Tips To Keep In Mind When Adding Curtains To Your Kitchen

Curtains can help influence the decor in any room, but what about adding curtains in your kitchen? How do you style them? Should you add curtains at all? House Digest spoke exclusively with Brandy Rinehart, an interior designer at Habitar Design, to learn her tips when adding curtains to your kitchen.

"When it comes to home décor, window treatments are the jewelry that can elevate any space, especially the heart of your home—the kitchen," Rinehart said. "While the kitchen might not have the intimate vibe of a cozy living room, it still deserves attention, especially when it comes to dressing up its windows. These treatments not only enhance aesthetics but also serve practical purposes, transforming a functional space into a beautifully curated one." For inspiration, here are curtain ideas that'll add charm and style to your space.

Choosing curtains requires you to consider your many different needs in your kitchen. Rinehart suggests thinking about your privacy needs first. "In open-plan layouts, where views into more private areas are common, or in bustling neighborhoods, it's crucial to choose treatments that offer both style and seclusion," Rinehart said. "Whether you're cooking up a storm or enjoying a casual meal, a sense of privacy can elevate your experience, making it essential to select the right window coverings."

Thinking about the type of window your kitchen has is crucial when adding curtains to your kitchen or any space. When House Digest spoke exclusively with Rinehart, she explained the importance of the window's location and size when deciding which curtains to purchase.

"Consider the type and placement of your windows," Rinehart said. "A common kitchen scenario involves a window positioned over a sink, often making access to window treatments a challenge. If you find yourself reaching over suds and sponges to adjust blinds, you might wish you'd opted for something easier to handle, like a simple roman shade or blinds that can be easily lifted or lowered with minimal effort. Via a cord/chain or automated works." 

The style of your window influences the type of curtains you might want, but it's also important to consider the functionality of the window treatment. "The kitchen is the most utilized space in a home, so functionality is paramount," Rinehart shared. "Simple solutions like Roman shades or privacy panels are not only stylish but also easy to operate. For tech-savvy homeowners, automated shades can be a game-changer, eliminating the hassle of cords and providing a sleek look." When choosing a window treatment, you also want to make sure that it won't get in the way of your cooking. For instance, if the window's too close to a stove, long flowing curtains aren't going to be the best choice.

The mistake you're making when choosing a set of curtains is not valuing both the design and function. During House Digest's exclusive interview with Rinehart, she shared the value of choosing kitchen window treatments to fit your style. "Different window treatments can evoke various atmospheres," Rinehart explained. "For instance, wood shutters provide a rustic charm while delivering exceptional privacy and light control. Solar shades are a modern solution, offering a clean look that allows you to maintain your view while filtering harsh sunlight. If you're looking for a pop of color or pattern, fabric panels, and traditional drapery can inject personality into your kitchen, harmonizing with other elements of your home."

In Rinehart's parting advice, she shared that you should consider your needs, budget, and style when choosing a window treatment. "At the end of the day, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to window treatments in the kitchen," Rinehart said. "Whether you choose to blend styles — like a Roman shade over the sink paired with flowing drapery on other windows — or keep things simple with blinds, the goal is to create a cohesive look that enhances your kitchen."

No matter what treatment you decide to add to your kitchen windows (even if it's no treatment at all), making sure that it fits your style and is functional can help ensure that you are happy with your choice. And as you go to install your curtain, make sure you avoid this common curtain mistake when installing.