The Ultimate Guide to Placing Decorative Shades in Your Kitchen
Kitchen windows provide beautiful natural light, but they also need the right window treatments. Decorative shades not only look elegant, they allow you to control light and privacy. From roman shades to solar shades, you have plenty of options to choose from. But picking the perfect decorative shades for your kitchen depends entirely on placement.
Installing shades in the wrong spot can mean they end up grease-stained, water-damaged, or even pose safety risks. We'll also cover the factors to keep in mind, from durability to style, when selecting shades. Follow our handy placement tips, and you'll have a kitchen window treatment you can enjoy for years to come.
Where to Place Decorative Shades in Your Kitchen
Not all areas of the kitchen are well-suited for decorative shades. Certain spots like above stoves and sinks come with hazards that can damage more delicate fabrics. But when shades are thoughtfully placed, they can add elegance and atmosphere to your cooking and dining spaces.
Above Sinks and Counters
It's best to avoid placing decorative shades like roman or sheer shades directly above sinks or kitchen counters. The constant splashing of water and cleaning products can easily stain, damage or warp the materials. Opt for more water-resistant options like vinyl or washable roller shades in these high moisture zones.
Near Stoves and Ovens
Areas around stoves and ovens also spell trouble for decorative shades. The heat, grease splatter, and steam released while cooking is a recipe for ruining elaborate fabrics. Stick to durable vinyl or faux wood blinds if you need a window treatment here. They can handle the kitchen hazards with ease.
Above Kitchen Table or Breakfast Nook
The space above a kitchen or breakfast nook table is the perfect place for decorative shades. Imagine an elegant set of roman shades with thick, luscious fabrics in a warm palette filtering light above your morning coffee. Or sheer shades that diffuse sunlight across the table with their delicate translucence. This is where decorative window treatments add major style.
Adjacent to Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is another prime area to install decorative shades. They can complement the open and airy feeling created by an island while still allowing light through. An island with barstool seating also means the shades won't get grimy little fingerprints from kids. Roman shades mounted on nearby windows complete the upscale look.
On Windows Not Near Hazards
Any kitchen windows that are safely away from sinks, stoves or high traffic zones are perfect candidates for decorative shades. Whether roman shades, tailored roman shades, or sheer shades, you can enjoy their soft elegance without worrying about splashes, grease stains or heat damage. Place them above windows with views to the backyard or garden for an idyllic feel.
Considerations for Selecting Kitchen Decorative Shades
While placement plays a key role, you also need to evaluate the right decorative shades for your kitchen's needs. Keep the following factors in mind while shopping for shades to find ones that both enhance your space and stand the test of time.
Style and Aesthetics
Choose decorative shades that align with the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. Do you have a modern, minimalist kitchen with sleek surfaces? Opt for simple roman shades in a solid neutral tone. Traditional kitchens with ornate details are better matched with pretty printed roman or tailored roman shades. Let your shades complement your design style.
The fabric colors and patterns on your shades also impact the overall look. Try warm spice tones like cinnamon or saffron for a cozy feel. Bold graphic prints make a statement. Soft muted patterns have a more relaxed effect. There are so many options to play with to nail your ideal style.
Durability
Durability is a crucial factor when selecting kitchen shades. They need to be able to withstand not only heavy use day-to-day, but also the heat, humidity, grease and grime that are part of the kitchen environment. Vinyl or faux wood blinds stand up well to wear and tear. For fabrics, choose tightly woven materials like cotton/poly blends that resist stains.
Also check that shade fabrics have been treated to repel moisture, resist mildew, and protect against UV damage. These features will extend the life of your shades. Sturdy hardware and smooth lift mechanisms also prevent breakage with regular use.
Light and Privacy Control
Consider both the amount of natural light you want to filter in through your shades, and the level of privacy they need to provide. Sheer shades diffuse sunlight lightly but still let you see through. Soft roman shade fabrics filter more light but don't block views. Solar shades with blackout fabrics give you full control over glare and privacy.
Evaluate each kitchen window based on its exposure and your needs. North facing windows may need sheer shades to boost natural light. South facing windows likely need solar shades to prevent overheating. Tailor shades to each location.
Easy Maintenance
Look for low maintenance materials when choosing kitchen shades. Fabrics like polyester and olefin clean up easily with just soap and water. Stains wipe away instead of setting in. Hardware and mechanisms made from durable materials like stainless steel resist corrosion. Shades that can be removed and washed are also easy to keep looking fresh.
Avoid shades with ornate detailing that traps grease and steam, or delicate fabrics like silk that require dry cleaning. Opt for durable, washable materials to make your life easier.
Energy Efficiency
The right shades can help reduce energy costs in the kitchen. Blackout shades with padded insulation prevent heat loss through windows in winter. Reflective solar shade fabrics block heat gain in summer. This regulates temperature so your A/C or heating doesn't need to work as hard.
Some shades even have side channels to block air flow around edges. ENERGY STAR certified shades meet set standards for improving energy efficiency. With the kitchen generating extra heat, energy-smart shades are a smart investment.
Customization
Custom shades let you tailor options like size, shape, and installation method to fit your exact window and kitchen layout. Get shades made to the precise measurements of a uniquely shaped window. Choose from endless fabric colors and patterns. Opt for motorized shades to control them with the touch of a button.
Consider built-in shades for a sleek, integrated look. Or have them mounted outside the window frame to not obstruct the view. Determine your ideal features, and customize shades that check all the boxes.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It's easy to make missteps when installing decorative shades yourself. Avoid these frequent pitfalls, and you'll have a smoothly functioning system that looks professionally done.
Improper Mounting Height or Location
Measure carefully, and follow manufacturer instructions for proper mounting height and distance from the window. Account for the type of window like transoms or corner windows. Mounting too low can create a safety hazard. Mounting too high makes operation difficult.
Don't mount shades on windows that open out. Make sure nearby furniture or walls don't obstruct shades. Take time to measure right for a flawless look.
Not Measuring Windows Correctly
Precise measurements ensure your shades fit perfectly. Use a steel measuring tape. For outside mounts, include the window frame depth. Measure width at the top, middle and bottom to account for any difference. Note the locations of handles or locks. Trying to eyeball it leads to poorly fitted shades.
Cheaping Out on Quality
It can be tempting to choose the most budget-friendly shades. But inexpensive vinyl or thin fabrics wear out fast with heavy kitchen use. Spending a bit more for better materials and sturdy hardware pays off long-term.
Investing in quality custom-sized shades also eliminates the need for makeshift alterations down the road. Don't cut corners that will leave you replacing damaged shades quickly.
Ignoring Child/Pet Safety
Many decorative shades have dangling pull cords that pose risks to kids and pets. Opt for cordless shades or add safety devices to corded ones like cord cleats or tension devices. Properly securing cords prevents accidents and injuries.
Also choose shades with abrasion-resistant lifting loops instead of beads, which can detach and become choking hazards for younger children. Keep safety at the forefront.
Installing decorative shades in your kitchen requires careful positioning to avoid damage, while also selecting durable and stylish options. Mount shades away from sinks, stoves and other hazards. Focus on windows in dining areas and adjacent to islands to spotlight their beauty. Consider factors like easy maintenance, energy efficiency and customization when choosing shades. Follow our tips to artfully shade your kitchen windows and enjoy their elegance for years.
With proper placement and the right selection, decorative shades become a delightful part of your kitchen. Position them thoughtfully, and they'll provide a functional and graceful accent to your cooking and dining spaces for years of beauty.