Kitchens need window covers that can handle heat, humidity, and grease while still looking nice. Cellular shades are great for keeping heat in or out in the bedroom, but kitchens need something different.
Start with Durability and Easy Cleaning
Kitchen windows, particularly ones above the sink or close to the stove, are always exposed to steam, smoke, food grease, and changes in temperature.
- Choose long-lasting products first. Delicate natural fibers, like raw silk, do not perform as well in kitchens as treated synthetic fabrics or faux wood blinds. Pick materials that don't get damaged by moisture or mildew.
- Easy cleaning is equally important. Find window coverings that you can wipe with a wet cloth or wash in a machine. Your kitchen stays cleaner when you use materials that are strong and easy to maintain.
Soften the Look with Fabric Roman Shades
Roman shades fit inside your window frame and keep your work area clear.
Selecting the Fabric
Blends of cotton and polyester work best. They don't lose their shape when you move them up and down repeatedly. Choose a bold print to make the window pop, or go with a basic neutral that matches your cabinets.
Choosing the Right Style
There are different ways to fold your fabric:
- Flat fold: The fabric lies smooth with crisp, horizontal pleats when raised. This works well in today's kitchens, which often have clean lines.
- Relaxed (hobbled) fold: The fabric has permanent soft ripples, even when lowered. This adds texture to traditional or transitional spaces.
Installation
With just a few simple tools, most people can install Roman shades for kitchen in 20 to 30 minutes. The mounting brackets and instructions are included with your custom shade. Put the brackets at the top of the window frame so the shade sits flush against the glass. This keeps the fabric away from your countertop and faucet.
Maintenance
Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust from the fabric once a month. For spots, clean them with mild soap and water or follow the washing instructions. If you take care of them correctly, good Roman shades will last 5 to 10 years in a kitchen.
Maximize Natural Light with Sheer Curtains
If your window faces a backyard or garden where you don't need to worry about privacy, sheer curtains will make the most of the natural light.
Sheer curtains don't block the sun; they diffuse it. The fabric makes the room brighter by spreading a soft glow and eliminating dark corners. Sheer curtains won't keep all UV rays out, but they do make direct sunlight less intense. This can help keep your floors and cabinets from fading.
There are a number of different ways to hang sheer kitchen curtains:
- Cafe style: Install a rod halfway down the window so the curtains only cover the bottom half. This lets you see the sky and get natural light while providing coverage at eye level.
- Full Panels: For big windows or doors that go out to the patio, full-length sheer panels in white or ivory give a classic look.
- Valances: A simple sheer valance softens the top of a window without blocking the view.
Look for easy-care synthetics, such as polyester voile or linen mixes. These fabrics drape beautifully, resist humidity well, and are usually machine washable.
Modern Farmhouse Curtains For a Unique Style
If your kitchen has a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, or reclaimed wood details, match your window treatments to this style.
Look for textured fabrics:
- Woven textures: Fabrics that look like burlap or heavy linen but feel softer.
- Neutral colors: Cream, warm beige, soft gray, and off-white.
- Subtle patterns: Ticking stripes, buffalo checks, and simple plaids add visual interest without making it too busy.
If you want more depth, layer a textured woven wood shade with soft curtain panels on the sides. Or keep it simple with a single gray-beige fabric shade.
Cost: Woven wood shades range from $80–$250 per window. It costs an extra $40 to $100 to add side panels made of fabric.
Light Filtering Roller Shades for Sun Control
Light filtering roller shades roll up tightly at the top of the window. When raised, they are nearly invisible.
- Controlling Glare: If your kitchen faces west or south, afternoon sun creates harsh glare that makes it hard to see what you're chopping or washing. These shades reduce the glare while maintaining your view of the outdoors.
- Keeping the Room Cool: At the window, the shades block some of the heat from the sun. This helps keep your kitchen cool when you're standing over a hot stove.
- Easy to Clean: Roller shades are mostly made of synthetic materials that repel moisture, grease, and odors. They look brand new after being wiped with a wet sponge. This makes them perfect for windows close to the sink or stovetop where splashes happen all the time.
Joydeco Custom Solutions for Your Home
At Joydeco, we create custom window treatments that fit your windows exactly. If a shade is too narrow, it will leave awkward gaps. One that is too wide will look clumsy and won't operate smoothly.
Our custom Roman shades handle kitchen humidity while looking elegant. You can customize the size to fit your windows down to the inch for better insulation and a professional look. The materials we sell are resistant to moisture buildup and are easy to clean.
Visit Joydeco.com to browse our collection and request free fabric samples.
Conclusion
Roman shades for kitchen offer structured elegance and easy maintenance. Sheers maximize natural light in private spaces. Textured fabrics add farmhouse warmth. Roller shades reduce heat and glare. Visit Joydeco today to find custom solutions that fit your windows perfectly.
5 FAQs about Kitchen Window Treatments
Q1. What kind of window covering works best for a window over a kitchen sink?
Choose faux wood blinds or water-resistant roller shades. If they get wet, you can easily wipe them down. If you like fabric better, choose a sturdy Roman shade and install it high enough so that it doesn't get constant water exposure.
Q2. Can I use curtains in a small kitchen?
Yes. Don't use floor-length drapes, since they can make a small room feel darker and more cramped. Choose cafe curtains or a valance instead. These add softness without making the space feel crowded.
Q3. How do I measure my kitchen windows for shades?
You can choose an inside mount, which goes inside the frame, or an outside mount, which covers the frame. For accuracy, use a steel tape measure.
For inside mounts:
- Measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement so the shade moves freely.
- Measure the height at the left, middle, and right. Use the longest measurement to make sure the shade covers the whole opening.
For outside mounts:
- Measure the width you want to cover; usually, add 2 to 3 inches on each side of the frame.
- Measure the height from where you will mount the brackets down to where you want the shade to end.
Q4. Are cordless shades better for the kitchen?
Yes. Cordless options provide a cleaner, uncluttered appearance. Also, they are safer for homes with kids and pets. They eliminate the risk of dangling cords getting caught in kitchen appliances or resting near heat sources.
Q5. What is the difference between light filtering and blackout shades?
Light filtering shades provide privacy during the day while letting soft sunlight into the room. They keep kitchens bright and energetic. Blackout shades keep almost all light from coming in. While blackout works well for bedrooms, most homeowners would rather have light-filtering shades in the kitchen.
