As kitchens are probably the most hardworking zones in our homes, they need extra love in every aspect. Along with the cabinetry, countertops, sink, faucets, and whatnot, kitchen windows need your attention.
What exactly do kitchen windows do?
Kitchen windows bring in natural light, carry away fumes, and generally give your cooking space an open feel. Basically, your kitchen window treatments help with light control, privacy factor, and room aesthetics. Whether with a simple valance over the kitchen sink or a gently cascading set of custom roman shades, how you drape your windows matters a lot, both in terms of looks and in terms of utility. A stylish kitchen can look insipid with boring window treatments. On the other hand, chic window treatments can uplift even an ordinary kitchen.
We share some tips to help you get your kitchen window treatments right.
Curtains, shades, or blinds: choose your window treatment
Your window’s location vis-à-vis the cooktop is the key deciding factor here. For obvious reasons, curtains and flames do not go together. If the windows are quite a bit away and there’s no chance of them coming in contact with stove flames, you can go for a set of cafe curtains. Otherwise, it is better to stick to blinds or roman shades.
Similarly, if your kitchen is small, blinds and shades are better choices. Curtains take up more space and will make your kitchen look even smaller. In contrast, blinds and shades give a roomier feeling. Blinds usually pair with modern, sleek kitchens (think minimal Scandinavian esthetics). Drapes and shades work better with classic, bohemian, and vintage looks.
Privacy matters
Does your kitchen window overlook the street, or do neighboring apartments get a clear view into your food zone? One of the key factors in making your home private is choosing the right set of window treatments. Half curtains, roll-up blinds, semi-sheers, light blockers, slatted shades – you have many options. Half curtains cover the bottom half of the window. These bring in light while keeping peeping toms at bay. Semi-sheers also allow light and give reasonable privacy. Roll-up shades and slatted blinds can be adjusted easily to control light inflow and view from outside.
Bonus tip: Go and stand outside your home looking into your kitchen. Check what and how much is visible. Do this in the daytime as well as nighttime. You will know exactly where to block the outside view.
Custom or readymade window treatments
Readymade window draperies come in standard sizes. These are also more cost-effective. If your windows are of standard shapes and sizes, and if you are on a budget, we recommend checking out readymade drapes. If your windows are odd-sized, or if you want to follow a design theme, go for custom drapes.
Fabric or metal or wood or bamboo: choose your material.
We all know that cooking comes with some mess, spatters, and a lot of greasy fumes. Whatever window treatment you choose, will need regular cleaning. Anything that requires dry cleaning is out (goodbye suedes, silks, and velvets). Plus, this material shouldn’t absorb fumes and smells.
We recommend sturdy cotton or cotton blends for curtains and shades. Get a polyester blend only if your cooktop is without flames (like induction). For blinds, metal or wood or even bamboo works well. Do remember that cleaning slatted blinds takes much elbow grease.
Prints or plains or weaves
That’s totally your call. Pick what looks good with your kitchen’s color palette. You can go for matching colors, or you can opt for contrast too. Floral prints, stripes, checks, abstracts, jacquard weaves, self-weaves, color blocks – go for whatever catches your fancy and goes with the rest of your kitchen.
Bonus tip: If your kitchen is plain-looking and lacks color, window treatments can work as wonderful accent pieces. Bold botanical or bright forest theme drapes in a pale grey or beige kitchen can add that wow factor. Similarly, if your cabinetry and countertops are rich in color, plain curtains or shades can bring in a touch of serenity.
The long and short of kitchen window treatments
As cooking is a messy business, full-length drapes in core cooking or washing areas don’t work well. However, if you have a breakfast nook a bit away from the cooktop and sink, full-length curtains can look elegant. Half curtains (more on this later too) work well for kitchens. Valances at the window top look good and also cut the glare of harsh sunlight.
Layering up: more is better
Bamboo shades layered with sheer roller shades. Sheer curtains layered with opaque ones. Thick drapes paired with thin wood blinds. All such combinations look great. Layers will also offer you more versatility and control over light and privacy.
Bonus tip: One layer in plain neutrals and another in bold prints/ weaves looks extra chic.
