Kitchen window treatments play a vital role in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of the kitchen space. With a wide range of options, from traditional curtains to modern shutter blinds, selecting the right window treatment can elevate your kitchen’s decor while also providing privacy, light control and easy maintenance. Here are some of the most popular contemporary window treatment ideas that can give your kitchen a stylish, updated look.
Fabric Window Treatments
Fabric window treatments like curtains and valances are classic choices that work well in both traditional and contemporary kitchen settings. When opting for fabric, consider:
Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains made from lightweight, semi-transparent fabrics like sheer voile allow soft, diffused daylight into the kitchen. They give a breezy, ethereal look while still providing a bit of privacy. Go for neutral solids or printed sheers with geometric, floral or striped patterns. Hang them high and wide to maximize the light.
Cafe Curtains
Cafe curtains are a casual, fuss-free option, typically made from cotton or linen in bright, cheerful colors. Hang them directly below the window frame to soften the lower portion of the window while still allowing light through the top half. They’re easy to pair with most color schemes.
Linen or Burlap Shades
Natural woven fabrics like linen and burlap have an earthy, organic look. They filter light softly and come in versatiles solids and stripes that pair well with many kitchen aesthetics from modern farmhouse to industrial. Floor length shades in darker hues can add drama.
Patterned Valances
Valances are decorative fabric pieces that cover the top portion of windows. Bold patterns like graphic prints, florals and geometric shapes liven up plain windows. Tailored box pleated or cascading swag styles work nicely. Combine with blinds or curtains below.
Window Blinds and Shades
Blinds and shades offer sleek, structured looks. Consider these contemporary options:
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds mimic the look of real wood but are moisture-resistant and easier to clean. Made of synthetic materials like vinyl and PVC, they come in slats of various sizes and colors like white, tan, gray and black. They give a modern, minimalist look and easily adjust for privacy and light control.
Roller Shades
Roller shades neatly roll up and down with a cord or chain. Choose light filtering fabrics or blackout materials. Add trim or borders for decorative impact. Automated smart shades offer convenient remote or voice control.
Roman Shades
Roman shades have a crisp, tailored look created by horizontal folds when raised. Made from fabrics like linen, cotton and faux silk, they come in solids, prints and patterns. Look for blackout lining to darken the room. Add a contrasting fabric band along the bottom or top.
Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades are an eco-friendly option made from renewable bamboo grasses. The reeded slats give a relaxed, natural vibe. Bamboo is durable and easy to clean. Match with other natural materials like rattan, wood and stone for harmony.
Window Treatment Style Ideas
Here are some popular style concepts for contemporary kitchen windows:
Minimalist
The minimalist look relies on clean lines, solids and neutrals. Stick to one or two types of shades or blinds in muted whites, grays and beiges. Use modern metal hardware and avoid embellishments. The result is calm and airy.
Modern Farmhouse
Achieve the modern farmhouse aesthetic with natural textures like wood blinds, linen curtains and woven shades. Opt for crisp whites with charcoal blacks and warm antique brass hardware. Add pretty printed valances or cafe curtains to soften the look.
Industrial
Create an industrial vibe with blackout shades in solid hues like carbon gray, slate and jet black. Pair with matching metal hardware and trim for an ultra modern, slightly masculine feel. Add wire-mesh screening or perforated metal shading for industrial flair.
Bold and Colorful
Make a vibrant style statement with brightly colored curtains, patterned shades and color blocking. Use contrasting colors on upper and lower window sections, or go for an overall rainbow look. Incorporate graphic prints and playful pom pom or tassel trim.
Combination Treatments
Layering different types of window treatments creates visual interest and customizable privacy and light control. Some chic combinations include:
- Sheer curtains with bamboo blinds
- Roller shades topped with patterned valances
- Linen shades and decorative cafe curtains
- Faux wood blinds with sheer panels
- Roman shades with sleek curtain panels
When mixing styles, coordinate colors and textures but don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting patterns and prints for an eclectic look.
Ideal Window Treatment Features for Kitchens
When selecting your kitchen window treatments, keep these optimal features in mind:
- Moisture-resistant: Since kitchens inherently involve steam, grease and moisture, choose materials like vinyl, PVC, polyester and acrylic that resist moisture and clean up easily.
- Insulated: Insulated curtains and cellular shades provide extra insulation to help reduce energy costs. This added layer also reduces outside noise.
- UV protection: Fabrics with UV blocking properties prevent furniture and finishes from fading. Look for drapes and shades specially treated to filter out ultraviolet light.
- Easy-care: Washable fabrics that resist staining and wrinkling cut down on maintenance. Consider easy-to-wipe vinyl and acrylic blinds rather than fabric curtains.
- Cordless operation: For child safety, choose cordless blinds operated by smooth lift-and-tilt wands rather than dangling corded options.
- Automated options: Make operation effortless with motorized shades, blinds and curtains controlled with the touch of a button or voice command.
FAQ
What are the most popular modern kitchen window treatments?
Some of the most popular contemporary options include simple roller shades, faux wood blinds, roman shades, bamboo blinds, sleek curtains, and woven natural fiber shades. Minimal metallics and neutral solids create a modern aesthetic.
What window treatments are best for light control in the kitchen?
Blackout cellular shades, permanently attached pleated shades, solar screens and shutters provide the best light blocking for kitchens. Dark roller shades and heavily lined drapes also perform well for daytime light control.
How do I choose a style that matches my kitchen?
coordinate with your existing kitchen color scheme and finishes. For boho or farmhouse styles, use natural woven shades. Modern and contemporary kitchens look best with simple, geometric patterns and solid colors. Avoid busy prints and ruffles.
Should I layer different window treatments?
Layering allows you to balance style, light control and privacy. Use sheers with shades for soft lighting. Add drapes over blinds to frame the window for height. Just be sure layered treatments still allow proper window functionality.
How do I decorate a bay window in a kitchen?
Treat each section of a bay window individually. Use cafe curtains in the middle sections and floor length curtains on the side panels. Or, install matching roller shades on the bottom with a valance connecting the top sections. Add fresh flowers or aromatheric plants for a decorative focal point.
What window treatments work well for sliding glass doors?
Vertical blinds, pleated shades and curtains that stack neatly to the sides are good choices for sliding doors. Mount them high to maximize light and views. For privacy, install detachable bamboo screens or opt for electronic smart glass that switches from opaque to clear.
Conclusion
The right window treatments can make a dramatic difference in your kitchen’s style and functionality. When selecting options like blinds, shades and curtains, consider the overall aesthetic you want along with practical needs like easy cleaning, light control and energy efficiency. Combining materials and styles creates attractive, customized spaces. With so many innovations now available, you’re sure to find solutions that match your unique taste and bring your ideal contemporary kitchen vision to life.
