What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Valance vs Cornice - What's the difference?

valance | cornice |

As nouns the difference between valance and cornice

is that valance is short curtain that hangs along the top edge of a window while cornice is (architecture)  a horizontal architectural element of a building, projecting forward from the main walls, originally used as a means of directing rainwater away from the building's walls see also: eaves, fascia.

valance

English

Alternative forms

* valaunce (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • Short curtain that hangs along the top edge of a window.
  • A decorative framework used to conceal the curtain mechanism and so on at the top of a window.
  • (bedding) A short, decorative edging of cloth that hangs from the mattress to the floor.
  • The drooping edging of the lid of a trunk, which covers the joint when the lid is closed.

    • Synonyms

    * (bedding) dust ruffle

    cornice

    English

    (wikipedia cornice)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (architecture)  A horizontal architectural element of a building, projecting forward from the main walls, originally used as a means of directing rainwater away from the building's walls. See also: eaves, fascia.
  • A decorative element applied at the topmost part of the wall of a room, as with a crown moulding.
  • *{{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)
    • , title=(The China Governess) , chapter=1 citation , passage=The half-dozen pieces […] were painted white and carved with festoons of flowers, birds and cupids. […]  The bed was the most extravagant piece.  Its graceful cane halftester rose high towards the cornice and was so festooned in carved white wood that the effect was positively insecure, as if the great couch were trimmed with icing sugar.}}
  • A decorative element at the topmost portion of certain pieces of furniture, as with a highboy.