Curtains to Dress Up Kitchen Windows Over Sinks

Adding curtains to kitchen windows over sinks can serve both functional and decorative purposes. Not only can they increase privacy and control light, but curtains infuse personality and complement the style of the kitchen. With myriad options for patterns, textures, and fabrics, finding the right curtains to dress up your kitchen sink window keeps the space sleek yet cozy.

From cafe curtains to sheers and layered looks, many curtain varieties suit kitchen sink windows. Consider the size of the window, how much light control you need, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Combining curtains with other window treatments like shades or blinds maximizes versatility for these high-use spaces.

Key Considerations For Curtains Near Kitchen Sinks

Several factors come into play when selecting curtains for kitchen sink windows to ensure they both look fabulous and function well.

Assessing Window Size and Layout

First, carefully measure the dimensions of your kitchen window above the sink to determine the appropriate curtain sizes. Standard widths range from 20 inches for small accent windows to 120 inches for larger picture windows. You'll also want to assess whether your kitchen window includes any architectural details, like panes, trim or arches, that could impact the curtain style or mounting.

Factoring In Light and Ventilation Needs

Consider when you use your kitchen and how much natural light you want the sink area to receive throughout the day. Do you need curtains that can block harsh midday light or a sheer style to allow daylight in? Ensure any curtain style still enables proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

Choosing Easy-Clean and Durable Fabrics

Kitchens inherently involve messes, grease, steam and moisture. As such, lean towards curtain fabrics designed for high-traffic spaces, like polyester or acrylic. These fabrics repel stains, clean easily by hand or machine and resist mildew growth. Water-repellant nanotechnology treatments also help fabric withstand spills and splashes.

Coordinating With Existing Decor

Style your sink window curtains to complement your kitchen's color palette and design aesthetic. For traditional kitchens, embroidered lace or floral patterns enhance the classic vibe. Modern spaces may call for solid curtains in vibrant hues. Ensure any visible hardware coordinates as well, like bronze rods for a farmhouse metal hood or sleek nickel curtain rings for an industrial style.

Stylish Curtain Options for Windows Over Kitchen Sinks

From rustic to modern and minimalist to cottage-inspired, numerous curtain options creatively function for kitchen sink windows.

Cafe Curtains Offering Height and Separation

Also called tier curtains, cafe styles split the window visually with two curtain sections. The lower section hangs just below the window sill, while a valance sits above to accentuate the architecture. Cafe curtains limit light less than standard curtains, still allowing outward visibility. With cute ruffles and pattern options, they bring plenty of personality! Consider washing these often since they sit nearest cooking messes.

Sheer Curtains Allowing Light In

Sheer curtains made of lightweight materials like nylon or polyester maintain privacy while enabling plentiful natural light. Silhouettes stay visible but soften for ambiance. For high moisture areas like near a kitchen sink, look for specially-treated sheers with water repellant properties. Sheers with blackout linings also work well for windows needing ample daylight control.

Patterned Curtains Adding Visual Interest

Vibrant colors or eclectic prints infuse the kitchen with liveliness and character. Smaller-scale geometric, ikat or floral patterns keep the look cohesive without overwhelming the compact kitchen sink area. Avoid large-scale or heavily-patterned curtains, as these could compete visually in smaller kitchens. Allow patterned curtains to speak for themselves by pairing them with simple white or wooden blinds.

Layered Curtains for Customized Coverage

Layer two separate curtain panels or combine curtains with complementary window treatments like blinds or shades. Arrange sheer curtains nearest the window to permit light passage, then install a light-blocking accent curtain overtop. This enables modifying privacy and brightness as needed. Use a tension rod for the accent curtain, as drilling extra holes could damage sinks or backsplashes underneath.

Design Tips For Curtains Around Kitchen Sink Windows

Proper installation and smart customization enables kitchen sink curtains to increase functionality beyond just aesthetics.

Allow Proper Window Access and Functionality

Ensure curtains don't obstruct window operation or accessibility. Curtains should clear sliding mechanisms for horizontal opening windows. Gather curtains tightly towards outer window edges so they don't block ventilation slits. Check curtains stay completely clear of the faucet handle's rotation radius as well.

Select Appropriate Rods and Hardware

Because of concentrated activity around the sink, opt for sturdy metal curtain rods over lighter tension rods prone to falling. For bonus style points, select coordinating finishes like oil-rubbed bronze rods matching copper sinks. Utilize sturdy rings, panel glides and holdbacks built to withstand frequent handling and pulling.

Tailor Hem Lengths and Curtain Widths

Accurately measure your window opening's height and width to custom-fit panels or buy curtains wider than the window, then hem them to the exact length needed. Curtains stacked too short or left extra long risk impeding foot traffic or catching appliance doors. For bonus volume, order panels 25-50% wider than the window then gather them. This provides privacy without totally obscuring exterior views when drawn open.

Finish With Decorative Curtain Tiebacks

Stunning curtain holdbacks, like cut crystal or carved wood options, keep curtains secured away from cleaning and cooking messes when not in use. Embellished ties add personalized flair while preventing billowing panels from blowing onto hot stovetops. Position holdbacks a few inches wider than needed to allow easily opening and closing curtains.

Achieving a Pulled-Together Look With Sink Window Curtains

Thoughtfully designing kitchen window curtains together with other accents manifests a complete, curated appearance.

Mix and Match Curtains and Valances

Combine cafe curtains on lower windows with valances up top in contrasting patterns. Or, hang sheer panels beneath opaque curtain toppers. Mixing multiple fabrics and shades lends depth and texture for livelier spaces. Choose patterns featuring some colors in common or coordinate metallic curtain accents with stainless steel appliance finishes.

Incorporate Colors and Patterns

Pull hues from existing kitchen elements like subway tile or accent walls into your curtain choice. Boost a neutral color palette with bold curtain prints or inject vibrant shades sparingly as eye-catching contrast. Ensure styles and color combinations stay cohesive room-to-room for a harmonious look.

Add Curtain Panels and Swags

Frame out sink windows with floor-length curtain panels using decorative ceiling hooks. Swag accent valances over the window opening itself to define the architecture. Combine swags with transistor tops or cascading jabots for extra elegance. Use textures like ruched fabric and trims to lend depth.

Customize sink window curtains to showcase what you love. Pick a cherished pattern like buffalo check or mauve floral paired with your favorite metal finish hardware. Monogram curtain panels or hems for a special signature detail. Ultimately, the curtains gracing your kitchen should inspire you each time you draw them back to unveil a lovely new day!