The Best Kitchen Curtain Colors for Natural Light
When decorating a kitchen blessed with ample natural light, curtain color choice becomes especially important. The right hues can enhance and complement the sunny ambience, while the wrong tones can negate or overpower the glow. Whether desiring to amplify, diffuse, or block the light streaming in through the windows, certain shades work better than others for rooms filled with sunshine.
Follow our guide to selecting the most effective curtain colors for kitchens illuminated by natural light.
How Natural Lighting Impacts Color Choice
North-facing and south-facing rooms present different lighting conditions, and therefore benefit from different color curtains.
North vs South Facing Rooms
North-facing kitchens that only get indirect light call for warm curtain colors like passionate reds, cheerful yellows, or comforting oranges. These energizing tones compensate for the lack of direct sunlight.
Meanwhile, south-facing rooms with constant sunlight can handle cooler curtain colors in the blue, green, and purple families. The relaxing hues help counteract the sometimes harsh brightness.
Consider Light Intensity
Sheer curtain fabrics that filter the sunlight are great for kitchens that get intense direct light. For privacy or to block glare, opaque blackout curtains in darker shades can provide relief.
Layering different materials like breezy cottons and cozy velvets results in dynamic interactions with the shifting natural light over the course of a day.
Best Curtain Colors for North-Facing Rooms
Warm Tones to Compensate for Less Light
North-facing rooms starved for sunshine benefit from warm curtain hues like yellow, peach, terracotta, or ruby red. These energizing shades make up for the lack of direct light and add a cozy glow.
Orange undertones in rich earth tones like rust or mustard also warm up the space beautifully. Just avoid going overboard with super bright neon tones.
Soft Neutrals Also Work Well
Off-whites, beiges, tans, light taupes, and oatmeals keep the room bright while adding subtle depth. Layer sheer linen or cotton voiles in these neutral tones to get the most from indirect light.
Creamy whites and warm grays are fail-safe options that elegantly complement most color schemes if you prefer a blank neutral palette.
Add Depth With Richer Hues
Punchy accent colors like emerald green or navy blue inject personality. Deeper tones make the lighter neutrals and warm accent pieces pop.
Rich velvets in jewel tones, or heavy floor length curtains provide insulation and a warming effect on chilly days.
Best Curtain Colors for South-Facing Rooms
Cool Tones Help Manage Excess Light
Too much direct sun calls for cool blue, green, and purple curtain colors to help lower the temperature and evenly distribute the harsh light. Airy linen or cotton fabrics will filter the rays while billowing beautifully.
Light and bright sky blue helps make a small kitchen feel more open and expansive. Cool tones recede visually so avoid darker shades that can close in the space.
Sheer Fabrics Soften Harsh Light
Breezy, sheer curtains in lighter hues delicately filter strong sunlight to create a diffused glow. Linens and loosely woven cottons offer gentle air circulation.
Layer frosted or lightly colored blackout fabrics behind sheers if full light blockage is ever needed.
Layer Opaque Curtains for Privacy
Blackout curtain panels in deep, saturated colors can provide darkness and privacy in south facing rooms when desired. Light-blocking cords or backing offer customizable control over the sunlight streaming in.
Dark brown, navy, plum, or forest green blackouts complement most color schemes. Close them when harsh light is too intense or at night.
Additional Factors to Consider
Room Size and Layout
Bold, vivid curtain colors have maximum impact in larger kitchens with high ceilings. Smaller rooms can still incorporate bright colors through caution strips or window valances.
Bay windows and kitchen nooks suit playful patterns. Coordinate colors to furniture arrangement and traffic flow.
Existing Color Scheme
The colors already present in your cabinetry, counters, backsplash, and flooring influence which curtain shades harmonize best. Enhance the overall palette with complementary or contrasting shades.
Tie it all together with recurring accent colors. For example, bring in navy blue curtains to match navy bar stools.
Personal Style Preferences
While considering the light and space, choose colors that appeal most to your own aesthetic sensibilities. Do you gravitate towards muted neutrals or crave bold brightness? The options are endless.
Curtains are relatively easy to swap out, so have fun playing with different color combinations until you find your perfect match.
Kitchens awash with natural light require careful curtain color selection to maximize the sunny glow. North rooms need warmth from fiery tones while south rooms can handle cooler hues. Factor in the size, existing colors, and your own tastes. Sheers filter harsh light, blackouts provide privacy. With the right curtain color choices, your kitchen will bathe in beautiful, balanced sunlight.