Curtains and Drapes

You can change the look of your kitchen theme with kitchen tier curtains, also known as cafe curtains. These will offer a good many decorative and practical elements to the room. They are simple to hang, generally just a top valance with short panels that are hung underneath it.

Using tier curtains in your kitchen is quite simple and pleasing to the eye. You first will need to install a pair of curtain rods, or utilize two spring rods inside the window frame. There are various lengths of tier or cafe curtains, and they usually range from twenty-four to forty-two inches in length. Test to see what length looks the best in your kitchen windows. This will depend on how much light you want to stream in, as well as how much privacy you require.

When you determine how much space you want to leave between your panels and valance, it is largely a matter of personal preference. You can leave a large gap, or no gap at all. Part of this issue will be the window size, so double check your measurements to make sure you get the right size. Tier curtains are appealing and versatile, and there are many sizes available. You can create a bright and sunny area, dressing up your windows with kitchen tier curtains.

The various styles of tier curtains available will let you make your kitchen theme into a design statement. With all the colors, themes and prints available to you, your kitchen windows can look bright and inviting. If you haven't found the curtain style you're looking for, either in local stores or online, you can also create your own tier curtains. It only takes a few straight stitches to make one that will enhance your windows. Once you find a fabric that you like, all you'll have to do is measure and cut, and then add some straight stitches.

Take all the proper measurements when you make your own tier curtains, and pin the fabric where you want the ends to be. Line your fabric up properly and evenly, and sew seams all around the fabric, making sure to leave plenty of room for the rod to fit. You can use a traditional or balloon valance, which will determine how much of the scrunch factor you want at the top. Add the extra touches, such as tiebacks or ribbons, and then hang your home-made curtains. The look of the fabric can be a busy scene or a plain fabric, or any of a number of choices in between.

Tier curtains tend to be fairly easy as far as maintenance is concerned. You can take them down and wash them now and then, to keep them bright and perky looking. Be sure to use a fabric that is machine washable, and one that you can wash stains out of. These curtains can give your kitchen any kind of “feel” you want it to have. Kitchen tier curtains will complement the look of your room, and with proper care, they should last you for years.

Care should be taken when selecting kitchen window treatments, so that they will accent the decor you already have in the room. There are helpful tips you can use, to change or enhance the look of your kitchen.

You can find shades and drapes for kitchen windows made with many different materials. The more modern of treatments show off shades made from lighter fabrics, that allow a moderate amount of light to come through. Generally, heavier shades are not used in kitchens, since natural light is such a plus for the room. You'll want to use drapes or shades that create a kitchen space that's airy, light and inviting. Kitchens should be very comfortable spaces, where you can relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy the morning sunlight. That's why there is an emphasis on materials and fabrics that are light-weight.

When you shop for kitchen drapes or shades, be sure to measure your windows before you head out to purchase any window coverings. Write down the exact measurements and take this with you when you shop.

You will also want to keep in mind the kitchen theme or design that you have, so that you can select kitchen window treatments that will complement the room. Alternately, you can use drapes or shades as part of a new style, if you are doing a kitchen remodel.

If you have a window close to your sink, choose a fabric for your windows that is not prone to dust or stains. Rather, pick from light materials that are more easily kept clean, such as synthetic fabrics.

If a window in your kitchen allows a moderate amount of sunlight in, select fabrics for this window that are very light in weight and color, to allow the most light into your room. Blinds may be a good choice for windows that are quite sunny.

If your kitchen is contemporary in style, you can select from a wide variety of shades and blinds materials. If your kitchen decor has a more specific theme, select a design, color and material in your shades or blinds that will accent the theme, and still allow plenty of light into the room.

Rather than using a heavier valance in your kitchen, you might want to choose a flap valance, which will enable you to control how much light comes into the room. Then the fabric can be tucked into upholstered cornices. This plan works especially well for bay windows in your kitchen.

Pleated shades will allow a positive amount of light into your kitchen, while providing privacy at the same time. Shades in colors of sky blue or white work well for pleated shades, as long as those colors accent your existing or desired theme.

Rather than choosing a window fabric that might become dirty or stained, you can select roller shades for your kitchen. They are quite easy to use, and you can roll them up to let light in, and roll them partially down to shut out all but a moderate amount of sunlight. These are often made from synthetic materials, so you will find many colors and designs to choose from, when selecting your kitchen window treatments.

Your kitchen is a place of intimacy for your family, and your kitchen window curtains should reflect the homey lightheartedness of the family times to be had there. Meals are prepared in the kitchen, and some meals are eaten there, too. So, the kitchen should look clean and bright, and you probably invested some serious money if you’ve added any cabinets or appliances lately.

Kitchen tiles make a room stand out, and specialty sinks and top-of-the-line appliances also look great. But perhaps the most inexpensive kitchen accouterments are the draperies that grace the windows. Your kitchen drapes should accent your room, while not detracting from the other expensive remodeling feats you might have accomplished.

Kitchens with large windows are bright and airy, and homeowners usually hang curtains that will let in the morning and evening light. Your kitchen curtains are an essential part of a well-planned room, and an integral component in your total kitchen look. Curtains should coordinate well with your counters, floors and cabinets.

You can choose kitchen curtains that are the same basic color as your tile or countertop, but you might want to go with a slight variation that provides contrast, instead. If you have “busy” wallpaper or travertine backsplashes with a lot of colors in them, you should find kitchen window curtains that are more plain, to offset the countertops and tiles. If you have more solid colors in your walls and flooring, patterned curtains provide a nice touch of style and contrast.

Besides the way your kitchen curtains look, you’ll also want to check out their texture and fabric before you buy. The materials used are important to note when you determine how well the drapes will look in your room. Think about what colors will work the best for you, and what patterns might be able to gather in more colors that compliment those already in the room. Brighter colors speak of warmth and vibrancy, while more neutral colors tend to tone down the overall look of your kitchen. If you have light cabinets, perhaps darker drapes, as long as they open when you want sunlight, will set them off nicely.

If you are looking for inexpensive alternatives, tier curtains are usually relatively cheap. They may come in layers, whether those are pleated, flat or puffy. You can find inexpensive tier curtains at discount and department stores, and perhaps at some home improvement stores as well. They look especially good on longer windows. Many tier type curtains go to the floor, but shorter curtains may work better in a kitchen.

Selecting the proper curtains for your kitchen’s decor can make your room a more pleasant place to linger after a leisurely breakfast. Don’t stop your design ideas after you do the tiling, cabinets and countertops. Let your curtains play a role in stylizing your room, too. Dressing windows with bright curtains will enhance the ambiance of the room and add a certain charm. Take time to select the kitchen window curtains that show off your room to its best advantage.

Installing cheerful kitchen curtains and valances can change your room into a bright and comfortable place to sit and relax after breakfast. Curtains add something to a room, and they are cheaper than many other parts of remodeling a room to get a cleaner look. Curtains enhance the theme of your kitchen, and they are usually high atop the to-do list when your kitchen hasn’t been remodeled for awhile. Curtains are practical too, of course, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

You’ll want to plan ahead before you select the curtains you’ll be hanging in your kitchen. Make sure that any color changes such as painting or tiling have already been done, because those would cost too much to re-do, whereas curtains are relatively inexpensive. Kitchen curtains should be flexible too, so that you can pull them back to let in the morning light, especially if the weather is cold. In the summer, you’ll want your curtains closed during the heat of the day, for the opposite reason.

Check and measure each of your kitchen windows, and consider where they are placed with regards to the sun. If you live on a busy street, you may want drapes with sheers inside, so that you can let light in without losing your sense of privacy.

There are various kinds of kitchen curtains for you to choose from. The panel curtain is probably the most common drapery used in kitchens. You can slide them to one side or the other, since they fit your curtain rods with pockets. Kitchen curtains and valances can also be held to the side with tiebacks.

Kitchens that are in need of additional light can be dressed up with curtains that only cover one half of the window. This allows more light in, but still affords a sense of privacy. These curtains are not usually able to be pulled back like panels, since they are so short.

There are other accessories that show off your curtains to their best effect. These include tassels, tiebacks, finials and specialty rods. The prints and colors of the fabric you use, in addition to whatever accessories you add, should look well together, and also complement the overall theme of your kitchen. You can add or subtract from patterns in the kitchen by choosing the correct color of drapes. If you have a heavily patterned wallpaper, you might want to go with solid colors for the curtains. If your walls are plain, you can add style by selecting curtains with prints.

Another important aspect of kitchen curtains is how practical they are in your room. If they get stained or wrinkled, they’ll need to be cleaned more often, so select drapes that can hide stains, and that are stain and wrinkle-resistant. This will help your room to look clean and bright. You won’t want to be washing curtains all the time, and then re-hanging them. It’s quite a chore. Fire resistance is especially important, too. Select kitchen curtains and valances that are most resistant to fire, for safety and style.

If you have remodeled your kitchen to give it a more contemporary look, you'll want to accent that look with modern kitchen curtains. They are a must-have, of course, unless you have high-set windows or your property borders on woods or farmland. Otherwise, you will want the privacy provided by kitchen curtains, and you'll want to find styles that accent the mood you have established in your room.

Every kitchen is unique in its own way, and each window has a view, that may or may not be desirable to showcase. Kitchens that face neighbors' homes or public sidewalks need the privacy provided by drapes even more than others. The entire window doesn't need to be covered for privacy, if your windows are higher in the wall. You may be able to cover just the lower part of the window with cafe panels, and leave the top half opened for light. Cafe style curtains will give you enough privacy in this case. You should be more concerned about what people can see from the outside at night, when you may wish to have your curtains closed.

If your kitchen boasts a great view, you may opt to keep the window open to all the light that you can get. Your modern kitchen, if you have a natural view outside the window, can be very relaxing and therapeutic after a long day at work. You can relax and read the paper or have a cup of tea. But most people will want some type of modern kitchen curtains hung, even if they often have them pulled back to the sides.

Kitchen curtains are an inexpensive way to spruce up your kitchen. Even if you're not contemplating a remodel, you can add newer curtains to change the look of the room. If you are replacing tile, countertops, cabinets or appliances, then your new curtains should reflect the look that your new items show off. Kitchen curtains need to help complete the theme of the room, and you'll be happy to have guests in for dinner.

If you have a modern type of kitchen, the curtains you select should add to the feel and look of your room. Curtains are made to accommodate almost any taste that you could want, with many colors and themes, and shapes and styles to fit your own taste and the decor of your kitchen. Curtains will help to block the brightest rays of the sun, so your kitchen won't be hot in the summer months. They will also help to block the views from outdoors night or day.

If you're in the process of a kitchen remodel, make sure you decide what your kitchen will look like before you select curtains to accent the look. Curtains should not be a centerpiece – rather, they should accent the style that you have already established. Curtains can be expensive, depending on the fabrics and styles you select, but modern kitchen curtains don't need to be pricey to show off your room to its best advantage.

Many people feel that country kitchen curtains add charm to the room you spend so much of your time in. They can bring home feelings of a simpler and more idyllic time, and they can show themselves to be cheerful and colorful. The themes that are associated with curtains of the country type are gingham and ruffles, or plaids and flowers, but country curtains can show off many other colors and styles as well.

The kitchen is the room of your home where one would most expect to find country curtains. The most commonly used form is called a window topper. This is a lot shorter than contemporary curtains, and only covers the top of the windows. This topper is held on a track or rod of its own, rather than on the same track as the curtain. In addition, window toppers are stationary – they won't close or open. Some kitchens may show curtains that hang on both sides of the windows, in addition to having toppers.

Since the kitchen is probably the most frequented and inhabited part of your home, remodeling a kitchen is not always a task that is very demanding. Just making alterations in your curtains can make the room take on a different look. Small changes can give your kitchen a look that says it was renovated, whether you do any actual remodeling or not. If you do remodel, the curtains will play a dominant role, along with floors, countertops and appliances, in determining the feel of the room. Country kitchen curtains are simply a less expensive way to make changes, one that is probably well within your budget, even if a remodel is not.

Some homeowners prefer to sew their own kitchen draperies, and if you have this skill, it will make the room even more individually yours to do the curtains yourself. If it's not an area that you excel in, though, leave the manufacture to the companies that do know how curtains are made, and trust that you can still find a style and country look that will work for your kitchen.

Kitchens are very hard to keep clean, since the room has so much traffic. You should clean the kitchen curtains on a regular basis. If you bought expensive country type curtains, make sure they are machine washable before you throw them in. Some curtains may need to be washed on the delicate cycle.

If you have stains on your kitchen drapes, you will need to tackle stain-fighting, too. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on the stained area, and then sprinkle the area with salt. Let the curtains dry in the sunlight outside, and then use a soft brush to help you remove the extra salt, after the stain has been sun-dried out. This is known as sun-bleaching or natural bleaching, and it's effective for removing stains.

When you are shopping for kitchen curtains with a country feel, pay attention to the texture and the fabric, as you look. This is very important, since the fabric can tell you whether the materials used are quality ones or not. Country curtains go well with many kitchen styles, and they look especially good when they are pressed using starch, because it adds a new feel of crispness and homey style to your country kitchen curtains.

Kitchen curtains play a big role when it comes to any kitchen. Besides the functionality of curtains, they will add to your kitchen decor. Your best option for finding just the right curtain for your kitchen will probably have to be done online. You will find the best selections but with so many to choose from, how do you know which is best for you? Here is a list of important considerations before choosing your kitchen curtains.

1. Fabric. Curtains are made out of many different fabrics. The thickness of the fabric is something to consider. If privacy is of no concern, then a lace, voile or fine net curtain may do. A thicker curtain made out of cotton or linen/hemp is another choice that can be made. Cotton is the most popular fabric that people choose for their curtains because of the fact that they are easy to care for. The care of the fabric is something to consider when choosing your curtains.

2. Color. What is the color theme of your kitchen? This can be determined by the color of the tile your kitchen has. Neutral colored tiles are usually a warm or cool color and you will want your curtains to stay along those lines. A neutral, cool color would be a color such as silver, black, white and gray. A neutral, warm color would be a color such as cream, beige or terracotta.

3. Design. There are many designs and patterns available in the fabrics that can be used for kitchen curtains. There are striped patterns as well as floral. What about considering a  novelty pattern or the abstract pattern? There are so many to choose from, but keep in mind what look you are trying to achieve when it comes to your kitchen. Are you going for a country feel or how about a retro feel? Contemporary and city apartment themes in colors that are monochrome or colorful are themes that you will have to make sure your curtains fit in with.

4. Type of Curtain. Kitchen curtains come in many types from a cafe type curtain to a full length curtain. They have different types of tiebacks, valances and headings. A country theme can be played up with a frilly curtain that has a valance but a contemporary theme needs a simpler curtain with less frills. Remember, a frilly curtain may be harder to care for and rehanging more difficult than a simple curtain. Be sure to look at samples on an online site to get a feel of what a certain type of curtain can give your kitchen.

5. Price. How much can you afford to pay for curtains? Are they quality curtains and does the price reflect that?

6. Maintenance. Kitchen curtains should be the most washed curtains in your home, for obvious reasons. Are the curtains you are choosing washable? You may want a curtain that can be easily washed in a washing machine but if you have the time, you can choose a fine fabric that  will need hand washing. Keep  in mind that an allowance for shrinking should be factored in when taking measurements for the curtains.

7. Decorative or Functional. Are you wanting to use the curtains to add to the d?cor of your kitchen or will they be functional? Meaning, will they be opened and closed? This is something that you will need to take into consideration when choosing the size and type of curtain. You may be able to choose a fabric more expensive if you do not need as much.

8. Right Size. In the informal setting of a kitchen, a shorter length curtain would be more practical. This is because they will be in areas of food preparation. The right sized curtain is very important when picking out your curtains for your kitchen windows.

Here's a tip for increasing the sunlight you want in you kitchen. You can extend the curtain rods a little farther than the actual window so when the curtains are drawn, more light is able to shine through.

9. Safety. Fabric is flammable so be sure that your curtains have no chance of catching on fire. Consider roman or rollers blinds if the window is near a stove or cooker.

10. Ready-made or Custom. Standard sized curtains are usually cheaper and are ready made. Online stores will offer to custom make your kitchen curtains if you do not have standard windows.

Before buying any type of kitchen curtains, be absolutely sure of the measurements of the windows and of the curtains. Whether you want to buy ready made curtains or whether you want custom made curtains, the cost of the curtains will be a deciding factor and the measurements of the curtains will determine the cost. There are 2 measurements that you will need to know when buying curtains. The length and width of  your window and the desired length and width of your curtains. Make sure that if you choose the custom made route, the makers are understand exactly the measurements you require.

Step by Step Measuring Guide

1. Decide on The Type of Curtains. Depending on the type of curtain you want , the measurements will greatly differ. Of course, the size of the window will determine part of the measurements but there are cafe curtains, floor length curtains and tab top curtains to choose from.

2. Decide on the Position of the Curtain Rod, Rail or Pole. A curtain rod or pole is usually placed about 6 inches above any window you are hanging curtains for. If you choose to use a pelmet or valance, you will want to place a double rail a little bit higher. This is to ensure that the maximum amount of sunlight comes through but be sure to keep everything in proportion.

3. Size of Rod, Rail or Pole. Normally, two to three inches is the amount that you need the curtain rods to extend past the sides of the window. This decision is entirely up to you and an inch or two farther past that is fine also. This will allow the maximum amount of sunlight in through the window. Always keep everything in balance  as far as curtain rod placement

4. Length of Curtains. A normal curtain for a kitchen window will usually end two to three inches below the window sill. If this is the desired end measurement for you. The length of the curtain will be measured from the curtain rod to the end length. Consider the extra amount needed for a heading also.

5. Width of Curtains. The width of the window will determine the width of two curtains that will be used to cover the window. You will need two equally measured curtains to cover the window entirely. Meaning one curtain should cover the window by itself, hence the measurements of a pair of curtains will be doubled to the width size of the window.

6. Two Important Measurements. So basically, before purchasing any curtains, you will need to know two things, the length and width of your window or curtains. Take into consideration where you will be placing the curtain rod, will you have a heading and how far down do you want the curtain to go past the window sill. How far past the sides do you want the curtain to extend and is the curtain going to be functional? Will they stay closed or will they be opened and closed on a daily basis? Cafe curtains are normally sold in a standard length so adjusting the position of the curtain rod would be how you would adjust the length of the curtain. Of course when you purchase custom made curtains, you can choose any size you want.

Finding kitchen curtains at your local retail outlets is possible. You can find them at some retail stores at a discount, but in most cases, you will have to find an expensive home furnishing store or department store to look through a small assortment of window treatments.

Finding the best deals and selections these days requires shopping online. This is the case for most everything you shop for. Shopping online has it's great advantages such as saving gas and time. There is no need for several trips to the local retail outlet to compare styles and prices. With the rising cost of fuel these days, shopping online just makes good common sense.

The large assortment of curtains you can find online is amazing. There are so many styles and designs let alone the different fabrics you can choose from. Colors, patterns and prints are so abundant that you will have the best time choosing the perfect curtain for your kitchen.

If you are unsure on how to select kitchen curtains, read the section on How to Choose Kitchen Curtains, first and then continue on with the following guide.

1. Set a Budget. Always have a budget and stick to ensure that you do not spend more than you can afford. Look around on a few online sites to get an idea of what range of prices you will be looking at, if you have no idea what curtains cost today.

2. Browse and Book mark. Make a short list of curtains you like as you are browsing internet sites. Be sure to bookmark or add the site to your favorites so you can get back to them easily and quickly.

3. Compare Prices, Quality and Suitability. Take your short list and compare it to this check list.

• Does the color and design fit your kitchen's theme?
• Are the curtains within your budget? Did you figure in the tax and possible shipping charge? Is the curtain you priced the right size for your window?
• For the price, does the fabric quality reflect it?
• Do you need to have alterations done or do they have the exact size you need?
• Will alterations affect your budget?
• Do the curtain need dry cleaning, which will lead to more cost over the years or can they be machine washed?
• Are the curtains available and in stock?
• Do accessories that match the curtains come with them or are they available to purchase?
• How quick is delivery from the company?
• Can you return the product if you are not satisfied with them?
• Do you know the company? If not, that's alright. It just makes it easier to deal with a company you already know.

4. Choose Your Kitchen Window Curtains. Make your best choice and place your order for your perfect kitchen curtains. After that, sit back and relax and wait for delivery on the items that will make or break your magnificent kitchen!

1. How do I find kitchen curtains with a particular theme or pictures on them (cowboys, vegetables, cats, sunflowers etc)?

To find just the type of curtain with a particular design or picture can be done online. This will be your best option for finding just what you are looking for rather than a conventional store. The selection is much more vast at an online store. You can look on eBay or Google for what you are looking for with your word search as “kitchen curtains”. If you do not find what you are looking for, try searching for “curtains”. If you still find nothing that you had in mind, you could make your own, which is not that difficult. Do a search for “fabric” and see what amazing patterns, colors and designs the fabrics have and what potential your kitchen could have with your perfect pattern!

2. I have an open plan apartment so that the kitchen and living room are effectively one room. How do I choose curtains for these two “rooms” in one?

There are a couple of things you can do when choosing curtains for the two rooms in one. You can choose to use a fancier style curtain for the living room while choosing a simpler style for the kitchen but using the same type of fabric. you could also choose roman shades for the kitchen and a style that utilizes a valance for the living area. Keeping them in the same color scheme will keep the two rooms balanced but each will have it's own uniqueness. You could attempt to make each room stand out on it's own by choosing different patterns or colors of fabric for each area. Make sure that you do not choose clashing patterns or colors though. You could have two different patterns but in the same color scheme for each of the rooms. That would be sure to separate your two rooms in one.

3. How Do I Measure for Kitchen Window Curtains?

You can measure the size of your window, first of all. Taking into consideration the placement of the curtain, your curtains will not, in most cases, be the exact size of the window. For more details, check out our guide to measuring kitchen curtains.

4. Would Long Curtains Look Right in a Kitchen?

When hanging curtains in an area that you prepare food, cook the food or wash dishes, a shorter curtain is more practical. For safety reasons, curtains should not be hanging down in an area that you have a stove or oven. Maintaining curtains requires washing them so keep that in consideration when choosing the length of the curtain. If you have patio doors that lead outside from your kitchen, longer curtains would be fine there. If you choose to hang long curtains, remember that the kitchen is an informal room and your curtains should reflect that. A lace curtain is much more formal than a cotton curtain for full length curtains but a shorter cafe style curtain made out of lace may be appropriate, depending on your kitchen theme. When choosing kitchen curtains, make sure that they are washable because of the fact that they are in the kitchen and will need washing more often than other curtains.