Kitchen Window Treatments

Kitchen window treatments are different than treatments in other parts of the home. Why? Well, there are different circumstances you need to consider from a practical stand point.

Kitchen window treatments are unique when compared to other parts of the home for a few reasons. Chief among them is the practical issue of smell. You are cooking in the room and, as we all know, some food can be incredibly odorous. With this in mind, the theme for most kitchens is thin and light.


There is a trend with treatments that often involves overwhelming colors and heavy impressions. I’ve walked into some homes where you would swear a vampire was living there given the heavy, deep red window valances and curtains. This is exactly the wrong approach for a kitchen. With a kitchen, you want to think about letting as much light in as possible.

Treatments in kitchens should be small and used only to frame the top of a window. You can have them dip below the upper edge of the window if you desire, but the kitchen is an area where you want to let the light in as much as possible. Yes, even if you are not the greatest cook in the land!

Keeping with this theme, you’ll also want to give some consideration to the colors you use. The goal is to lighten the space up. This means using colors like peach, off white and similar colors. You can create contrasts with darker outlines if you prefer, but the predominant color should be light to brighten up the room.



What about materials and texture? Well, fabric is the default choice, but it doesn’t have to be. You can go with a very contemporary look by using materials such as bamboo. There are also natural fibers and composites that will work better and not suck up odors over time. This may sound like a minor concern, but vigorous cooking can be in issue.

The general rule with kitchen window treatments is to keep it simple and light. Stick to the top of the window and make sure you don’t inhibit the ability of light to get into the area.

<< Back to Window Treatments