The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It’s where family and friends gather, meals are prepared, and parties inevitably end up. With so much time spent in the kitchen, you want it to be stylish yet functional. An important design element that brings style while serving practical needs are the window treatments.
Kitchen windows need treatments that look beautiful, provide privacy and light control, and are easy to keep clean. With so many options available, from curtains to shades and blinds, how do you choose the best window treatments for your kitchen? Here are the top considerations when shopping for kitchen window dressings to help you pick the perfect ones.
6 tips for choosing the best window treatments for your kitchen
Contents
- Consider the location of your windows. If they are in a high-splatter zone near the sink or stove, choose an easy-to-clean option like faux wood blinds or shutters.
- Manage light and privacy. Use solar shades, cellular shades or dual shades to filter light while maintaining views and privacy. Blackout shades provide full light blockage.
- Add style with colors, textures and patterns. Printed roman shades or woven wood shades inject visual interest. Curtains and valances make a decorative statement.
- Look for durable, easy-care materials. Faux woods, vinyls and washable fabrics are low maintenance. Avoid real wood blinds that require special cleaners.
- Check windows at night. Turn on kitchen lights and go outside to see what’s visible to determine your privacy needs.
- Measure carefully. Use a steel tape measure to get accurate window measurements for a proper fit. Order samples to test colors and textures.
Consider the Location
The first thing to think about is where your kitchen windows are located. If they are above the sink, near the stove, or other high-splatter areas, you’ll want window treatments that can handle moisture, steam, and grease.
Windows in these “splash zones” will need a material that is water- and grease-resistant and can be easily cleaned. Excellent options for these locations are:
- Faux wood blinds: Made from PVC or other synthetic materials, faux wood blinds have a realistic wood grain texture but are waterproof and durable. Their slat design makes them super easy to wipe down.
- Faux wood shutters: Constructed from synthetic materials like vinyl, faux wood shutters can handle high heat and moisture while being easy to clean. Stylish louvre design.
- Vinyl roller shades: Affordable and effective, vinyl roller shades stand up well to splashes and can be wiped clean with just soap and water. Provide full light blocking when needed.
For windows out of splatter range, such as those in breakfast nooks, you can expand options to include woven woods, Roman shades, solar shades, and other fabrics. Just be aware these may require professional cleaning if stained.
Manage Light and Privacy
Consider how much light control and privacy you need. Kitchens require abundant natural light for food prep tasks, but harsh direct sun can damage finishes and furnishings over time. Here are some excellent options for managing light:
- Solar shades: Made from fabrics like vinyl or polyester, solar shades reduce heat gain and block UV rays while still allowing outside visibility. Effective at protecting your kitchen from sun damage.
- Cellular shades: Honeycomb shades have chambers that insulate for energy efficiency. Designs like Duette Architella provide superior insulation. Stack neatly when raised.
- Sheer curtain panels: Lightweight, transparent panels softly filter light. Hang alone or pair with a light blocking layer.
- Dual shades: Combine a sheer and an opaque shade in one, like the Duolite system. Lower the sheer for daytime light filtering and privacy, or the blackout layer when you need total darkness.
For nighttime privacy from neighbors or blocking morning glare, consider:
- Blackout cellular shades: Opaque honeycomb construction blocks outside light.
- Roller shades: Opaque fabrics like vinyl, microfibers or even bamboo provide full light blockage.
- Roman shades: Choose a Roman shade with blackout fabric backing to prevent light gaps.
- Shutters: Closed flat panels prevent light infiltration.
Add Style with Color, Texture and Interest
While function is important, you also want your kitchen window treatments to look great. Consider these options to dress up your windows:
- Printed Roman shades: Choose from hundreds of colors and patterns to make your windows a focal point, especially in neutral kitchens. Introduce contrast and softness.
- Woven wood shades: The natural texture of materials like bamboo, jute and grasses brings warmth. Let the wood grain show or layer with a fabric liner.
- Curtains and valances: For big impact, frame large windows or sliding doors with floor-length curtain panels. Add fun trims and embellishments.
- Decorative hardware: Upgrade basic shades by choosing fabrics with contrasting colors or textures. Highlight with wood, metal or decorative finials and pulls.
Keep Cleaning in Mind
The easiest to-clean window treatments are:
- Washable fabrics: Lightweight curtain panels and valances can simply be tossed in the washing machine.
- Wipeable synthetics: Vinyls, PVC blinds and faux wood shades clean up nicely with just mild soap and water.
- Dust-resistant materials like bamboo shades: Regular dusting is all they need.
More high-maintenance options include:
- Real wood blinds: Require special wood cleaners and more care.
- Fabric shades: Spot clean only; roman shades may require professional dry cleaning.
By considering where your windows are located, privacy and light control needs, decorative style, and convenience of care, you can select the ideal kitchen window treatments. Mix and match different types as needed throughout your space. With the right window accents, you can enhance the beauty and function of your kitchen.
