If we were to remove the interior from a fancy automobile its appearance and luxury look would certainly disappear. Whenever purchasing vertical blinds the same principle applies. Like an automobile, vertical blinds are equipped with a mechanical mechanism, which albeit somewhat unsightly, it is necessary for the operation of the blind. From this mechanism known as a track, moving carriers traverse the track and also allow the louvers to suspend themselves from. This mechanism can be hidden from view with the addition of a valance.

The vertical blind tracking mechanism or track, as it is commonly referred to, is most likely made of an aluminum alloy and can be special ordered painted, mill finish or anodized. In the early days of vertical blinds, tracks were also available in steel however steel vertical blind tracks are not really sold anymore. Gliding plastic carriers equipped with a ?clip tooth? allow the vertical louvers to freely suspend and these carriers will traverse along the width of the track and will also rotate 180 degrees thus allowing the blind to open and close. These teeth, which are available in clear plastic, are always visible even with the addition of a valance.

The vertical blind louvers which attach to the carriers via the ?clip tooth? do so via a punched hole in the material in the case of PVC louvers or in the case of fabric louvers the fabric punched, folded and sewn creating a narrow pocket in which a hole punched plastic piece is inserted and then pushed into the carrier tooth where it catches the tooth clip and allow to free hang. This method allows for the uninterrupted function of the track as it traverses back and forth and rotates open or close.

So it can be said that the vertical blind does cover the opening of the window or door yet the tracking mechanism, as previously explained, is exposed thus taking away from the beauty of the product unless a valance is used.

In order to bring a finish look to the vertical blind it is highly recommended to use a valance. Vertical blind valances are not always included as an integral part of the vertical blind albeit some companies do include it. Some companies will charge for the valance as a way to increase profitability as this added charge could be substantial. It is for this reason that companies that include the valance as part of the ?total blind? sell the majority of the vertical blinds purchased but the consumer must be made aware of this fact. The vertical blind valance is a very simple cover that easily attaches to the vertical blind track through the mounting brackets and when laminated with the louver material held in place by built in clear edge grooves improves its appearance immensely.

When properly installed, the vertical blind valance will cover the vertical blind track and cover the carrier teeth where the either PVC or fabric louvers attach to the track. The end result is that all that is mostly seen is the free hanging louvers and the face of the valance that is laminated with the same material used for the louvers.

In addition to the so-called standard vertical blind valance, a series of upgraded valances are also available to the consumer. These luxury valances are an upgrade from the standard valance and will incur an extra charge by all retailers whether purchased locally or over the Internet. These upgraded valances are available as single valances or double valances with rounded corners and edges lined with fancy materials in many colors. Although the addition of the upgraded valance will improve the final appearance of the vertical blind, there is no substitute for the correct choice of louver material, be that PVC or fabric, the latter being available in hundreds of patterns and colors to fit any decor. Regardless of the valance chosen, it is usually laminated with the same louver material.

Before making a final decision on a vertical blind, always find out if a valance is included in the final price. If the retailer is not including one, look somewhere else before making a decision, as this move will save you money. Remember our initial comment that buying a vertical blind is like buying an automobile without an interior. The working mechanism of the vertical blind is meant to be hidden from view and meant to be included as a way to improve the final appearance of the vertical blind and a way for retailers to promote the sale of the product. Those consumers who shop over the Internet can visualize the difference of a vertical blind with and without a valance and choose from online retailers that offer the complete product.