Kitchen Window Curtains

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When you are choosing kitchen window curtains, the kitchen is probably one of the most versatile rooms.  Depending on the choices you make in curtains, you could end up with just a valance or full-length drapes.  There are a few things to keep in mind about your kitchen window coverings to make the perfect choice.

Firstly you need to decide what your want your kitchen window curtains to do.  For example, if your window faces the sunset you may want something a bit heavier to block out the sun while you’re making dinner.  The same applies if your window faces a busy street or other public area, you will want the ability to have your privacy.  You also will want your kitchen window treatments to coordinate with the rest of the kitchen décor.  This depends largely on the location of the window itself.  It will also depend on if your kitchen is a completely separate room or is connected to other rooms.  Having a sliding glass door in the kitchen opens another whole world of possibility.  Keep the curtains purpose in mind when you’re shopping.

Which fabric to choose is also vital to your kitchen window curtains.  Ideally you will want non-flammable, easy to clean fabrics.  This is especially true if the window is next to the stove or the sink.  If you are trying to block out the light then you should hold the fabric up to the nearest light source to see if it matches your needs.  If you are choosing to shop online for your kitchen window coverings then be sure they have a good return policy just in case what you buy doesn’t fit the bill.  You may also want to consider purchasing shades or shutters for additional privacy.

Another choice you have is whether you want custom made or off the shelf kitchen window curtains.  In general, ready-made curtains are the much less expensive than custom.  Most off the shelf curtains are made to fit a large range of window measurements.  They do this by having a lot of pleats or gathers in their curtains to accommodate the various measurements.  Ready-made curtains will easily cover most kitchen windows.  If you have an unusually shaped window then custom may work a lot better.

Finally you have to decide on the color of your kitchen window treatment.  The most popular colors are muted, contemporary colors.  These are colors like beige, tan, or muted purples and blues.  While you do want your curtains to match the room’s décor, sometimes contrast will look the best.  If you have a very busy pattern to your walls, then choosing a coordinating solid color will draw a lot of attention to your windows.  Or if the rest of the room is very neutral and solid, a pattern will draw the room together.

Kitchen Window Valances

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There are a multitude of styles to decorate your kitchen windows in, but some options are better than others. Floor length curtains, for example, would be a bad kitchen window treatment choice. They would be at risk of being light aflame in a kitchen accident, or a little one’s sticky fingers being run through them on the way to the dishwasher. Kitchen window valances are the perfect option.

The idea of kitchen window valances is pretty straightforward. It is a short curtain that only hangs a handful of inches from the curtain rod. Most of the common types are between about fourteen inches and sixty-three inches in length, but this is largely dependent on the size of the window. If you have a very short window, then fourteen inches would be more than sufficient. But if the window is large, then a longer kitchen window valances would probably look better.

Another choice you have with kitchen window treatments is the style of the curtain itself. The most common curtain type for the very short valances is a straight across, ruffled effect. These are very basic and the color is the most interesting part about them. But they do have a very simple, but decorative effect on the overall look of a kitchen. The medium length valances are probably the most decorative of the kitchen window treatments. One of the nicest designs is what is called the ‘M’ valance design. This is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. The hem of the valance makes an M shape and gives the kitchen a very elegant look. Some others have a rippled hem, or a hem that frames the window. All are perfectly suited for use in a kitchen window treatment.

The color of the valances is something that will offer almost limitless choices. As a general rule, if you have a complex or very bold color scheme then it might be best to stick with a single color. For example, if you have a complicated pattern to your wallpaper, matching that pattern with the valances may make the kitchen look too busy. Taking just one color from the pattern and using that for the valances will give the room a much more classy and put together look. However, if the kitchen has a theme or needs some color then a pattern could be exactly what you need. Look around at a few different shops to find something that works for you. Just be sure the fabric is something durable, it’s still the kitchen after all and food accident will happen sometimes.