Curtains for the kitchen: 100 best photo ideas, new items, design tips

Curtains create an atmosphere of comfort and harmony. They are selected based on the chosen stylistic solution for the kitchen. The geometry of the kitchen also influences the choice of curtains, so it is important to take into account all the factors that will create a harmonious and stylish interior. In this article, we will look at design options and help you decide which curtains to hang in your kitchen.

Translucent light curtains in combination with luminous threads of garlands will create a festive atmosphere. Just use a quality electrical outlet and turn it off when you leave home. This is your safety.

Often kitchens cannot boast of a large area, so it is worth considering this point when choosing curtains. They should fit harmoniously into the interior and look compact so as not to attract unnecessary attention. Popular models that are used in small areas are short, lightweight curtains that look simple and laconic. They also use models in several layers, which are superimposed on each other in different colors, creating an interesting and airy composition. Here you start from your desires and preferences.

Bright curtains are a trend and many people choose rich shades for textiles. Just keep in mind that in this case, the background and interior of the kitchen are done in neutral colors. There is no need to complicate things and add these colors to the composition of the kitchen set. Small accents of color are enough, for example, cutting boards or cushions on chairs. Also, choose curtains that are light and transparent so that sunlight does not encounter obstacles and casts beautiful colored shadows.

Cooking is expected in the kitchen, which means that vapors of fat and humidity, mixed with dust, will inevitably settle on the curtain composition. What to consider when choosing:

• Functionality of curtains. Curtain material hides the kitchen from prying eyes through the window, making natural light softer and more comfortable. Hides a not-too-cool window space design. Since it is mostly white plastic, it always looks standard and ordinary. Fresh air through the window should enter the apartment calmly and without obstacles through the kitchen windows.

• The practical side when choosing curtains is of great importance. There are many aromas in the kitchen that are sure to permeate all the textiles. There is a special liquid that is used to treat curtains and they repel dust, dirt, odors, and prevent fading. But even with such miraculous impregnation, you should give preference to light and airy models. Heavy velvet curtains should not be hung in the kitchen.

• Beauty. For many, the most important point. Only in the modern world, practicality and functionality are still more important. And they will help you create a harmonious textile design in the salon. Aesthetics are achieved through balance. If you have a bright kitchen interior, you should opt for simple solid-color models. Bright and intricate textiles are appropriate in a neutral interior to become the center of the entire composition.

An interesting and practical design option is blinds made of wooden slats. The wood texture will add additional comfort and warmth, and the shape of the blinds meets all the requirements described above.

Features of curtains for the kitchen

Curtains in the kitchen are not only responsible for comfort. With the help of a certain style and color of window curtains, you can correct some shortcomings - for example, make a small kitchen visually more spacious with the help of simple, airy tulle, or visually raise a low ceiling due to vertical drapery.

Simple, discreet curtains make a small kitchen visually larger and lighter, while multi-layer curtains, on the contrary, make the interior heavier.

Other important factors in choosing a curtain style include:

• interior style;
• the presence or absence of a balcony door;
• headset layout;
• plate location;
• purpose of the room (kitchen, kitchen-living room, kitchen-dining room, studio);
• degree of natural light.

Taking into account the above, let's see which style is better to choose.

Short or long?

Short curtains are the most preferable option for the kitchen in most cases. They are practical, safe in close proximity to the stove and are the only possible solution when there is a work surface or dining area under the window.

Short curtains can be light, translucent or thick, completely blocking light. Short tulle or thin cotton curtains are suitable for interiors in a romantic or rustic style - country, Provence, shabby chic, etc.

What is shabby chic and how to apply it in the kitchen, you will learn from our article.

Despite all the practicality of short curtains, there are cases when it is better to give preference to long curtains and drapes. We will consider such cases in detail below.

• If the kitchen is combined with the living room or dining room. To decorate a window in the living or dining area, it is better to choose curtains. They can be combined with curtains, roller blinds or Roman blinds.

• If you need to hide an ugly plastic balcony door.

Tulle attachment options

The simplest ways to secure tulle include:

• hooks;
• loops;
• drawstring;
• textile loops or bows;
• eyelets.

For thin fabrics, a textile tape with ready-made loops for attaching to hooks is convenient. Sufficiently dense tulle can easily be supplemented with decorative bows or loops from a suitable fabric.

Eyelets are also appropriate for fairly thick curtains. When choosing a mounting option, you need to remember two important conditions:

• the fastening must be reliable and safe;
• the tulle should be easy to remove.

For simple curtains made from light translucent fabrics, it is recommended to make an inconspicuous fastening. It’s easy to decorate original curtains made of fairly dense tulle with additional decorative details exactly at the place where they are attached to the cornice.

In order to decorate a window opening in the kitchen in an original way, it is not necessary to spend a large sum on a ready-made kit. It is not difficult to sew original kitchen curtains with your own hands, even without much experience in such work.

Types of kitchen curtains

Regardless of the length and type of fabric, the following types of curtains will look advantageous in the kitchen:

On the eyelets

The peculiarity of this type of curtain is its neat, even folds, which are formed thanks to the rings sewn into the fabric. They slide easily along the eaves, so they are one of the most successful solutions for a kitchen with a balcony door.

Curtains with eyelets are suitable for most modern styles - minimalism, scandi, modern classics, loft.

Curtains-cafe

Light and airy cafe curtains are an ideal solution for a country or Provence style kitchen.

You can sew them yourself. They are easily attached to a small cornice or directly to the sash using a stretched fishing line or rope.

Stained glass

One of the variations of cafe curtains in the design of romantic kitchens with rustic motifs is stained glass curtains, which are also called “hourglass” because of the way they are assembled.

They are mounted on a frame, so it is convenient to ventilate the room with them. They can frame both a window sash and an entire door.

Such curtains can overlap with the design of display cabinets and buffets.

With lambrequins

Lambrequin sets a romantic mood and is suitable for kitchens in a rustic or classic style.

This is just a decorative element that will give the interior an elegant look. Traditionally it is combined with tulle, but this option is not so relevant today. A single lambrequin, beautifully framing a window or doorway, can also look interesting.

Rolled

Roller blinds most often do not have a decorative function, although sometimes brightly colored or printed curtains can stand out in the interior. It's best to use them as a background.

Curtains or drapes in combination with roller ones can take on a decorative role.

Roller blinds can act as an alternative to a “bare” window without curtains, when curtains cannot be completely abandoned for various reasons - bright light during the day or the views of passers-by. For ascetic interiors in the spirit of minimalism, Scandinavian style or high-tech, this style is one of the most successful solutions.

Roman

It is not for nothing that this style is considered the most popular. After all, it is the most versatile among other types. Depending on the color scheme, Roman blinds can harmoniously fit into both classic and modern interiors.

Roman curtains, like roller curtains, can be combined with long curtains.

Blinds

The main advantage of blinds is easy maintenance. They can be washed in the bathroom or, without removing, wiped with a damp cloth.

The main disadvantage of blinds is their narrow stylistic focus. They give the interior a strict and office look. Therefore, for those who prioritize comfort, this option is not suitable. And in minimalism and hi-tech styles, blinds will be quite appropriate.

Pleated curtains

Something between blinds, roller blinds and Roman blinds. But, unlike previous options, the flexible lifting mechanism for pleated curtains is simpler and more enjoyable to operate. To fix them at the desired level, it is enough to smoothly pull down or push the blade up with one hand.

Curtains

Curtains are not appropriate in a small kitchen, but in a spacious kitchen-dining room, kitchen-living room or studio they may be necessary both for decorative purposes and to completely darken the recreation area.

Today, curtains without the usual tulle are relevant. Alone, like lambrequins, they can cope with their role perfectly.

For information on the basic principles of choosing curtains for any room, watch the video from the designer:

Lambrequin

Lambrequin is a short, fixed horizontal drapery or decorative detail located across the entire width of the cornice at the top of the window. Most often, it is made from the same fabric as the main curtains or a fabric that matches them in texture and shade, and is decorated with additional decorative elements in the form of fringe, tassels or curly cutouts.

This year, lambrequins continue to be one of the most popular tools in the art of decorating windows in the kitchen. With them, modern curtains take on a sophisticated and finished look. And if previously only classic curtains were combined with lambrequins, today they can be used to complement any curtains.

They soften the strict lines of Roman blinds, make roller blinds less formal and add solidity to the muslin. Even under Japanese panels, which do not tolerate any decorations or unnecessary details, or Austrian curtains, which when assembled look like narrow horizontal draperies, you can choose a suitable model.

Curtains with a lambrequin are usually hung in classic interiors, but you can also choose models for modern design. Lambrequins can be divided into 4 main types:

1. 1 Hard (bandeau). A narrow strip of fabric is attached to a self-adhesive sealant, for example, non-woven fabric, and mounted right up to the ceiling on a profile cornice. The bandeau can be rectangular, oval or shaped. It completely hides the cornice and the upper wall of the window and perfectly masks any defects on them.
2. 2 Soft. This model is distinguished by the presence of fabric draperies sewn from one or more figured elements, such as:
   Swag is a shell-like semicircle draped with folds.
3. Semi-swag - a swag with a hole in the upper part.
4. Jabot is a frill-like side piece with a stepped bottom edge.
5. A tie is a tie-shaped side piece with folds along the top edge.
6. 3 Combined. These lambrequins consist of a solid base, like rigid models, and softly hanging side draperies.
7. 4 Openwork. A type of rigid lambrequins with an openwork pattern cut on thick fabric or other material using a laser.

When choosing a lambrequin for the kitchen, you need to consider several rules:

• it must match the interior;
• heavy, lush draperies “eat up” the space and “ground” the ceilings;
• lambrequins for curtains are sewn from the same fabric as the main curtains;
• A win-win option for all kitchen curtains (except drapes) is a modest lambrequin made of transparent organza.

In the current year 2022, curtains with rigid and openwork lambrequins have become popular.

Choice of color and pattern

Curtains can either enliven a monochrome and boring interior or ruin the overall impression. Therefore, it is important to guess not only with the style, but also with the color scheme, design or pattern. We will discuss in detail below what to combine textiles with and when you can use curtains as an accent.

To match the furniture

To establish color balance in the interior, textiles can be combined with furniture. For example, with the upholstery of kitchen chairs, armchairs or sofas in the kitchen-living room, or with the facades of the furniture.

You should not choose curtains that match the color of the furniture. Select one thing. If the curtains act as a color addition rather than an accent, then let them be a little paler.

To combine textiles with furniture in the overall design, choose curtains with an unobtrusive pattern with a single splash of color.

To match the walls

If the interior is already saturated with bright and active elements, then colored curtains in a rich shade will be superfluous.

In this case, it is better to choose neutral options to match the walls, which will blend into the overall design.

As an accent

Bright curtains or curtains with an active print will set the mood for a monochrome interior.

To ensure that textiles fit organically into the overall decor, support the pattern or color with other small details in small quantities - pillows on chairs, pillowcases and other decor.

Bright curtains in the kitchen without upper cabinets.

You can choose an existing color in the interior as an accent color and enhance its richness in the curtains.

A pattern or design can “collect” the entire color scheme of the interior and combine its multi-colored elements, while the print itself will make the decor more interesting. In other items, you can completely repeat the pattern or only individual motifs.

Blinds

Another trendy design for window openings is blinds. You can safely hang various models in the kitchen, because it is always fashionable. Blinds are distinguished not only by the vertical and horizontal arrangement of the panels, but also by new design technologies.

Advantages:

• Compactness, the ability to replace heavy curtains.
• They look elegant and modern. Various photo printing options are available.
• Use of metal or plastic.
• It is possible to order products with a pattern or complement the plain version with bright curtains.
• Practicality, ease of cleaning, long service life, functionality.

Fashion trends in curtain design

Fashion for interiors keeps pace with fashion for textiles. Interior exhibitions and works by famous designers set trends that are later reflected in the showrooms' offer. Let's see what current ideas have replaced outdated solutions.

• Matte

One should distinguish between the noble and unobtrusive shine of rich and dense curtain fabrics (satin, velor, etc.) and cheap, thin curtains. Tulle that glares in the sun will make the interior look cheaper.

• Conciseness

Better bright and monochromatic than colorful with a pattern. Prints are difficult to work with, and in such a small space as a kitchen, there is always a risk of overloading the interior with a complex pattern or design.

• Carelessness, eclecticism and bold combinations

Curtains can match the color of furniture or decor, but an exact match of shades is no longer necessary. You can and should play with different intensities.

• Current fabrics : for curtains - linen and cotton, for curtains - velvet, velor, satin.

• Roll and Roman - relevant for all times. From a fashion point of view, these are perhaps the most win-win and “eternal” styles. Only the fashion for colors and patterns can change.

The current colors and shades of 2022 are earthy, amber-orange, classic blue, the whole palette of sand shades, yellow-green, gray-green, peach, olive, red clay color.

Organza

The first popular type of tulle is organza. Organza, durable transparent material. High-quality threads of viscose, silk, cotton and polyester organza give elasticity and rigidity.

This type of manufacture is popular among designers. The fabric is durable; organza with a printed pattern and unusual ornament looks original.

Popular fabrics

Many different types of fabrics are used to make curtains, but not all are suitable for the kitchen. Kitchen curtains need to be washed more often, so ideally the material should be durable enough to withstand multiple washes.

If the curtains are located in close proximity to the work area and stove, then the fabric should have dirt-repellent properties and low hygroscopicity. It is from this material that most roller blinds and Roman blinds are made - namely, polyester.

Expert advice

Elena Vasilyeva

interior designer

Polyester is a durable, synthetic fabric that is ideal for sewing Roman blinds and roller blinds, as it holds its shape well, does not absorb fat and moisture well, and does not fade. Curtains made of polyester with special impregnations can be wiped with a damp cloth.

To decorate a window in the kitchen-living room that is not adjacent to the hob, you can choose lighter and airier fabrics.

Linen curtains in the kitchen

A short guide to choosing fabric depending on the interior style is given in the table below.

Despite the fashion for using natural fabrics, one cannot completely abandon synthetics, since it is synthetic fiber that gives the material the required strength and wear resistance so that the curtains can withstand many washes and maintain a presentable appearance for as long as possible. Natural cotton fades quickly and quickly becomes unusable after repeated washings, but polycotton is an excellent alternative to its natural counterpart. Thanks to the addition of polyester, the fabric wrinkles less, does not shrink and becomes more durable.

Expert advice

Elena Vasilyeva

interior designer

A fabric such as blackout, which is used for sewing curtains, Roman and roller blinds, and pleated curtains in different styles, deserves special attention. Thanks to the special weave of the threads, the fabric completely blocks light. Blackout can imitate the texture of linen, cotton and other fabrics, while it is devoid of many of the disadvantages of natural analogues.

See also a master class on sewing curtains with your own hands ⏩ go.

Recommendations

When choosing curtains and tulle for the kitchen, the main criterion should be the quality of the material. If the tulle fabric contains polyamide fibers, it will quickly become unusable. The threads will be destroyed both due to the detergents used during washing and under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Before choosing a specific material option for kitchen curtains, you should take into account that the finished product will have to be cleaned frequently, which means that the textile must have high strength qualities, and not just visual appeal.

Designers advise giving preference to polyester tulle - it does not wrinkle, does not fade, and does not unravel under the influence of solar radiation.

It is forbidden to sew curtains for the kitchen from cotton tulle, since cotton fibers give the product the ability to shrink. After such curtains are washed, they will lose their attractiveness.

If you still want to use cotton fabric, take it with a reserve. In order for the window textiles to remain the same after shrinkage, you need to make a reserve of 0.15 meters before manufacturing them.

Curtains for the kitchen in different styles

Interior style narrows the choice of suitable styles. If you stick to a certain direction, it will be easier to decide on the design of the curtains.

Modern

Modern fashion gravitates towards simplicity, conciseness and monotony. In the projects of professional designers, kitchen curtains are increasingly used as a background.

Therefore, among all styles, Roman and rolled ones break all records, because for the kitchen these are ideal options in many respects - practicality, compactness, fire safety, strength and wear resistance, etc.

A pattern can enliven a monotonous, monochrome interior, but in a modern interpretation it should be unobtrusive, non-garish and harmoniously merging with the surrounding environment.

Classic

For a kitchen in a traditional, classic style, elegant curtains with tiebacks, lace, and lush drapery are suitable.

For a classic kitchen-living room or a kitchen combined with a dining room, you can choose long curtains.

If you need to decorate a window in the work area, then good options would be Austrian or Roman ones with a characteristic classical ornament.

In a small kitchen, you should give preference to modern classics or so-called neoclassics. In this case, it is better to abandon multi-layered, lush and richly decorated options, and choose something simpler and more restrained. For example, you can leave just one lambrequin if there is no need to hide from bright sunlight, or hang light curtains made of tulle or organza. A universal option would be Roman blinds of a plain design or with a discreet pattern.

Provence and country

For a kitchen with rural motifs, light curtains made of natural fabrics - cotton or linen, plain light or with a faded, pale floral pattern or checkered pattern are suitable.

Curtains with tiebacks, lace, and lambrequins will make the interior more elegant.

The most successful styles for a kitchen with a rural soul are cafe curtains, short curtains, and stained glass curtains. The romantic mood of the interior is created not only by the style, but also by the method of attachment - on the sash or on a thin cornice.

Minimalism and hi-tech

For such cold and ascetic styles as hi-tech and minimalism, the most successful solution would be background curtains that blend into the interior and perform only their direct task of protecting from bright light. The most simple, laconic without pretentious decor will do - roller blinds, pleated blinds, Roman blinds or blinds.

In styles such as Scandinavian, hi-tech, minimalism, it is permissible to abandon curtains altogether, if bright light does not interfere during the daytime, and the windows are not accessible to neighbors and passers-by.

What's out of fashion

It’s better to avoid these styles, since they are included in the list of anti-trends:

1. 1 Multilayer models. Modern ideas imply minimalism and conciseness, so when choosing tulle and curtains, it is best to focus on one thing.
2. 2 Tulle of bygone times. It is better to replace retro tulle with a voluminous pattern with something original, plain. An organza option would be a good option.
3. 3 Blinds are also a thing of the past. Now they look out of date and are the main accumulator of dust and dirt. Modern roller blinds are an excellent alternative.

Asymmetry in design

Asymmetrical curtains can be an assistant in the design of a small kitchen or in the design of a balcony block. For example, when you need to open a window but hide the door, a combination of Roman blinds and short curtains or drapes on one side is suitable. Tacks collect one of the curtains to one side.

This technique is limited by stylistic boundaries: asymmetry gives the interior softer, smoother and oval shapes. This is typical for classics or Provence, but is not suitable for most modern trends - high-tech, loft, scandi, etc.

How to decorate a window in a small kitchen?

When choosing curtains for a small kitchen, give preference to simple options with a laconic design and simple cut.

It is better to avoid multilayer options, lambrequins, curtains made of thick and rich fabrics such as velvet and velor.

Bright colored plain and patterned curtains have a place in a small kitchen, provided that they are the only bright spot in the interior and do not overload the space. It is necessary to place accents in small objects of the same color - pillows on chairs, vases, a kitchen towel, for example. But there shouldn’t be a lot of colored details.

See also the designer's advice on choosing curtains for a small kitchen in Khrushchev:

Kiseya

If you want to create a relaxed, airy atmosphere, pay attention to muslin curtains. This material allows you to obtain light and weightless models of any configuration and size. They can be easily combined with curtain fabrics and threads of other colors. This option is purely decorative.

A translucent canvas will not be able to protect the kitchen from the penetration of sunlight and prying eyes. If your apartment is located on the sunny side, on the ground floor of the house or next to other high-rise buildings, then in addition for shading you will need to use dense options or blinds.

They fit especially harmoniously into small rooms, creating a unified interior, visually raising the ceilings, filling the room with air and light. Once you have chosen them, pay proper attention to the choice of colors, decor, and design.

A profitable solution is obtained by combining materials of different colors. Kisey is the canvas that allows you to reveal all your creative and design abilities, resulting in real masterpieces endowed with a bright personality.

Curtains for the kitchen-living room

The choice of curtains for the kitchen-living room will primarily be influenced by two factors - the number of windows and their location.

In the first case, the proximity of the working area or its remoteness should be taken into account. If there is only one window in the kitchen-living room, which is not adjacent to the stove or work surface, then it is better to choose long curtains - curtains and/or drapes, which will add coziness to the interior.

If there are two windows in the studio or kitchen-living room, then the best option is a combination of several styles: for example, in the kitchen area - Roman or roller ones, and in the living room - long curtains or drapes.

Curtains on different windows can be united by one color scheme or a common pattern.