Give Your Kitchen a Stylish Makeover with These Window Covering Ideas
Is your kitchen looking a bit dated or dreary? Do you find yourself squinting against the glare of sunlight or trying to drown out noisy traffic sounds? Updating your window treatments is an easy way to give your kitchen a fresh new look while solving some common issues.
New window coverings can make your kitchen brighter and more cheerful. The right treatments let in just the right amount of natural light while softening hard surfaces. They also provide the privacy you need and block damaging UV rays. Read on to discover some of the most popular styles of kitchen window coverings and get tips for choosing the perfect ones to complement your space.
Popular Styles of Kitchen Window Coverings
Roller & Roman Shades
For a clean, streamlined look, roller shades or roman shades are great options for the kitchen. They roll up neatly to provide full access to your window when open. When closed, the variety of textures and colors available can fit any decor.
These shades are excellent choices for insulation and light control. Roller shades often come in blackout and light filtering fabrics. Roman shades lift up into attractive soft folds when opened. Both styles can provide privacy while allowing you to control the amount of sunlight you let in.
Curtains & Valances
The softness of fabric curtains and valances can help dress up a kitchen and make it feel more homey. Curtains come in a wide range of styles that you can mix and match. Try pairing sheer under-panels or cafe curtains with a patterned or colorful top layer.
Valances complement your main curtains while concealing curtain rods and hardware. Curtains and valances are an inexpensive way to introduce color, patterns, and visual interest over your sink or appliances. Go for tailored or billowy, combine lengths and textures - anything goes!
Wood & Faux Wood Blinds
If you want a natural, warm look, consider wood or faux wood blinds. These adapt well to any kitchen decor. You can adjust the slats to control sunlight and privacy. Blinds come in horizontal and vertical orientations, and even shaped cutouts.
Wood blinds with their neutral tones pair nicely with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Faux wood is an affordable alternative that captures the look without the higher price tag. Both natural and faux wood blinds are durable, easy to clean, and offer simple control over your view and light.
Features to Consider for Kitchen Windows
Light & UV Control
Since the kitchen is an area with abundant natural light, consider treatments that prevent harsh glare and damaging UV rays. Sheer curtains or blinds diffuses the sunlight, while darker shades block it out entirely. This protects your fixtures, finishes, artwork and furniture from fading.
Proper light control also helps manage heat gain from sunlight. By keeping your kitchen cooler, you’ll use your air conditioner less. No more squinting when sunlight beams directly on your countertop and appliances!
Noise Reduction
The sounds of blenders, mixers and sizzling dishes are part of the kitchen experience. But you may want a respite from the noise when relaxing at home. Window coverings with insulating membranes or layered fabrics help muffle these busy kitchen sounds.
They also dampen outside noise from traffic, neighbors, or garbage trucks. Create a peaceful oasis in your kitchen when you want some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle.
Insulation & Energy Savings
Some window coverings have insulating properties to help reduce heat transfer near your windows. This decreases heat loss during cooler months, saving you money on your heating bills. It also blocks solar heat from entering in summer, reducing the need to blast the AC.
Roller shades, insulating cellular shades and curtains in multilayer fabrics are good choices. Look for the manufacturer's ratings on R-values and heat blocking abilities when comparing different treatments.
Moisture Resistance
With routine exposure to steam, grease and condensation, your kitchen window coverings need moisture resistance. Vinyl or washable cloth shades and blinds handle humidity well. Curtains made of natural fibers like cotton are prone to mildew.
Moisture-resistant treatments also prevent staining and make cleaning up spills or splatters a breeze. Maintenance is easy with an occasional wipe down or vacuuming.
Safety
Since pets and kids are often underfoot in the kitchen, purchase cordsless shades or blinds whenever possible. This eliminates dangling cords that pose risks of strangulation or entanglement.
Your window treatments should also meet any fire safety codes. Always check that the manufacturer’s product information specifies compliance. Bottom line - the safer, the better in busy kitchen spaces.
Durability & Longevity
The high traffic and hazards in the kitchen demand durable treatments made to last. Moisture, grease, cleaning products and frequent use and handling can wear down lesser quality materials.
Look for vinyl, wood, or aluminum options that withstand the conditions. Well-constructed shades and blinds need replacing less often, saving you money in the long run. Sturdy kitchen window treatments pay off.
Tips for Measuring Kitchen Windows
Precise measurements ensure your new kitchen window treatments will fit properly with no unsightly gaps. Use a steel tape measure for accuracy. For width, measure across the top, middle, and bottom inside edges of the window frame.
For height, measure from the inside top edge down to the window sill. Note any obstructions from window cranks or handles. Take photos to match your measurements to product samples or order forms.
Experts recommend an inside mount for the most light blocking capacity and seamless look. This mounts the covering directly to the window frame. Outside mounts attach to the wall or molding around the window. Head to your local home improvement store to learn more about measuring and installation.
Perfect Window Treatment Ideas for Kitchen Design Styles
Farmhouse Kitchen
The casual vibe of checked gingham curtains or cafe curtains with a ruffled valance suits farmhouse decor. Natural woven wood or bamboo shades also feel right at home. A relaxed, country kitchen benefits from plenty of natural light filtering through the fabrics.
Modern Kitchen
The clean lines of sleek roman, roller or cellular shades in solid colors keep the modern kitchen looking slick. Add in the high-tech appeal of remote-controlled motorized metal blinds. Simple, unadorned panels or shades maintain the minimalist aesthetic.
Traditional Kitchen
Formal, elegant drapes in rich solids or damasks set the traditional kitchen tone. Ornate swags, jabots and valances trim out the windows. Warm wooden shutters or custom blinds also complement the classic style. Draw the eye upward with striking colors and patterns.
Cottage Kitchen
Pretty tiered curtains with ruffled edges or lace trims enhance cottage charm. Florals, checks or plaids in chintz or calico fabrics set a whimsical mood. For lots of natural light, use sheer under panels topped with fully patterned curtains in joyful colors.
Smart Tips for Hanging Kitchen Window Treatments
Installing your kitchen window treatments properly completes your stylish makeover. Use quality hardware designed to handle the weight. Follow manufacturer instructions. Mount shade brackets evenly and make sure rollers, cords, and wands are accessible.
For curtains, correctly position your rod pockets or back tabs. Check draw alignment and make sure overlaps prevent light gaps but still allow full opening and closing. Add decorative holdbacks to finish off your look with a polished touch.
Assessing what you want to improve, browsing photos for inspiration, doing your homework on options and budget, and purchasing quality that lasts ensures your kitchen windows go from drab to fab.
Put up those perfectly fitted new treatments and let the light stream in! Enjoy your fresh, functional window coverings that solve problems with style and panache. A kitchen makeover never looked so easy or rewarding.