10 Inspirational Ideas for Kitchen Window Treatments

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Window treatments for your kitchen can transform your kitchen space.  Window treatments frame your windows, soften the room and accent your walls.  Replacing existing kitchen curtains can give your kitchen an immediate face lift.    If you do not already have curtains in your kitchen or your current curtains are in need of an update, read on!  Wonderful inspiration follows!

Window treatments serve a functional purpose in your kitchen.  Curtains block light when needed.  A classic roman shade can do the trick.  They also keep heat in or out and can add a little privacy with a style like a café curtain.  A simple valance or curtain can transform a space.  Curtains can tie together all the colors and style elements in the room.

10 Kitchen Window Treatment Ideas that Will Inspire You

  1. Roman Shades – CHICOLOGY Magnetic Roman Shades
  2. Valence – JINCHAN Valance
  3. Café Curtains – Tier Curtains
  4. Faux Window Treatment – Vangao Kitchen Valance
  5. Mid Length Curtains – Vangao Curtains
  6. Full Length Drapes – RYB HOME Curtains
  7. Sheer Curtains – HLC.ME Sheer Window Treatment
  8. Blinds and Shades – Foiresoft Basic Blinds
  9. Plantation Shutters – Interior Shutter Kit
  10. Wood Valance – TailorView Valance

1 – Roman Shades

Roman shades are a type of shade constructed with rings and cording that can be lowered and raised.  When raised, the fabric stacks neatly in horizontal folds instead of rolling like a roller shade.  Roman shades are made of a variety of colors and fabrics from bamboo to cotton.  Roman shades are a classic option but can be made more modern with fabric choice.  When space is a premium, roman shades are a great option.  Also, this type of shade is great when you have items around the window.  Great for over the sink!

Since Roman Shades can be lowered all of the way, they provide you with privacy and some insulation as well.  This type of shade can also be layered underneath other curtains, drapes or even a valence.  From the very simple store purchased roman shade to the elaborate custom roman shade, this type of window covering is a wonderful option for your kitchen.

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2 – Valence

A valence is a border curtain on the top of your window.  It can stand alone or be a finishing touch over a shade or blind.  It is a popular choice to cover drapery hardware.  Or, it can be the focal point if light and privacy are not a concern.  A valence can go over any type or size of window.  It softens the straight edges of a window and makes a huge impact.

RELATED:  Valances for Kitchen Windows Explore Inspiring Ideas

3 – Café Curtains

A café curtain is a curtain that is hung on only the lower half of the window.  It can be the perfect solution for many kinds of kitchen windows.  If your windows are along a street or across from another building, a café curtain can provide that privacy that you need while not blocking out the light that you desire.  Café curtains can be made of just about any material.  They can even be made of sheer material to let even more light into your kitchen.  Café curtains can be flat, pleated, grommeted or any other way that you would choose to hang your curtains.

Your choice of fabric and hanging method can make your café curtain more traditional or modern.  A café curtain is can be paired with a matching valance.  It can be a great option for over your kitchen sink because a café curtain is usually hung on loose rings to easily slide back and forth.  Even for windows that don’t require a great deal of privacy, café curtains can provide a bit of softness without being too heavy.  Don’t think of grandma’s kitchen when you think of café curtains, they can be made in many different styles for today that update your kitchen look immediately.

4 – Faux Window Treatment

A faux window treatment is a window treatment that looks like a functioning window treatment, but only serves a decorative purpose.  When you need color and style from curtains in your kitchen, but not privacy or insulation a faux window treatment suits your needs.

You can choose from faux window treatments such as a faux Roman shade, a simple fabric drape shaped in scallops, dish towels (yes, dish towels!), coffee bags…the sky is the limit when all you need is color and style!  Get creative!

5 – Mid Length Curtains

Mid length curtains are a classic choice.  If you have heat or ac vents near your windows, mid length curtains will not block the vents for better circulation.  Also, mid length curtains add color and style without adding a lot of formality.

Mid length curtains are definitely a more casual choice.  They are easier to keep clean than full length drapes, but not quite as modern.  Mid length curtains can also fit into a space that full length curtains can not.  They not only add color and style to your space, but also provide great insulation and privacy control.

6 – Full Length Drapes

Full length drapes in the kitchen are definitely a modern choice.  It was thought that full length drapes would get dirty in a kitchen, but that is a thing of the past.  Full length drapes add visual height and drama to a room instantly.  They can make a bold statement with color and pattern.  Or, keep the drapes neutral and blended to add subtle texture to a room.

Full length drapes also add insulation for bigger kitchen windows.  They work wonderfully for a sliding glass door in the kitchen.  They make a room feel bigger and add richness.  To provide a flow throughout the house, coordinate your kitchen drapes with adjacent rooms.  Full length drapes are a warm and welcoming addition to your kitchen.

7 – Sheer Curtains

A sheer curtain is a curtain panel that allows light through the fabric.  When you don’t require blackout conditions or heavy insulation, a sheer curtain can provide just enough privacy for your family.  Sheer curtains are often used as a layer under opaque curtains.  Alone, they add a light, airy look to the kitchen.  Sheer curtains are timeless and can be used in both a modern and traditional setting.  A sheer curtain provides light filtering, limited privacy and adds style to your kitchen.

8 – Blinds and Shades

Blinds and shades come in so many materials, sizes and shapes.  A blind or a shade can be a great choice for a small space. With so many choices – mini blinds, wood blinds, faux wood blind, matchstick blinds, bamboo shades, woven wooden shades, there is a blind or shade that will fit into your décor.


Shop Now: Blinds

A blind can finish off a bland space that otherwise can not fit a window treatment.  They also provide great privacy and light block.  You can go with a blind or shade that blends in to take advantage of the function or a blind that warms up the space like a bamboo shade.  A blind or shade can be layered underneath a curtain or valance for more privacy and or added detail.  Either way, a blind or shade is a great detail to update your kitchen.

9 – Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are wood or faux wood louvers mounted on a frame.  They can be installed on the interior over your windows.  Open the louvers for light and viewing.  Close the louvers for privacy.  Shutters look gorgeous both on the inside and outside of your windows.  Shutter offer clean lines and sophistication for a fresh look for your kitchen.

10 – Wood Valence

A wood valence is a window treatment that is a box made from wood that covers the top of the window.  A wood valance is a more traditional option for your window.  It adds classic elegance to your kitchen.  You can layer a wood valence over curtains, full length drapes or even blinds.  A wood valence can be painted to match your kitchen precisely.  You can add moldings to a wood valence as well for even more custom detail.  A wood valence may just be that kitchen modification that brings your kitchen to the next level!

What are your Kitchen Curtain Requirements?

Window treatments are an important design element in your kitchen.  Before you choose your curtains, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you need to cover your entire window for privacy?
What colors and patterns are already in your kitchen?
Do you need your window treatments to provide insulation from the environment?
How many windows do you have?
What types of windows do you have in your kitchen?  Door?  Over the sink?
What are the sizes and locations of your kitchen windows?
Do you have a casual or formal kitchen?

Once you gather the information above,  you have all the details that you need to pick the window treatment style or styles that will most complement your kitchen.

Window treatments in the kitchen are often overlooked if privacy is not a concern.  Even if you don’t need curtains for privacy or insulation, installing kitchen window treatments will instantly update your kitchen by adding character, texture and that little extra something that sets your kitchen apart!

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I have always loved updating the kitchen. The options to help modernize and rejuvenate a kitchen on your own are almost endless. I enjoy the hunt for new lighting, hardware, and functional kitchen pieces that give me the most bang for my buck.  Here, I hope to inspire you to update your own kitchen by sharing what I have learned with you.

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