cabinets is the crown valance. This style of valance resembles crown molding and is installed at the top of the cabinets, just below the upper cabinetry. Crown valances add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the kitchen, creating a visually appealing transition between the cabinets and the window area. They are typically available in various widths and can be painted or stained to match the cabinet finish.

When selecting a valance to match the kitchen window cabinet, it is important to consider the overall style and design of the kitchen. The crown valance for the kitchen cabinet should complement the cabinets and window treatments, creating a harmonious look. For instance, if the kitchen cabinets have a traditional or classic design, a kitchen cabinet wood window valance with ornate details or intricate carvings would be a suitable choice as well as wood white shaker cabinet valances for windows. On the other hand, for a modern kitchen with sleek and minimalistic cabinets, a clean and simple kitchen cabinet arched window valance design would be more appropriate.

Kitchen cabinet valance over the stove

A kitchen cabinet valance over the stove is a stylish and functional addition to enhance the appearance and functionality of your kitchen. It serves as a decorative element that can be installed above the stove or range area, providing a seamless transition between the upper cabinetry and the cooking space. There are several ideas and materials to consider when choosing a kitchen cabinet valance over range. In this section, we will explore kitchen cabinet metal valance over stove ideas.

Metal

One option to explore is a metal valance. Metal valances can add a contemporary and sleek look to the kitchen, making them a popular choice for modern or industrial-inspired kitchen designs. Stainless steel or brushed nickel are commonly used metals for this purpose. These valances can be designed in various styles, such as a flat metal panel or a textured metal surface, depending on the desired aesthetic. Metal valances are durable and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for the stove area. 

Copper

For those seeking a touch of warmth and elegance, a kitchen cabinet valance made of copper can be a stunning choice. Kitchen cabinet valance from copper adds a rich and luxurious feel to the kitchen and can beautifully complement copper accents or fixtures in the space. The natural patina that develops on copper over time adds a unique charm to the valance. However, it's important to consider the maintenance involved with copper, as it requires occasional cleaning and polishing to maintain its luster. 

When installing a kitchen cabinet valance over a range hood, it's essential to ensure that it doesn't interfere with the operation of the range hood. The valance should be positioned in a way that allows the range hood to effectively vent the cooking fumes and maintain a clear airflow. This consideration is particularly crucial for kitchens that require strong ventilation due to frequent cooking or the use of high-heat cooking methods. 

Over-sink cabinet valance

Kitchen cabinet sink valance is a type of decorative element that is specifically designed to be installed above the sink area in a kitchen. Cabinet valance over a sink serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, adding a finishing touch to the cabinets located above the sink while also providing practical benefits. Here are some key details about cabinet valance over-sink ideas:

1. Definition and Placement

An over-sink cabinet valance is a horizontal decorative valance piece that is installed above the sink. It spans the width of the cabinets and creates a visual frame around the sink area. Typically, the valance for the over sink in the kitchen is positioned slightly higher to allow for convenient access to the sink while also maintaining a balanced appearance.

2. Aesthetic enhancement

One of the primary purposes of a wood valance over a kitchen sink is to enhance the overall visual appeal of the kitchen. It adds a touch of style and elegance to the sink area, transforming it into a focal point within the kitchen. The cabinet valance over sink shape can be designed to match the existing cabinetry, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.

3. Concealing under-cabinet lighting

Over-sink cabinet valances often serve a practical purpose by concealing under-cabinet lighting fixtures. These fixtures are installed on the underside of the upper cabinets to provide task lighting for the sink area. The valance acts as a cover, hiding the light source while diffusing the light and creating a soft and inviting ambiance in the kitchen.

4. Material and design options

Over-sink cabinet valances come in a variety of materials and designs, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best complements their kitchen style. Common materials include wooden valance above a kitchen sink, metal, and synthetic materials such as PVC or polyurethane. The design can range from simple and streamlined to more intricate and decorative, depending on personal preferences and the overall kitchen design.

5. Customization and DIY

Over-sink cabinet valances can be customized to suit individual needs and preferences. Some homeowners may choose to purchase pre-made valances or shelf valances above the kitchen sink that are specifically designed for this purpose, while others may opt for a more personalized approach by creating their own valances. DIY options can involve woodworking, metalworking, or using molding and trim pieces to achieve the desired look. 

6. Installation

Installing an over-sink cabinet valance is a relatively straightforward process. It typically involves measuring the width of the sink area and selecting a valance that matches the size and style of the cabinets. The valance is then attached securely to the bottom edge of the cabinets using screws, nails, or adhesive, depending on the material and design.

Cabinet lighting valance

A valance for under cabinet lighting is a decorative element that combines lighting fixtures with a valance installed above kitchen cabinets. Light valance under the cabinet serves the dual purpose of providing task lighting for the countertop area while adding a stylish accent to the kitchen design. While there is under cabinet lighting without valance, it is still ideal and highly recommended by designers to install a valance for good reasons. There are various types of valance lighting above cabinets for the kitchen as well as under cabinet light valance available for installation above kitchen cabinets, each offering its own unique features and benefits. Here are some common types: 

• LED strip lights

LED strip lights are a popular choice for valance lighting above kitchen cabinets. It is also used as under-cabinet valance lighting. These flexible strips contain small LED bulbs that emit bright and energy-efficient light. They can be easily installed along the bottom edge of the valance, providing even illumination across the countertop. LED strip lights come in various lengths and can be customized to fit the specific dimensions of the cabinet valance.

• Puck lights

Puck lights are small, round fixtures that are commonly used for valance lighting. They are compact in size and emit focused light, making them ideal for highlighting specific areas of the countertop. Puck lights can be surface-mounted or recessed into the valance, depending on the desired aesthetic and installation requirements. They are available in different finishes and can be dimmable for adjustable lighting levels.

• Fluorescent tubes

Fluorescent tubes have been a traditional choice for valance lighting above kitchen cabinets. These linear tube lights provide bright and uniform illumination across the countertop area. They are energy-efficient and have a long lifespan. However, fluorescent lighting is gradually being replaced by LED options due to their better energy efficiency, improved color rendering, and reduced maintenance requirements.

Toe kick valances

 A kitchen cabinet toe kick valance is a functional and aesthetic component commonly found in kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. It is a base kitchen cabinet valance that extends from the bottom of the cabinet, covering the open space between the cabinet and the floor. The primary purpose of a toe kick valance is to provide a seamless transition between the cabinet base and the floor while concealing the toe space beneath. 

A decorative toe kick valance serves several important purposes:

• Firstly, it enhances the overall appearance of the cabinet by creating a polished and finished look. A base cabinet toe kick valance adds a decorative touch to the lower part of the cabinet, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.
• Additionally, the toe kick valance on the island helps to protect the cabinet from accidental kicks or scuffs, as it acts as a barrier between the cabinet and the floor.
• Kitchen island valance toe kick also helps to prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from accumulating in the toe space, making it easier to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen or bathroom.

Installing a toe kick valance behind a dishwasher is typically done during the cabinet installation or renovation process. It is recommended to install a toe kick valance when you want to achieve a cohesive and seamless design in your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you are constructing new cabinets or updating your existing ones, adding a toe kick valance can significantly enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the space. By incorporating a toe kick valance, you can create a visually appealing and well-finished cabinet design while ensuring its protection and ease of cleaning.

Cabinet valance trim sizes

Achieving the right size for your premade cabinet valance’s trim is when installing cabinet valance that enhances the overall design of your kitchen. People often ask what size should kitchen valance be or how to make kitchen cabinet valance. There are countless of information to find out there but for your convenience, we also included this information in this section. Below, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to measure for a valance trim and ensure it fits your space and design seamlessly.