25 Charming Kitchen Curtain Ideas for Instant Personality
It's the finishing touch your kitchen needs.
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When it comes to kitchen design, small details — like window treatments — can have a major impact. Whether it's curtains, blinds or fabric shades, window treatments are an easy (and temporary) way to infuse color, texture and pattern into a kitchen. While some designers choose to forgo curtains in the kitchen, we've rounded up designer-approved kitchen curtain ideas that prove the power of a stylish window treatment.
Before you hang curtains like a designer, consider the location of your windows and the activities that occur nearby. Kitchens get messy! "You don't want anything that's too precious that you'll be worried about all of the time," says Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs. Also, keep in mind the fabric you choose. Roman shades and semi-sheer curtains can provide privacy and partially filter light into your cooking space, while sheer fabrics soften natural light, keeping your space light and bright.
Try a Wicker Roman Shade
To complement forest green cabinets, interior designer Anna Applegate hangs a wicker shade on this kitchen's only window. The natural material brings texture and personality into the space.
Photo by: Abigail Jackson
Pull Off a Monochromatic Look
For this modern kitchen, Cat Walker Design sticks with an off-white color scheme — from the creamy white cabinets and simple subway tiles to a semi-sheer Roman shade.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
Charm With Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains, which are short curtains that cover only a portion of a window, add instant character to this neutral kitchen by Sunday House Design. A sheer fabric allows natural light to enter the space.
Photo by: Kaitlin Green
Add a Dose of Texture
If your kitchen is lacking texture, bring in fabric Roman shades. These semi-sheer treatments let light in, while blocking any undesirable views.
Decorate With Plaid
Since window treatments are temporary, they're a great place to experiment with pattern. Here, Ashley Martin Home settles on a trio of plaid shades.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
Take on a DIY Project
Cafe curtains are surprisingly easy to make, which can be particularly helpful if your window is a unique size. This blogger turns kitchen towels into adorable striped curtains in only 10 minutes (no sewing required).
Make It Modern
Maintain a sleek and modern style with fabric Roman shades that blend seamlessly with marble walls, just as House Eleven Twelve does here.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
Opt for Sheer Fabric
Soft and airy, these sheer cafe curtains allow sunlight to enter this farmhouse kitchen. The gold tension rod pairs well with the gold cabinet hardware and pendant lights.
Play With Pattern
In an otherwise neutral space, these blue-and-white patterned Roman shades add texture and color. We love that there's a light fixture above each window for a sense of balance.
Photo by: Annie Schlechter
Let in Light
Light-filtering shades provide privacy without preventing natural light from entering the kitchen — especially important for illuminating your prep station. Here, Dorling Design Studio contrasts a black window with a crisp white shade.
Photo by: Kara Mercer
Try Beautiful Blue
Take note from Studio Munroe and match your window treatments to the backsplash — bright blue is just one option. For added style, consider a floral pattern.
Photo by: Thomas Kuch
Experiment With Subtle Pattern
Here, designer Maren Baker proves that patterned shades aren't always a bold choice. This textured print works beautifully with light blue cabinetry and a butcher-block countertop.
Photo by: Annie Garner
Infuse Texture With Rattan
To complement this bold kitchen design (notice terracotta-colored upper walls, teal cabinets and geometric backsplash tiles), designer Michelle Bordeau goes for a natural rattan Roman shade.
Photo by: Lance Gerber
Create a Focal Point
Use a whimsical pattern to draw attention to the window above the sink. Here, LH.Designs creates contrast with a floral print against white walls and cabinetry.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
Hang a Balloon Shade
Mixing modern with vintage, blogger Bre Bertolini installs an off-white balloon shade to complete the look. Plus, she hangs it slightly higher than the window to make the room feel larger.
Don't Cover the Entire Window
Cafe curtains typically hang from the middle of the window down to the sill, but we love that designer Sarah Stacey lets these beige ruffled panels cover about three-fourths of the window.
Photo by: Avery Nicole Photography
Consider Floor-Length Curtains
If your drapes aren't over the counter, or too close to a stove, opt for floor-length sheers to cozy up the space. Here, blogger Brigette Muller of @hummusbirrd hangs them from a gold curtain rod.
Add an Element of Granny Chic
While these floral shades may feel like grandma's house, the rest of the kitchen is super modern and moody. The completed interior by Woodland Road Design feels chic with a subtle vintage touch.
Photo by: Lara Kimmerer
Say Yes to Stripes
You can't go wrong with classic stripes, especially if you prefer rustic or farmhouse kitchen design. Here, BHDM Design also uses striped fabric for the bar stool cushions to create balance.
Photo by: Adam Macchia
Blend Into the Background
Stick with a streamlined design by hanging a solid white Roman shade that matches the walls. Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs suggests settling on the curtains last — once you've chosen the cabinet color, counters, backsplash and lighting.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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