30 Types of Kitchen Curtains
Decorating and updating your kitchen is a fascinating task for anyone. If you are doing a complete remodel or essential updates, like paint and cabinet knobs, it is important to put extra thought into your curtain choices. Curtains not only keep your kitchen private but also help jazz up the area, so you want to choose the right types of kitchen curtains.
Types of kitchen curtains include cafe curtains, valance curtains, and shades. You can get half or full cafe curtains, balloon or box pleat valances, pull-down shades, Roman shades, tie-up curtains, and more. You can also opt for wooden blinds or shutter-type coverings for your kitchen windows.
When having to make a lot of decisions with design and layout, you can get easily overwhelmed by adding one more item to the to-do list. Curtains come in so many varieties it can seem almost impossible to select the right curtains for your kitchen. Here are some tips and ideas to help make this process easier for you.
What To Consider When Buying Kitchen Curtains
Curtains can make a room; however, they need to be chosen to fit the window properly in order to complete the room.
There are so many factors like fabric, length, and color or texture when deciding on a curtain. Plus, there are so many types of kitchen curtains to choose from. Also, you need to consider the layout of your kitchen.
If you have a separate kitchen with a small window, a simple curtain is a likely bet. But if you have an eat-in kitchen that showcases a breakfast nook and bay window, you’ll have more curtain options.
There are several things you should consider before buying a set of curtains for your kitchen. Below, we’ve listed the most important:
- Length: There are many options when it comes to length, which will determine where you will measure for the curtain’s dimension. It is recommended to hang curtains higher than the windows because this will give the room a more dramatic look and height.
- Fabric and insulation: The material you choose will determine not only your curtains’ functionality but their durability as well. There are some fabrics designed to regulate temperature and aid in insulation—the heavier the material, the more light will be blocked.
- Privacy and lighting: Everyone values their privacy, and this is probably an essential factor to consider when choosing your curtains. The heavier the fabric, the more privacy you will get, but the darker the room will be. On the other hand, lightweight materials, like sheer, will brighten your room more.
30 Top Types Of Kitchen Curtains
Below are 30 different styles of curtains that you can put in your kitchen. Keep your ultimate design or theme goal in mind while browsing through these types of kitchen curtains. Then, you can choose the best style for your kitchen.
1. Balloon Valance
This valance is shaped by sewing double fabric and then rouching them at the hem on the top. It can be made in different styles, like full-length or formal styles. A balloon valance can be referred to as a “pouf” valance. The most common type of materials used is cotton or polyester.
If you don’t want to buy premade balloon-style curtains, you can always make your own balloon shades. That way, you can customize them in whichever way you want.
2. Roman Shade
This type of curtain differs from regular window treatments because they stack up in a fluid even motion when they are being opened. A cord mechanism usually opens them, but they can also be cordless.
When the Roman shade is not in the up position, it is similar to typical shades as it is smooth. This shade style is used to block out sunlight and offer privacy, but it still lets some natural light in.
3. Box Pleat
Box pleat curtains have a similar top to a box pleat valance. A box pleat valance is an asymmetrically flat folded piece of cloth that is sewn into place. It is spaced evenly along the top of the window, and the purpose of this style is to create fullness.
If you have a straight edge valance already, you can create this by dividing the valance into equal halves and sewing them into place. You can even use different fabrics for contrasting aesthetics. This can be a great addition to any style of formal or full-length curtains.
4. Sheer Types Of Kitchen Curtains
Sheer curtains are very versatile, and that probably is why they are one of the most popular styles of curtains. They have some transparency to give enough privacy but allow light to come into the room.
They are delicate and lightweight, which makes them ideal for installation but not for insulation. Half-window, drapes, and full-length are just some examples that sheer curtains can be manufactured in.
5. Swag Valance
For a swag valance, the fabric hangs across the curtain rod, so the drapes are over the top of the window. The valance then has tails that hang down each side of the window. You can use any type of fabric for this style of curtain.
However, if the material is lightweight or sheer, it is considered a “scarf” valance.
6. Flat Panel Types Of Kitchen Curtains
This style of curtains is simple. It does not have any rod pockets, tabs, or channels to hang the curtain from, nor does it have any pleats.
It is simply a flat header that uses drapery rings on a curtain rod. With flat panel curtains, you may need extra panels as they lack fullness.
7. Half-Window Café Curtains
A café curtain is a common type of kitchen curtain. They are curtains that are hung about halfway down the window, only covering the lower part.
They are installed with ease, and the price range will stay within budget. Roadside cafes inspired them; however, they do not offer the best privacy for homeowners.
8. Full-Window Café Curtains
Café curtains can be made from linen or sheer and may sometimes have pleats at the top. Full-window café curtains share these types of similarities with half-length café curtains.
However, they are longer and generally hung closer to the top of the window. They are a solution to a homeowner’s privacy issues while maintaining the café look.
9. Tailored Types Of Kitchen Curtains
When in need of a custom-fit curtain, a tailored curtain is the best option. When you think of tailored curtains, the same term applies to tailored suits.
It is vital that accurate measurements are taken for customized curtains because they will be well fitted to the window. You can also match the valance with tailored full-length curtain panels.
10. Scalloped Types Of Kitchen Curtains
This curtain style is primarily used as a head topper but can also be manufactured in full-length curtains. It is a curtain where the bottom edge is a series of curves or scalloped edges.
Scalloped curtains are a decorative style of curtain developed in France in the 18th century. They are typically made of lightweight material, usually sheer.
11. Tie-Up Curtains
Tie-up curtains are not to be confused with roman shades; they are opened by pulling the curtain up from the bottom. Roman shades use a cord mechanism on the side. The drape is tied up with string or ribbon and, when lowered, has a soft, graceful fall, giving a Victorian-era appeal.
12. Pointed Curtains
Also referred to as triangle curtains, these curtains, of course, drape down to a pointed edge. This style of curtain can be commonly found in the south as a head topper.
You can match them with other curtains to complete a fuller look. They are made of different designs but are the best choice for angled windows.
13. Ruffled Curtains
A ruffled style curtain is very versatile and can be used a full-length or window length curtains. They also can accommodate as head toppers.
Ruffled curtains typically feature satin or sheer fabric that is a lightweight material. They are a modern design where the fabric is ruffled either just at the top or the whole length of the curtain.
14. Pencil Pleat Kitchen Curtains
This is a style of curtain is a traditional form of heading for a curtain. It is created by using “rufflette tape,” which has a cord attached to it. When the cable is pulled, the fabric gathers into pleats, which look like rows of pencils.
15. Pinch Pleat Curtains
Pinch pleats curtains are more of the decorative curtain. They use more fabric and appear fuller than that of the pencil pleats.
They are formed by stitching two to three pleats together, then leaving space before the pleat is repeated. Pleat hooks are used to hang this style on the curtain rod.
16. Goblet Curtains
The goblet pleat heading can look similar to a pinch pleat curtain but is a more formal-looking curtain. They are designed with a method of tucking and folding the fabric to resemble a wineglass. They can be made even more luxurious if certain materials, like velvet, are used.
17. Grommet Curtains
A grommet is a ring that is stitched into the top panels of the curtain. They are used to support the curtain on the curtain rod by threading the rod through the holes. The grommet not only prevents fraying but allows for the curtain to be open and closed easily.
18. Bamboo Shades
Bamboo is very eco-friendly since it easily accessible and minimizes the use of wood from forests. They are ideal for high humidity areas that can be found in the kitchen.
They also offer natural light filtration for the room to have just the right about of brightness. However, they can be customized with a blackout liner for complete darkness.
19. Table Top Curtains
This style of curtain is designed to be stationary, framing the sides of the windows. It usually consists of two panels that are made with thin straps.
These straps are hung from the curtain rod by ties or loops at the top hem of the curtain. They can come in different patterned fabrics too.
20. Patterned Types Of Kitchen Curtains
A sure-fire way to make your kitchen stand out is to add a patterned curtain to the décor. This type of curtain is designed to make a statement.
Whether you choose a floral design or a more modern geometrical design, you cannot go wrong with this style of the curtain for your kitchen.
21. Embroidered Curtains
Often found in homes of minimalists, embroidered curtains are designed to maintain elegance while fitting into your budget. They can be made of different materials like polyester or sheer fabrics.
They can also feature multiple pattern types like floral or geometric. You can also make your own by embroidering a plain set of curtains as well.
22. Rod Pocket Curtains
Rod pocket curtains are made with a channel as the top hem. This is where the curtain rod would pass through in order to hang the curtain on the window.
They are easy to assemble and accommodate all curtain rods for the most part. They are manufactured to provide different styles and designs for homeowners.
23. Checkered Types Of Kitchen Curtains
24. Pull-Down Shades
Pull-down shades are the perfect style for simplicity. They are easily pulled down to maintain privacy and keep harmful UV light out of the room.
However, they still let light into the room. They are easy to install and will match any décor that you decide for your kitchen. Additionally, the choice of fabrics makes cleaning them easy as well.
25. Floor Length Curtain Panels
This style of curtain is ideal for kitchens that have a lot of floor space. They range from 63 to 144 inches, so ensure to use proper measurements from the floor to where the curtain rod is installed. Floor-length curtains will offer any homeowner complete and total privacy as well as insulation from the weather.
26. Floor-To-Ceiling Types Of Kitchen Curtains
Some kitchens are equipped with large windows, and these large windows need proper coverage. Floor to ceiling curtains is just what the name implies, curtains that run the entire length of the wall. They offer straight lines and usually come in solid colors to provide the ideal design for these large windows.
27. Coffee Top Curtains
Coffee top curtains are one way to bring the café to your kitchen. They are inspired by café awnings and are added to the top of the window as a frame.
They come in different colors but to maintain a classic appeal; the primary color scheme is usually red and white striped. Other popular styles feature embroidered with coffees, jams, or other things you would think of being in a ‘country kitchen’.
28. Shutters And Curtains
Shutters offer a wide variety for the homeowner as well as an alternative to types of kitchen curtains. They are a window covering that has a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails.
Usually, they have an operable function for opening the rails to control how much sunlight is let into the room. They offer not only privacy and security but protection from the elements.
29. Wooden Blinds
If you can’t find what you’re looking for among the various types of kitchen curtains, consider this alternative. Well known as Venetian blinds, wooden blinds are created with wooden slats that are joined together by a pulley system.
They can either be positioned diagonally to allow some light in, or they can be pulled to the top to look out the window. The advantage to wooden blinds is the availability in size and different finishes.
30. Arched Valance Goes With Various Types Of Kitchen Curtains
If you are looking for something a little different than the basic square drapery, then an arched valance is what you will need. They range up to fifty inches in width.
It is crucial to remember that the wider the valance, the shallower the arch will be. An arched valance is usually flat and can use a rod pocket or have a more board-mounted look. Regardless, this style of curtain will give your kitchen a unique design.
Related Questions
Do I have to put curtains in my kitchen?
Technically, you don’t have to put curtains anywhere in your home, but they offer privacy, block light, and provide style to the space. In the kitchen, however, many people choose to keep the windows uncovered to let in lots of natural light.So, it’s optional, but consider the positioning of your kitchen in the home and how much light comes in during the day. You might prefer a way to block the light and sun during the hottest times of the day.Also, does your kitchen face directly into the neighbor’s yard or the front of your house? Then, you might want to hang some sheer curtains or shades to ensure your privacy when you want it.
What are the best types of kitchen curtains to hang over the kitchen sink?
A popular place for a kitchen window is over the sink, but hanging curtains here can get tricky. Water from the sink can splash onto the curtains, and foodstuff from dirty dishes can make its way onto the fabric. Therefore, above the sink, stick with a valance instead of curtains that hang down close to the sink. Or, choose a shade that you can easily pull up when you wash dishes. Another option is to cover the window with shutters or wooden blinds.
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Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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