Kitchen Window Decorating Made Easy - Tips & Tricks

The window over the kitchen sink provides the perfect spot to infuse personality and charm into your culinary space. With the right window treatments, lighting, shelves and stylish touches, your kitchen window can be transformed from purely functional to decorative focal point.

Decorating the often awkward, hard-to-reach space doesn't have to be difficult. A few simple upgrades and homey accents can make a big impact. Follow these tips and tricks for kitchen window decorating made easy.

Choose the Right Window Treatments

Window treatments serve many purposes beyond just decor. Consider privacy needs, light control and your overall kitchen decor style when selecting options for your kitchen window.

Certain treatments like roman shades, curtains and cafe-style valances are particularly well-suited to kitchen windows. Made from moisture-resistant, easy-care fabrics, they allow you to regulate light and visibility while complementing your space.

If the window is tricky to reach, look for remote-control shades or blinds. Sleek wood or faux wood blinds add warmth while remaining kitchen-friendly.

Window Treatment Fabric & Style Ideas

The right fabrics and colors can tie your window treatments to the rest of the kitchen decor seamlessly. Natural fiber fabrics like linen and cotton or polyester blends make good choices.

Play with colors and patterns pulled from your existing palette. For a cottage kitchen, checkered cafe curtains are charming. Modern spaces may call for solid roman shades in sophisticated hues.

Don't be afraid to have some fun with your window treatments. Their style can set the tone for your whole kitchen.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

DIY no-sew curtains using tension rods for installation offer an easy upgrade. Adhesive shades also provide a quick refresh. However, for specialty treatments an interior designer or professional installer is best.

The investment may be worth it for the perfect custom window treatment. Evaluate the complexity of the project and your budget to choose DIY or pro.

Use Lighting to Showcase the Window

Proper lighting is key to maximizing the visual appeal of your kitchen window. A mix of ambient and task lighting creates the ideal balance.

Handsome pendant lights or wall-mounted sconces illuminate the sink workspace while contributing decorative flair. Track lighting also spotlights the window beautifully.

Placement Tips

Hang pendant lights approximately 30 inches above the countertop for ideal task lighting. Position sconces strategically to avoid glare. Check light spread specs when spacing fixtures.

Hardwiring provides the most seamless look, but plug-in pendants offer flexibility. Proper placement showcases your pretty window!

Choosing Fixtures & Bulbs

Select lighting fixture finishes and styles that integrate into your kitchen design. Dimmer switches allow you to control brightness and ambiance.

Look for ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs in warm white or cool daylight hues. The right fixtures and bulbs create perfect window illumination.

Build Window Shelves for Display Space

Window shelves amplify the usable space around your sink window. Floating corner shelves and sleek picture ledges work wonderfully here.

Glass or metal shelf options maintain an open, airy feel. DIY floating shelves can be cut to fit your exact window dimensions.

DIY Window Shelf Ideas

DIY floating shelves require secure brackets, boards cut to size and wood glue. Measure carefully and use a miter saw for angled shelf corners.

Pre-drill bracket holes to avoid splitting. Allow the wood glue to cure fully before loading shelves with treasured collections.

Displaying Collections

Style window shelves with everyday dishware for a charming cottage look. Rotate seasonal items like wreaths or sun-filled vases.

Leave visibility through the lower portion of the window by displaying select decorative objects. Collections add personality without clutter.

Decorate the Window Sill Creatively

Your window sill presents the perfect small yet impactful space for decor. Collections of potted herbs, candles and trays create an inviting vignette.

Play with height and depth by staggering decorative items. Incorporate some greenery for a breath of fresh air.

Change It Up By Season

Ever-changing seasonal flourishes keep your window sill looking fresh. Cluster winter snow globes and votives around the holidays.

Display spring flower bouquets in colorful vases. Let your sill decor reflect the seasons.

Combine Texture & Color

An artful mix of materials like weathered wood, glossy ceramics and galvanized metal creates visual interest. Tie together soothing hues or opt for vibrant pops.

Handmade pottery, soft textured baskets and glass objects make creative companions. Layering textures and colors personalized your sill.

With the right window treatments, decorations and lighting your kitchen window can be completely transformed. Use these easy tips and tricks to decorate with purpose and personality.

Make the most of your awkward yet cozy kitchen window. A little creativity goes a long way in beautifying this often under-utilized space.