Before moving on to curtain design, let's first go over the main points and selection criteria.
To choose the right curtains, we usually focus on:
- style and color scheme of the interior;
- window and room sizes;
- pursued goals - protection from light or beauty;
- own preferences or habits.
All this influences the choice of model, color, method of fastening and design of curtains, and it would be correct to take into account the maximum number of factors. One should also add the size of the budget allocated for window decoration, but this factor, like most others, can be easily changed for the sake of beauty, originality or functionality. But the same cannot be said about the dimensions of the room - so you can expect a separate article about the design of windows in a small kitchen.
It is equally important to choose the right material for curtains.
The best fabrics
Regardless of size, the kitchen dictates its requirements to us. Like other textiles, curtains should be made of a material that is most resistant to water, fats, soot and other “guests” of the cooking area.
Accordingly, it is better to save heavy velvet, jacquard, brocade, corduroy and similar dense or fleecy materials for decorating other rooms.
The trend is light and natural - linen, silk, cotton and wool fabrics. They correspond to the most popular interior styles today: eco, Scandinavian, Provence, shabby chic, fusion, modern...
But this does not mean that you need to decisively abandon synthetic additives, thanks to which the curtains will last you much longer and retain their original appearance. In the end, stylistic unity can be achieved using the appropriate color scheme.
Modern curtains are not only new shapes and lines, but also the embodiment of non-standard textures and colors in traditional models. This is easy to see using the example of classic long curtains, with which we will start.
Decor and accessories options
Various decorations will help emphasize the originality of the interior. The main ones are fabric tiebacks fixed to the wall. They can become the main accent in the interior. Curtain tiebacks are designed in different ways:
- Decorative textile belt attached to a hook on the wall. It can remain unnoticed or, conversely, be an additional window decoration;
- A twisted cord that is tied in a bow or intertwined. It can be a couple of tones brighter than the curtain;
- A chain that matches beautifully with curtains hanging on a metal curtain rod. It shouldn't be very thick. A thin chain is even used to pick up tulle;
- Buttons. They come in an original look and the same or different shade from the curtains;
- Flower pot. A rare, unusual technique to pick up a curtain. The flowerpot is placed on the desired side of the window, the edge of the curtain is folded and attached to the flowerpot stand with a loop sewn to the textile.
Long
Curtains up to or just above the floor will never go out of style due to their versatility and our conservatism. They will be appropriate in modern and classic styles, where they will play the role of a harmonious addition, discreet decor or a bright accent.
In advanced, ascetic interiors, curtains with eyelets look good; in softer interiors, curtains with tulle and decorative elements look good. In the first case, the decoration will be a light drapery, but in the second it will be difficult to do without fringe, frills, tassels, tiebacks, ruffles and lambrequins that correspond to the spirit of the style. This decor will elevate even the simplest fabric.
The tulle can be matched to the walls, and the curtains will harmonize with the upholstered furniture. Don't need to completely darken the room? Pay attention to tulle with a lambrequin or thread curtains.
Long canvases that are slightly lighter or darker than the walls will emphasize high ceilings, making a wide room taller, and a narrow room wider, of course, at the level of perception. As you can see in the photo, a certain type of cornice is used for this - ceiling or elongated.
Floor-length curtains are great for large windows, so they are often hung in a kitchen with a balcony or bay window. They can be used to successfully cover a partition or a corner. New designs include double curtains, which are a composition of several canvases.
Curtains will organically fit into the interior, harmonizing in color and texture with furniture, walls, kitchen aprons, and furniture. If there is a lack of sunlight, you can limit yourself to translucent curtains made of organza or veil. Flowers, patterns, multi-colored threads or inclusions will make this airy material more remarkable.
If the window decoration is a bright accent, it can easily be complemented by other home textiles, as well as small details - a vase, a candy bowl, drawer handles, a tea or coffee set.
The color of your kitchen curtains will be determined by your interior style. For example, the classic direction corresponds to pastel colors - beige, white, blue shades.
Rustic Provence and country style are more suitable for fabrics with checkered patterns or floral patterns. It’s easy to complement red, blue, pink flowers on curtains with little things of the same color.
There is another way - to decorate tablecloths, chair pads or sofa cushions with ruffles or frills of the same color as the curtains.
Kitchens decorated in a modern style are characterized by a riot of colors and richness of colors. Representing two verticals, the curtains will complement the columns, refrigerator, pencil case, thereby creating spatial unity.
Curtains in metallic shiny shades will harmonize with household appliances, sinks, lamps and other elements of similar colors. For a kitchen with a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows, furnished in a minimalist style, colorful Japanese curtains are suitable. To go out onto the balcony, you do not have to undergo complex and tissue-traumatic manipulations. The downside is that slats should not be hung in low rooms.
Previously, it was believed that window decor with a pattern looked best against the background of plain walls. Today, bold combinations and experiments are in fashion, so all the rules have become even more conditional, which is only confirmed by the photo below. Wall patterns are duplicated with texture or ornament on the fabric, and it looks pretty good.
Straight and zigzag stripes, pictures, intricate patterns and complex drapery, combinations of fabrics of different textures - modern ideas, as you can see, perfectly stimulate the imagination.
Features of textiles for the kitchen
High resistance to dirt. Even if there is a hood in the kitchen, some of the steam leaks into the air, depositing on furniture and textiles.
Impregnation for fabric creates a special film on it, and therefore the fabric remains in its original form for a long time.
Fire safety. Because it is possible for textiles to ignite due to closely spaced heating elements or an open flame, either short curtains for the kitchen 2022 or with fixation with tiebacks are used.
Style. A strict modern high-tech style cannot, by definition, be complemented with delicate ruffles, because such a combination is strange. The style, color and print must be in harmony with the interior.
Mood. The atmosphere should be appropriate and conducive to cooking.
Fashionable colors
What colors will be popular in 2022? Many designers are talking about the return of monochromatic fashion. However, fashion is insidious with its contradictions.
Therefore, when choosing curtains for the kitchen, start from the general color scheme and your own feelings. After all, everyone creates harmony in their apartment differently.
You can use the variety method: opt for colored curtains if you previously had plain ones, and vice versa.
As for the colors that are fashionable for this year, these are:
- brown, lilac, wine, berry, gray, red shades;
- complex composite colors;
- gradients;
- forever fashionable check and stripe;
- interesting prints and designs.
Use the magic of color to your advantage. So, juicy and tasty bright shades will have an invigorating effect and cause a good appetite, and cold tones will cool down a hot room - of course, at the level of sensations. Stripes will also serve practical purposes, making the window wider, taller, or simply complementing the color ensemble.
An impressive new product can be called gradient curtains or curtains with a “dégradé” effect. A two-color composition with white is an original way to bring a little brightness to the kitchen. And several smoothly transitioning colors will unite all the colors present in the interior.
Important:
- dark curtains are more suitable for a kitchen with good natural or artificial lighting;
- White or plain light-colored curtains may not be a practical choice, unlike checkered or striped curtains.
Long curtains can be given many shapes with the help of accessories - tiebacks, clips, magnets, and rods. But some may find other models more convenient and practical.
What to do when the kitchen is small
The most important thing is to try not to block the lighting and abandon the complexity and variety of forms; this rule is still relevant in 2018. Choose light, transparent curtains, preferably a solid light shade - this is what will visually fill the room with sun and at the same time save a lot of free space, increasing the visual volume of the room.
A lambrequin will fit well into the interior of a small kitchen. It can act as an independent element, as well as in a composition with light tulle.
An alternative to classic curtains in small kitchens is the Roman blind. A practical Roman blind can be attached both to the window itself and to the window opening.
Video: ideas to help expand your space
Short curtains
Curtains that cover only the window and nothing else are a very economical option in terms of fabric consumption and space management. Short curtains make it easier to access the window sill, which is very important if you use it as an additional work surface. They will also be useful if you have it for plants or perhaps acts as an observation point for your cat. Perhaps you yourself will appreciate all the advantages by looking at the photo.
Short curtains are perhaps at the peak of popularity now. Diverse and versatile, they are applicable in a variety of styles and will decorate windows of any size.
You have several options for forms:
- one curtain for the entire window;
- two vertical canvases;
- cafe curtains;
- arch;
- a mini curtain or rather a lambrequin at the top of the window.
The colors and methods of attaching such curtains are no less varied. Standard, string cornice, clips, eyelets or drawstrings - it all depends on your ideas, the need to open the window and move the curtains apart.
How to hang asymmetrical curtains in the kitchen
To properly hang one-sided curtains, they are fixed to the cornice with loops or rubberized eyelets. Ordinary rings are not used here, since they will move at the slightest touch or blow of wind.
Red one-sided tulle on eyelets
The free edge of the curtain is secured with tiebacks or magnetic holders. To create harmony in the interior, you need to remember the short side. Often, tulle is used for this, which is made slightly shorter than the main curtain.
Single sided layered curtains
When decorating a window with a curtain on one side, it is better not to use heavy textured fabrics with lush ruffles, as they visually weigh down the entire composition and make it too catchy.
Light organza curtain
Here are the most common ways to hang asymmetrical curtains:
- Various lengths of curtains. It looks beautiful in kitchens with a balcony exit;
- Drapery with one wide curtain, fixed with an original tie on one side;
- Combination with a lambrequin that follows the asymmetry line of the curtains;
- Diagonal cut. On one side, the curtains mask a small part of the window, and on the other they reach the window sill or floor;
- Multi-layer curtains, main fabric and lambrequin. Each element of the composition with its own parameters, length and style;
- Symmetrical asymmetry. Suitable for corner windows, arches and multiple windows. One is decorated with a curtain on one side, and the second is its mirror reflection;
- A game of contrasts. The curtains have an identical style, but different colors. A window composition made of single-color canvases in addition to printed curtains looks beautiful.
Curtains on one side are a design solution that transforms any interior and becomes its highlight. Therefore, there is no need to use large quantities of additional decor.
Roman and roll
If you are tired of sliding curtains, you have small windows, or you are afraid that a standard cornice will ruin all your design plans, decorate your windows with lifting curtains - Roman or roller curtains. They are perfect for kitchens in the style of minimalism, hi-tech, modern, classic, Provence, eco and other styles due to their compact appearance, variety of colors and materials. Plus, one of the options for mounting them is directly on the window.
What is the difference between Roman blinds and roller blinds? The former, when lifted, form folds, the length of which can vary at your discretion, and the latter are rolled into a roll, respectively, exposing most of the window. The laconic design of the curtains will be complemented by ribbons, bows and other accessories - depending on the style of the kitchen and the flight of fancy.
If these models are too simple, move on, because this is not the end of the list of lifting curtains.
Tips and examples of curtains for a kitchen with a balcony
There are often kitchens with access to the balcony. Of course, the presence of a door next to a window makes it difficult to choose a suitable curtain or curtain.
We tried to select for you the best options that look harmonious in the kitchen adjacent to the balcony or loggia.
A fashionable and modern type is roller blinds. Thanks to the roll-up mechanism, you can easily adjust their height and ensure a harmonious appearance. As for color, all the recommendations mentioned above remain valid: make sure that it is in harmony with the overall design of the kitchen.
Classic long curtains with curtains are suitable if the window and door are located on the same level. In this case, models with eyelets are preferable: they will help you gain access to the entrance at any time. To do this, you just need to move the fabric to the side, and not perform complex manipulations.
Are you lucky with a large kitchen and in addition to the door structure, there is also a separate window? We recommend choosing curtains from the same material and decorating them in a common style.
A good example is in this photo. By the way, if blinds are installed on the balcony, then in the kitchen you can limit yourself to light tulle curtains.
A stylish technique is to use curtains with decorative elements. On a small window it won’t be very impressive, but in this case it will really “sparkle.”
Thin curtains combined with curly elements are very beautiful and stylish. The main thing is to choose the right pattern that will harmonize with the overall interior of the kitchen.
Two straight classic curtains of different levels can also look nice. Light tulle complemented with fringe will suit a strict interior. If the room is decorated in light colors, buy dark curtains. And vice versa - for rich burgundy, brown, blue shades, take light ones. This contrast looks attractive and elegant.
Important point: Do not be afraid to use curtain tiebacks and holders that are located directly next to the balcony door. It’s better to make a nice drapery and take care of the convenience of access to the loggia in advance than to forget about this moment and discover that the thin fabric deteriorates from constant contact with your hands.
Thread curtains can be an excellent solution if you don't like pleats or flounces - they don't require additional accessories and look stylish.
Austrian and French
These once status models have gone beyond the boundaries of classicism, baroque, theater and opera scenes and, oddly enough, look organically in completely different settings. Shabby chic, vintage, Provence, ethno - many styles accept such luxurious decor.
French and Austrian curtains are very similar, but still have differences. In French curtains, the semicircular drapery extends along the entire length, while in Austrian curtains it is concentrated only in the lower part.
A multitude of semicircular scalloped folds will emphasize the richness of a luxurious interior and enliven the monotony of modern styles. Curtains made of smooth plain materials, tulle, with small patterns and vertical contrasting stripes look especially impressive. The multi-layered nature of the upper part of the composition makes these models suitable for kitchens with low ceilings or wide windows. Don't believe me? Take a look at these photos.
But there is still a minus in lifting models - household members who are accustomed to standard curtains may simply not be able to cope with their control. Alternatively, make this task easier with automated control.
How to combine it with style?
The choice of curtains primarily depends on the overall design style of the room. There are several styles that fully correspond to the modern fashion trend, for which it is easiest to choose the perfect curtains:
- Classic. It is distinguished by its convenience and simplicity, while at the same time it can look luxurious and stylish. See photos of new curtains in a classic style.
- Provence. A cozy and atmospheric style that combines beauty and comfort and helps to recreate the illusion of a “house in the village.” Curtains with hand embroidery or a simple floral print are suitable.
- Modern. This is a modern style that is often used to decorate kitchens. Shiny fabric suits him better; satin curtains work well.
- Scandinavia. Another modern style, somewhat reminiscent of minimalism in white. Simple and practical roller blinds or Roman blinds are ideal for it.
Eco-style can be distinguished separately . It is more expensive, since each element must be made from natural materials. Curtains are selected appropriately, from natural fiber, with natural colors.
Handmade
Everything changes, and impermanence is considered the only constant. But we found an exception that your mothers and grandmothers will definitely confirm. Do you remember how they said from childhood that the best gift is the one made with your own hands?
Handmade creations guarantee the originality of the interior, and also definitely enhance the image of the hostess. If you know how to sew, knit or crochet, know the secrets of macrame and have a day off, you have every chance of creating a masterpiece.
Have you ever done anything like this? Well, start with something simple - decorate ready-made thread curtains with beads, glass beads, sequins or glass, and if you want, make this activity a useful family leisure activity.
Color solution
A popular option is gray curtains made of textured fabric with a pattern. This model will bring peace. Wine tones will also be in fashion, and not bright, but muted. The trend of the new season is elegant red curtains made of lightweight fabrics.
The beige color scheme remains popular. It can be combined advantageously with other colors. It also makes dark shades softer.
An interesting idea would be beige curtains made of thick fabric in combination with dark brown tulle curtains. The color of chocolate can be diluted with light shades or combined with a red tone. Chocolate patterns, decorative details, and ornaments will be relevant.
Features of the decor of non-standard windows
Non-standard premises require more careful planning, which will make the interior design unique and comfortable for the whole family.
Curtains for a small kitchen
A small kitchen requires more attention when choosing textile additions that will help not only close the window, but also visually increase the space. To do this, you should choose light-colored textiles without a pattern, moderately draped, with vertical folds, as in the photo. An asymmetrical cut and short folds to the window sill, made of translucent veil, mesh or tulle imitating threads, are suitable.
Curtains for the kitchen-living room
The kitchen, which is combined with the living room, becomes spacious and multifunctional. A single space requires zoning, which may affect the choice of curtains: the living area can be highlighted with upholstered furniture textiles, supplemented with a tablecloth, table towels, napkins, and the curtains will be the same in style as the work area where food is prepared. The main thing when choosing curtains for a large room is to preserve the style chosen during the design and combine textiles with each other. Design options for such a space can be seen in the photo.
Curtains for the kitchen serve not only to hide the room from direct sunlight. Textiles in the kitchen are, first of all, aesthetics that every housewife brings into her home. Curtains decorate the window, shade the walls and complement the kitchen furniture to complete the intended style. The harmony of home decoration creates peace, emphasizes taste and models the structure of the kitchen space.
Choosing curtains is an exciting and responsible task at the same time, since the kitchen is the center of the entire house, where the housewife spends a lot of time and the interior should delight her heart. Here they not only prepare food and eat it, but also have important conversations for the whole family. The coziness that curtains add to a room cannot be replaced by anything.
Types of modern textiles
Window decoration in the kitchen requires more attention than in other rooms. The kitchen is the room where food is prepared, shared lunches and dinners, or just breakfasts. All functions of the room influence the choice of window decor textiles. Modern industry offers several types of fabric that differ in fiber composition:
- Natural (cotton, linen, silk, lace);
- Artificial (viscose, various tapestries, veil);
- Synthetic (nylon, nylon, lace, organza).
In modern styles, curtains made from natural fabrics are most often used.
Fabrics for the kitchen are impregnated against moisture, stains, and have fire-resistant properties.