Try a deep orange or red. The colors will bring on romance, yet the deeper color will make it masculine.
A scarf valance only needs edge stitching. first you must have a sewing machine. or you can get that tape that thet use to finish edges from a craft store. Jcpenny and Linen N' Things sells great scarfs.
Either will work but it really depends on your decorating style. I personally think a decorative cornice would be elegant and a valance would be functional and practical.