Hanging curtains in the kitchen seems like a great idea at first glance, as they add softness, color and privacy. But the kitchen is also a space that is subject to humidity, heat, water and sometimes fire. So we asked the experts: is hanging curtains in the kitchen a good idea?
Kitchen curtain ideas are a pretty polarizing subject, but they can make or break your kitchen plans. Curtains and window treatments can soften the hard lines of your kitchen and create a more inviting atmosphere, and your design choices can reveal more of your personality than you might think.
So ignoring curtains completely as a window treatment seems like a missed opportunity. Here, we ask interior designers whether curtains are right for the kitchen, and what practical things you should consider first.
Should I hang curtains in the kitchen?
(Image courtesy of Paloma Contreras)
Nearly everyone would agree that it's fine to have curtains in the kitchen, but there are some practical factors you need to consider first.
Of course, you need to be careful with the placement: if you have a window right next to the kitchen range, then long, low-hanging curtains make no sense, they won't look good, and they won't meet safety standards.
“At Neptune, we believe every room, including the kitchen, can benefit from the addition of elegant curtains or classic Roman blinds,” says Design Director Fred Horlock. “Curtains add warmth and style, making the space feel more inviting and unified. They also help with acoustics by dampening the noise of a busy kitchen. Kitchens are prone to spills and splashes, so choose fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain.”
Similarly, if your sink is located under a kitchen window so you can maximise the view while washing dishes, any window treatments you install there should be placed as high as possible and away from moisture.
(Image credit: Neptune / @cornishwife.cornishlife)
It just takes a bit of common sense: most curtains aren't waterproof, which means they tend not to last long in the kitchen due to humidity, splashes and spills.
To avoid this, “smart” fabrics may be your savior. In the kitchen, you want curtains that are easy to clean and maintain. Look for ones that are wipeable and machine washable, such as polyester and synthetic blends, to deal with the inevitable stains. Make sure you choose curtains that are labeled as fire-resistant to minimize the risk, especially if they are near cooking equipment.
“Kitchens can be busy areas with a lot of foot traffic, especially in homes with children or animals, so it's best to prevent fabrics from pooling or puddling on the floor, preserving the full feel of your living room or bedroom,” advises curtain designer Tori Murphy.
(Image courtesy of Heather Peterson Design)
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is usually a busy space where natural light is essential for cooking and socializing. Light-blocking curtains are a great choice for kitchens, providing privacy and reducing glare while still letting in plenty of light.
“Fluffy, sheer curtains are perfect for kitchens, especially if they open to the outside, as they let in breeze but keep out heat during the day,” adds Tori. “They're especially great for French windows, which can often look dark and cold at night without curtains.”
This can be achieved through your choice of fabric (such as linen or lightweight cotton) or with half-height cafe curtains.
“I like to install cafe curtains in the kitchen to provide privacy without completely blocking the light or the view,” says Heather of Heather Peterson Design. “In the kitchen of this lakefront home, [seen above]The traditional café curtains we chose are modern in construction and use, with an inside-mounted rod rather than a surface-mounted one, hand-sewn rings at the header, and a wavy fold rather than a traditional pinch pleat.”
Top Pinch Pleat Unlined Cafe Curtains & Decorative Panels
Charis Striped Cotton Blend Tailored 56″ Wide Cafe Curtains (Set of 2)
2 Panel Linen Cafe Curtain
(Image courtesy of The Misfit House)
Curtains can add an unexpected softness to your kitchen, balancing out normally hard surfaces like countertops, cabinets and appliances.
“The kitchen is a space that mainly contains hard surface materials, so adding softness with curtains is an opportunity to break up that atmosphere and add softer materials,” suggests Kristina Hersonski of STUDIO KEETA.
“There are many different styles of cafe curtains and Roman shades that can accommodate different kitchen styles, whether contemporary or traditional. Kitchen window treatments are a relatively small investment, so consider rotating variations in colours, textures and patterns for easy variation throughout the seasons.”
Softness is a key word in kitchen design in 2024. We are all looking for a “living kitchen” aesthetic – a more sociable, comfortable and beautiful space suited to family life and gatherings rather than a utilitarian cooking space. Curtains can help blur the boundaries between the living room and kitchen area, creating a more intimate and welcoming space.
(Image courtesy of Shannon Eddings)
Plus, kitchen curtains help tie an overall design together – they can complement existing décor, highlight architectural features like stained-glass windows or tall arched doors, or even become a focal point in their own right.
It also gives you the opportunity to introduce some pattern and color into your kitchen. Whether you choose a bold pattern or a subtle hue, new window treatments will add character to your space, making it feel more unique. It's a relatively easy and inexpensive way to update and refresh a boring, neutral kitchen.
“Whether or not to hang curtains in the kitchen is a matter of personal preference,” says interior designer Cathy Kuo, “but I think window treatments are a great way to add color and personality to an otherwise utilitarian room. Coordinate your curtains with your kitchen wall art for a chic, coordinated look,” she suggests.
(Image credit: Dina Bandman / Photo by Christopher Stark)
Alternatively, blinds (or a combination of blinds and curtains) might be more practical, dressing up your windows without looking like an afterthought.
“By not adding window treatments to your kitchen, you're missing an opportunity to add softness to an otherwise hard-surface room,” agrees interior designer Dina Bandman, “and window treatments can also be used to connect the space with nearby rooms that already have window treatments.”
“I like to use classic Roman shades in the kitchen as they are more practical than curtains and there is less of a fire hazard. I usually use curtains to add more drama to a room, especially if the window is long and takes up a big part of the room. Kitchen windows are often smaller so Roman shades may feel more appropriate,” advises Dina.
As Dina suggests, the idea of window blinds might work well for your kitchen, especially if your kitchen window is small. Combining blinds with curtains gives you the best of both worlds, blending functionality with warmth. It's a versatile solution that suits a range of kitchen styles, from contemporary to traditional.
Sunbrella Lina Sheer Curtain Panel
Custom-made Roman Blinds Sheer Linen White
Arnica Bota Floral Linen Cotton Curtains
Ultimately, hanging curtains in your kitchen comes down to personal preference – aesthetics, functionality, ease of maintenance, etc. After speaking with interior designers, we discovered that there are no hard and fast rules for kitchen curtains, just a few sensible things to consider before investing in them.
Whether you choose curtains, blinds, or a combination of both, the right window treatments can greatly improve the look and functionality of your kitchen.
