What Kind of Curtains for the Kitchen Window?
Kitchen windows come in all sizes and shapes, with views ranging from sweeping pastoral vistas to neighboring houses and driveways. The kind of curtains you choose depends on how much privacy you want as well as the décor of your kitchen. Curtains range in style from simple to fancy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Valances
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To keep the view from the window as open as possible but decorated, valances are good window treatments as they only cover the top portion of the window. They come with ruffles, in tailored styles with straight edges and in designs that hang slightly lower on the sides and are tied back. Balloon valances create a puffy effect under the curtain rod and those made from tapestry material give the room an air of old-world charm. Sheer valances let filtered light into the kitchen and provide the least amount of privacy.
Swags
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Swags can be used alone or with valances or tiers. They hang the length of the kitchen window on either side and come with ruffled or plain edges. When used with tiers, the sides are commonly tied back to let minimal light into the room as the tiers block the view horizontally. Most swag kitchen curtains are sold in three-piece sets, so you can change the design as you wish to give the kitchen a different look.
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Tiers
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Tiers are the most versatile kitchen window treatment. They cover the window from side to side with short panels of fabric and the rod to which they are attached can be placed at any level from the top to the bottom portion of the window. Tiers are used alone as well as with valances or swags.
Draperies
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Large kitchen windows can be covered with draperies that are drawn open and closed with pulley systems. For maximum viewing and design options, install sheer draperies behind the regular ones to filter early morning sunlight and reserve the heavier outer draperies for completely blocking the view in or out of the window. Insulated draperies keep kitchens cool in the summer and hold in heat during winter months.
Considerations
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Before choosing kitchen curtains, assess how much privacy you want and how much you value a clear view of the outside world. The beauty of mixing and matching different curtain styles is that you can easily adjust these aspects at will. Pick curtain colors and patterns that complement the colors of your walls, cabinets, floor and appliances and avoid loud colors or busy patterns or designs that draw attention to the window. If you are unsure what would look best in your kitchen, stick with simple designs and white fabric, as this combination goes well with most kitchen themes and colors.
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References
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