RoomsKitchen
What look are you going for in your kitchen?
You have a lot of choices when it comes to window dressing.
Lets run down the different types of curtains you could buy, along with some style considerations.
Kitchen Curtain Cuts and Designs
Valances
A valance covers the top part of the window.
It creates a light, airy feel to your kitchen.
A balloon or pouf valance gives a heavier, more formal feel.
These are cut to hang evenly across the length of the window.
The box pleat style is just as formal as the balloon valance, though maybe a bit more sophisticated.
The pleat pattern is subtle but visually appealing.
Depending on your decorating style and lifestyle, thistype of curtainmay express the mood of your home perfectly.
Others will find it far too stuffy.
Bamboo gives your room a natural feel.
It allows some light to enter but filters it so that the sun isnt shining in directly.
Plus, there are a lot of slats and cords.
Our best advice is to use a vacuum attachment on them whenever they look dusty.
This pop in of curtain will only add a minimum of insulation and sunblock around your window.
But the minimum is what you might want.
A Roman shade can be a very stylish addition to your kitchen.
The color of your fabric will determine how formal they look.
When lifted, the fabric gathers in pleats, which some people may or may not care for.
Again, the fabric can be light and airy or heavy and insulating.
The length ranges from 65 to 145 inches and is meant to cover your entire window.
you’re free to draw them open or close side-to-side.
They have two panels hanging on a rod with rings.
Normally 45 inches in length, these cover all or almost all of your window.
You may want to leave a gap at the top of the window for some sunlight to enter through.
Typically, this gap doesnt preclude your privacy.
Like other curtains, they can be sheerer or more darkening and insulating.
These hang only across the bottom portion of your window.
Besides hanging styles, you have a lot of variety in cuts to choose from.
When you get a piece of clothing tailored, it means it fits well and conforms to your body.
Its the same with tailored curtains.
Theyre slim-fitting and usually dont have a lot of extra poofiness in the material.
This cut is popular in use with any style valance, full-length, or half-window length.
This style of curtain is cut into swoops at the bottom.
Theyre meant to look airy and billowy at the bottom but have a tight fit at the top.
This cut is mostly used for valances where you’ve got the option to appreciate the bottom cut.
Again, used primarily in valances, this cut hangs down more on the sides than in the middle.
It gives a very free-flowing and feminine charm to the room.
You might have ruffles only at the top of the curtain or all the way down its length.
They could wide or tight ruffles, depending on the look you prefer.
These curtains draw up rather than to the side, similar to shades.
Normally, theyll look like tailored curtains when down.
When drawn up, they take on the look of a scalloped curtain.
You might hear them called triangle curtains.
They might be tailored or ruffled, valance only, or full or half-length.
You could also make or buy these as tie-up shades or drawn curtains.
The weight and sheerness of the fabric will determine whether this cut looks formal or airy.
Header Types
This is the area of the curtain or shade where the fabric hangs.
This sewing style leaves a straight edge at the top and pleats along the length of the curtain.
It looks most fitting in a more formal style of valance or curtain.
Roman shades may do well with this header.
Curtains with a rod pocket header generally maintain a more casual style and can be ruffled or scalloped.
The ruffles are usually tighter at the top, but this gives the curtain a nice border.
Perfect for use with cafe curtains, this header has rings through which to slide your curtain rod.
You could also cover the metal rings with fabric to match the rest of the curtain.
Another casual style is the tab top.
The rod slides through the tabs, and the gaps between the tabs give the curtain a unique look.
If you like this feature, youre best using them in half-length curtains.
But lets complete the discussion by talking about these stylistic considerations.
Should you have a printed pattern on your curtain?
It depends on how colorful and textured your wall and countertops are.
You might need a pattern to liven up the area.
Keep in mind that prints and stripes are more casual, while embroidery can be more formal.
They could be valanced, full-length, or half-length, depending on how tall your windows are.
Choose lighter fabrics and more casual styles with a scalloped edge.
Bamboo shades may also be fitting.
Modern
A modern kitchen looks chic with black shades or white and black checkered tab curtains.
Roman or pleated shades may also be a good fit for more formal homes.
Country
For a country-style home, try red or plaid tailored curtains.
You might also choose pleated shades.
Just dont use any more brown.
Light colors will be your friend.
The color should match the theme blue, white, or beach sand tan.
Bohemian
With lots of enamel and reclaimed furniture comes retro patterned curtains and shades.
They can be formal or casual as long as they look well-loved from another time.
Here are some examples of bohemian (boho) curtains.
You might also choose a tailored valance.
Spanish
A Spanish-style kitchen needs lots of reds and patterns.
The billowier, the better!
How Long Should Your Kitchen Curtains Last?
Wash fabric on the preferred setting and vacuum bamboo blinds.
Avoid placing curtains where they might blow into the cooking area or get stained from washing dishes.
One consideration is the amount of traffic your kitchen gets.
In many homes, the kitchen serves as a point of egress.
Conclusion
The kind of window dressing that you will pick is an in-depth decision.
You may also choose to add patterns in the form of prints, embroidery, checks, or stripes.
