Adding new window treatments can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. With some creativity and DIY spirit, you can design and install custom kitchen window treatments on a budget. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, making, and installing beautiful and functional DIY kitchen window treatments.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Window Treatments
When deciding on kitchen window treatments, consider the following factors:
Privacy and Light Control
The type and amount of natural light your kitchen windows receive should guide your choice of treatments. South-facing windows get the most direct sun, while north-facing windows get ambient daylight. Opt for opaque treatments like roman shades or curtains for privacy and light control. Sheer curtains or valence boards allow light through while obscuring views.
Window Size and Shape
Take measurements to custom fit your treatments to the exact window dimensions. Consider the shape too – picture windows, double hung, bay windows, each have their own considerations. Treatments can be made to fit any window style.
Window Purpose and Function
Treatments at the kitchen sink should be easy to wipe clean and allow good visibility. Prioritize ventilation and humidity control by the cooking range. Frame the view from a breakfast nook with sheer curtains.
Kitchen Style and Colors
Match or coordinate the window treatments to your overall kitchen decor. Formal kitchens look best with tailored roman shades or curtains in solid colors or subtle patterns. Cottage kitchens can incorporate breezy, ruffled curtains or cafe-style valances.
Budget
DIY treatments using discount fabrics or recycled materials can save money without sacrificing style. Custom treatments or specialty hardware do cost more. Prioritize treatments at high visibility locations.
DIY Kitchen Window Treatment Ideas
With some DIY skills, you can create any of these attractive and functional kitchen window treatments:
Roman Shades
Roman shades neatly fold up when raised to allow maximum light and visibility. Commercial roman shade kits simplify DIY construction with pre-cut fabric panels, cords, and mounting hardware. Customize them to fit your windows perfectly.
Curtains
Curtains are a budget-friendly treatment to add color, texture, and warmth. Hang pencil-pleat or grommet-top curtains from decorative rods or clips. For easy-cleaning, lined curtains can handle kitchen spills and splatters. Use tie-backs to keep curtains out of your workspace when needed.
Valances
A valance is a top window treatment mounted on a rod or board. Valances camouflage curtain hardware and add decorative interest. DIY options include swags, cascades, or tiered layers. Combine valances with curtains or shades.
Blinds
While more difficult to DIY than curtains, custom-cut blinds offer superior light control for kitchen windows. Faux wood or aluminum blinds match any decor. For a soft filtered-light look, install cellular shades in translucent fabrics.
Cafe Curtains
Cafe-style curtains only cover the lower half of the window. Hang them from decorative rods or clips just below the window frame. These abbreviated curtains provide privacy while allowing abundant natural light.
Cornices
A cornice is a wide, rectangular window treatment that extends out on all sides of the window frame. Typically made of wood or foam, a DIY cornice conceals hardware and adds architectural detail. Paint or wrap them to coordinate.
How to Make DIY Kitchen Window Treatments
Follow these steps to create your own custom kitchen window treatments:
Take Precise Measurements
Use a steel tape measure to measure window width and height, from outside edge to outside edge. For curtains or shades, measure width from where rods will be mounted. Measure inside any window trim or framing. Record the exact dimensions.
Select Suitable Fabric
Fabric selection is both functional and decorative. For kitchens, pick tightly woven cottons or easy-care polyester blends which resist moisture, stains, and fading. Check the fabric width to calculate required yardage. Get blackout lining if needed.
Decide on Treatment Style and Hardware
Gather inspiration from photos, then sketch your window treatment vision. Choose a style like rod pockets, grommets, tabs, or rings. Order any hardware like rods, brackets, or holdbacks. Also get thread, rings, hooks, glue, etc.
Cut and Hem Fabric Panels
Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter with straight edges. Leave extra for hems and seam allowances. Hem edges neatly with cording or trim for a polished look. Iron fabric before cutting and assembling.
Follow Specific Construction Steps
Sew individual pieces together in order. Attach any linings, facings or interlining. Use clips or pins for a smooth flat construction. For curtains, topstitch any pleats or tabs. Insert rods or hangers as you go.
Mount Hardware and Hang Treatments
Screw brackets into wall studs for secure attachment. Mount rods level and insert finials for a finished look. Hang curtains or shades and position perfectly on rods. Attach tiebacks or holdbacks if included.
DIY Roman Shade Tutorial
Roman shades add softness and style to kitchen windows. Follow these instructions to easily make them yourself.
Supplies Needed
- Window measurements
- Fabric – 2x width plus 8-12″ and length plus rod pocket.Get blackout lining if desired.
- 1⁄2″ plywood or foam board for slats – cut to window width
- Shade mechanism kit – cylinders, cord, brackets
- Screws and screw eyes
- Decorative trim and buttons
Steps to Make Roman Shades
- Join fabric pieces with lining facing out. Hem edges.
- Make slats same width as fabric. Attach screws eyes 2” from ends.
- Mark fold lines on wrong side of fabric. Sew decorative trim over folds.
- Attach slats to back of fabric using glue or staples.
- Sew rod pocket and insert cylinder. Screw brackets to window frame.
- Screw slat screw eyes onto lift cords. Adjust cords to raise and lower shade.
- Hang shade in brackets and attach holdbacks. Adjust lift cords for smooth operation.
Your custom roman shades will regulate light and add elegance to your kitchen windows!
DIY Curtain Tutorial
You can easily turn basic fabrics into beautiful curtains. Follow this DIY curtain tutorial:
Materials Needed
- Twice the window’s width in suitable fabric, plus 8-10” for side hems
- Thread to match fabric
- Curtain rod with brackets
- Curtain rings with clips or hook tabs
- Iron and sewing tools
Instructions
- Measure from rod to floor for length. Measure window width adding overlaps.
- Cut fabric to measurements, adding extra length for bottom hem.
- Iron fabric, then double hem sides and bottom using straight or decorative stitches.
- To make rod pocket, fold over top edge twice and sew into place. Insert rod through pocket.
- For tab curtains, sew hook tabs evenly across back top edge. Add rings to front for hanging.
- For grommet curtains, mark even spaces and install grommets along the top edge.
- Mount curtain rod brackets. Attach curtains to rings or grommets.
You now have beautiful new custom curtains to adorn your kitchen windows!
Common FAQ about DIY Kitchen Window Treatments
Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about making your own kitchen window coverings:
What kind of fabric should be used for kitchen window treatments?
Choose fabrics like cotton, linen, polyester, or polyester blends that can withstand heat, grease, and frequent cleaning. Check the fabric details for stain resistance and lightfastness. Lined curtains offer further protection.
How much fabric do I need to make DIY kitchen curtains?
For regular rod pocket curtains, buy fabric double the width of your window plus 4-6 inches on each side for hems and overlap. Buy the desired floor length plus 4-6 inches for the bottom hem. Adjust for ceiling height.
What hardware do I need to hang DIY kitchen curtains?
Measure for appropriate curtain rods or tracks. Choose brackets that mount securely into wall studs. Get rings with clips, hook tabs, or grommets to attach your curtains to the rod. Optional decorative extras include finials, holdbacks, and tiebacks.
Should I line my DIY kitchen curtains?
Lining improves lightblocking, insulation, privacy, and sound muffling. It also protects the curtain fabric from dust and fading. Use blackout lining to darken a room or match the outer fabric for a coordinated look.
How do I measure for DIY blinds in my kitchen?
Measure inside the window frames at the top, middle, and bottom on both sides. The narrowest width is what you order blinds for. Take height from the top of the frame to where you want the blinds to end. Add 2-3 inches if mounting outside the frame.
What is the easiest DIY window treatment for a kitchen?
Cafe-length curtains are quick and easy DIY projects. Just cut fabric panels to the measured height and width, hem edges, and mount on cute curtain rods with clips halfway up the window. Hang them just below the window sill for a modern look.
Conclusion
The right window treatments can make a big impact in your kitchen’s style and function. With some simple sewing skills and creativity, you can DIY custom curtains, shades, and more. Use this guide to help choose fabrics, hardware, and designs to suit your space. Have fun planning your new kitchen window treatment project and enjoy the beautiful results!
