12 Kitchen Curtain Ideas That Add Style and Privacy to Any Space

Dress up your kitchen with these window treatments for any design style.

Window treatments probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind when designing a kitchen, but they're one of our favorite ways to upgrade your space. From an aesthetic perspective, curtains and blinds soften hard spaces, turning a room full of cold, hard finishes into a warmer and more inviting space. Textiles are also an easy way to introduce color, pattern, and texture, which can reinforce the desired design style of a room.

Aesthetics aside, window treatments can also diffuse light, provide privacy, and and help with acoustics, absorbing sound and reducing echoes—which can be helpful in a kitchen that's always filled with chattering kids or guests. Plus, if you have a beautiful kitchen window or gorgeous view, curtains will instantly draw attention to it.

If you're looking for an easy way to upgrade your kitchen, take inspiration from these stylish kitchen curtain ideas.

Related: 75 Kitchen Ideas for Every Layout and Style

Choose the Right Curtain Headings

When choosing curtains for your kitchen, pay attention to the heading style, as this controls the fullness of the curtains and determines their overall look and feel. French, triple, and pencil pleats give a classic, tailored look, whereas tab headings, eyelets, scallops, and cased curtain headings create a loose and casual style.

Add Color or Pattern

These short curtains add the perfect touch of warmth and coziness to this neutral kitchen. Window treatments like these offer the ideal opportunity to introduce a touch of pattern and soft texture to a kitchen without distracting from the overall aesthetic.

Farmhouse Kitchen Curtains

Use a window treatment to add a decorative farmhouse frill to your kitchen. Even if light and privacy aren’t a concern, a small cafe curtain like this will bring a bit of country charm to the space.

Related: 23 Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas to Add Rustic Charm in Modern Spaces

Colorful Kitchen Curtains

If you love a bold color but aren't brave enough to commit to it on your kitchen cabinets, try incorporating it through your curtains instead. Window treatments offer the perfect way to add a burst of color and personality to a muted or neutral kitchen, and can easily be swapped out as your tastes change.

Floor-Length Kitchen Curtains

Long white curtains add the perfect touch of elegance to this open-plan dining area. It’s worth noting that full-length curtains are only ever a good idea in the kitchen if they are out of the primary cooking and high-traffic areas, so they don’t pose a possible trip or fire hazard.

Kitchen Window Treatment Safety

Windows right next to the stove are some of the hardest to dress. You’ll want to avoid curtains at all costs, as these are an obvious fire hazard and will absorb grease and smells that are difficult to remove. Roller blinds or flame-retardant Roman blinds are a safer choice, especially if they're easy to clean.

Tab-Top Window Valances

Tab-top window valances are the perfect rustic window treatment for this big country kitchen. Popular in Victorian interior design, the loose patterned fabric brings a layer of pattern, texture, and warmth to the space and draws attention to the beautiful high ceilings. The combination of valances with bamboo blinds offers privacy and light filtration when needed.

Cafe Curtains

Cafe curtains are half-size curtains that only cover the lower part of a window, allowing natural light to pour in above, while still providing privacy at eye level. They create a casual, cozy aesthetic in the kitchen.

Related: A Complete Guide to the Most Common Types of Curtains

Mix Curtains and Blinds

Celebrate beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows with full-length flowing curtains. These sheer curtains create a casual look that provides soft texture while letting natural light filter in. They are complemented by bamboo roller blinds to add privacy and light filtration.

Related: The 5 Best Blackout Shades of 2024 to Darken Your Room and Keep Cool, According to Testing

Diner-Style Curtains

If one window treatment style doesn't quite do the job, consider combining two. The cafe curtains compliment the retro style of this kitchen and provide privacy and light during the day, while the longer sill-length curtains will block out street light and provide insulation and privacy in the evenings.

Related: 26 Kitchen Lighting Ideas That Make a Statement

Bamboo Shades and Curtains

As bamboo blinds have a loose weave and come unlined, they don’t block out all light or provide complete privacy. Here, the homeowner resolved this with a stylish curtain and blind combination.

Curtain Ring Clips

Cafe curtain ring clips are a quick, easy, and effective way to hang your curtains. You only have to clip them onto your chosen fabric and slide the rings onto the curtain pole. You’ll love how easy they are to remove for cleaning or to swap them to suit the changing seasons.

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