Natural light is important in the kitchen and makes cooking and entertaining feel more airy, open and elegant. While a little brightness is usually a good thing, sometimes you want more control – even if just for a little privacy.
The right kitchen curtains can help you achieve this tricky balance, creating a gentle contrast to hard surfaces and adding even more warmth, color and texture to the room. Here are some stylish ideas from interior designers to get you started.
Cafe curtains
Kerry Kirk / Marian Louise Design
Cafe curtains are hung from a tension rod, usually about the middle of your window. In this kitchen, a soft cafe curtain made from semi-sheer, patterned fabric filters light while providing privacy.
“The pattern of the fabric mirrors the wallpaper motif, creating a cohesive, layered look that ties the small space together,” says Mimi Meacham, founder and principal designer of Marian Louise Design. “Its soft texture and subtle pattern add warmth and charm, softening the clean lines of the furniture and brass fittings.”
Matching window and closet curtains
Gray Benko House
French country and farmhouse design was a source of inspiration for this design by Gray Benko Home.
“This kitchen was all about practicality. We used the right fabric for the curtain under the counter and the Roman blind on the window, which tied the room together without being overbearing,” says Chelcie Eastman, project manager, interior designer and co-founder of the company. “The citrusy floral print brings the crisp white furniture and blue striped wallpaper to life.” It's proof that even a small kitchen can have a big personality.
Patterned Roman blind
Ellen Renee / Marian Louise Design
Roman blinds are a practical choice for kitchens and dining areas; They allow for easy customization and are available in many patterns, colors and textures. You can even choose between a flat Roman blind (as pictured here) or a more relaxed style.
“We used this window shade to add a subtle touch of color and soften a room full of hard surfaces and metals,” says Meacham. “Our goal was to create a calming, cozy space that still feels light, bright and airy.”
Floor to ceiling curtains
Austin Photo / Andrea Sinkin Design
Depending on your space, you may have the option of installing floor-to-ceiling curtains.
“In this particular kitchen, we had tall, open French doors and lots of light, so we made long curtains that reach to the floor to add height and grandeur,” says interior designer Andrea Sinkin. “It feels very finished and cozy.”
White linen roller blinds
Jamie Kelter Davis / Mardidi Design
If you want your window curtains to completely blend into the room, opt for simple white linen roller blinds.
“When it comes to kitchens, the most common request we receive is that our clients want the option of privacy, so we lean towards a look that is usually more minimalist,” says Dijana Savic-Jambert, interior designer at Maredi Design. “This room is a perfect example of that: white linen roller blinds that provide privacy and UV protection, complete with motorized features.”
Earthy wood tones
Ellen Renee / Marian Louise Design
Natural textiles instantly soften a room while also acting as a neutral addition.
“I brought in a warm, woven wood shade to break up the lights and whites in this kitchen,” says Meacham. “The light brown color of the window blind also matched the light brown tiles in the checkerboard floor.” At the same time, it gives marble, granite and metal a contrasting softness.
Centered half curtain
Michael PH Clifford
Café curtains like these ensure that the kitchen still has plenty of light even when the curtains are closed. They are centered above the window, leaving both the top and bottom open to natural light. The playful blue check pattern adds a surprising accent to the rustic design.
Accent curtain
Gray Benko
This cozy kitchen-living room is no coincidence. Old-world charm comes from pine cabinets, hand-painted floors, and patterned tiles.
“We didn’t want anything that would compete, so we used a small-format, patterned curtain with a traditional print to add just the right touch of softness,” says Benko. “It helps ground all natural textures, including wood, tile and stone, while appearing timeless.”
He adds that in such a warm and layered kitchen, the curtain becomes both a design detail and a functional part, softening the architecture and adding just the right amount of nostalgia.