GUIDE
Curtains for the kitchen
Curtains in the kitchen are an easy way to create a cosy, inviting feel in the heart of the home. The dream kitchen can look very different – from modern and minimalist to rustic or retro-inspired – but many kitchens are characterised by straight lines and hard surfaces. This is where kitchen curtains make a lovely addition, softening the overall look and giving the room a livelier feel.
Whether you want to add curtains to a kitchen window, create a cosier feel, or just subtly frame the room, there are many possibilities.
Here, we share inspiration on how curtains can enhance both the feel and overall impression of the kitchen.
Roman blinds above the kitchen worktop
As the kitchen window is often above a kitchen worktop, it can be difficult to use traditional curtain panels. When space is limited, Roman blinds are a practical and stylish choice. They act as a decorative valance in the kitchen window and can easily be raised or lowered as needed.
Choose a sheer fabric for a light and airy feel, or a denser fabric that softly frames the window. Regardless of the material, you'll get a curtain solution that combines function and aesthetics – without blocking the work surface in the kitchen.
Café curtains for country charm
Café curtains are particularly well suited to kitchens where you want to create a soft, personal feel around the window. They cover the lower part of the window while still letting daylight flow in from above – perfect by the dining table where you want privacy.
With a sheer café curtain on a café curtain rod, the kitchen can take on a warm, rustic look with a distinct café feel. Choose a fabric and a hanging style that suit the style of the kitchen – from romantic and classic to more pared-back and modern.
Create impactful contrasts
Light shades against dark ones create beautiful contrasts in the kitchen. Similarly, you can combine hard, industrial elements with soft textiles to achieve a more vibrant and personal feel. Curtains can be a beautiful contrast in themselves – especially if you let colour, texture, or material stand out against the rest of the decor.
In the kitchen, it can also be wise to choose washable curtains, as the fabric can easily absorb cooking odors and sometimes be exposed to spills.
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Common questions about kitchen curtains
Which curtains are best for the kitchen?
Which curtains work best in the kitchen depends on the style and feel you want to create. Sheer curtains or café curtains give an airy look with plenty of light transmission, while curtains in natural materials on a curtain pole can enhance a cosy, rustic feel in a more country-style kitchen. Whatever you choose, curtains in the kitchen are a lovely way to soften the room, especially as kitchens are often characterised by straight lines and harder surfaces.
Which curtains suit a window above the kitchen worktop?
For windows above the kitchen worktop, Roman blinds are a stylish and practical option. They have a decorative look and soften the kitchen window without getting in the way of the work surface. At the same time, you get a convenient blind that you can lower when needed, for example when the sun is beating down and disturbing your work at the kitchen worktop.
What is the best material for kitchen curtains (to resist cooking fumes and stains)?
For kitchen curtains, washability is most important, as the fabric can be exposed to both cooking fumes and stains. Polyester or blended materials are often a practical choice as they usually withstand machine washing well and are easy to keep fresh. If you want to be able to wash the curtains easily and regularly, it's best to avoid very thick and heavy fabrics – that way, they'll stay nice for longer.
How close to the stove can curtains hang?
Always hang curtains at a safe distance from the stove – both for fire safety reasons and to reduce the risk of cooking fumes and grease settling in the fabric. If you have a window near the stove, Roman blinds can be a good alternative, as they do not hang down over the work surface and can be kept more out of the way. For extra safety, you can also choose flame-retardant fabrics, and Roman blinds can also be raised when you are cooking to reduce the risk of the fabric absorbing cooking fumes. Always follow the stove/manufacturer's safety recommendations.
How do curtains affect light transmission in the kitchen?
In the kitchen, light transmission is often important, while some light filtering is sometimes needed when the sun is shining in. Both Roman blinds and curtain panels are available in sheer fabrics that soften the light and provide privacy without making the room feel dark. If you want to block more light, you can choose a denser fabric – choose the material based on how much light you want to let in and the feel you want to create in the kitchen.