Customize Your Kitchen with Roman Shades
roman shades are an excellent addition for small kitchen windows. Unlike long curtains, they avoid splash zones near appliances and reduce fire hazards. Their compact design provides a sleeker look compared to billowy drapery in cramped kitchens.
When choosing materials, pick fabrics with low porosity that can withstand frequent cleaning. Roman shades come in various colors and patterns to match any decor. In kitchens, they provide light control like blinds and enhance privacy and aesthetics. Pair them with open shelves and slipcovered chairs for a cozy vibe.
Benefits of Roman Shades for Kitchen Windows
Roman shades offer several advantages in the kitchen:
- Provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through
- Soften hard surfaces like countertops and appliances
- Come in a huge variety of colors, patterns to complement any decor
- A cost-effective way to upgrade tired, outdated kitchen windows
- Help control outside light and glare from windows over sinks
With their clean, tailored look, roman shades inject style into small kitchen windows without taking up valuable space. Their compact folded design avoids catching fire near stovetops or blocking pathways.
Efficiency and Safety
An excellent alternative to curtains, roman shades provide privacy and light control without the bulk. Their minimalist style prevents fabric from blowing onto hot appliances or catching fire. Roman shades' tilted position also directs sunlight away from bright zones over sinks or stoves.
Soften Hard Surfaces
The rich textures of roman shades add coziness to sleek, hard surfaces prevalent in contemporary kitchens. Their colorful fabrics and patterns liven sterile countertops, cabinets, and backsplashes. When layered with valances or swags, roman shades introduce captivating contrast to metal, glass, or marble materials.
Design Flexibility
Roman shades' vast palette suits any kitchen's style. Warm metallics and woodsy prints establish a natural look amidst cool stainless steel. Bright solids and geometric shapes inject retro flair. Light-filtering sheers maintain an airy ambiance. For cottages, pick breezy, relaxed patterns like ginghams or floral prints.
Popular Roman Shade Options for Kitchens
From textures to operations, numerous options exist when selecting roman shades for kitchen windows:
Fabrics
- Lightweight linens and cottons suit laidback decors
- Silks and velvets confer sophistication
- Faux wood and bamboo choices imitate shutters
Specialty Shades
- Cordless shades offer safety for households with kids
- Blackout fabrics prevent light leakage
- Remote-controlled shades enable convenient operation
Customization Options
- Match shade color to cabinetry or appliances
- Coordinate patterns with backsplashes or flooring
- Personalize with monograms or contrasting bands
- Layer over existing window treatments
With literally hundreds of textures, patterns, and colors, roman shade options suit any kitchen motif you can conceive. Their variety and customizability confer versatility curtains cannot match.
Measuring and Installing Roman Shades
Achieving an optimal fit requires precise measurements and proper installation:
Taking Measurements
When measuring for custom roman shades:
- Note window's exact width and height
- For outside mounts, measure overall frame area
- Consider clearance for window cranks or handles
- Account for depth with inside window mounts
Record the longest and widest points to ensure your custom shades will fit. Planning to layer shades over existing treatments? Measure both the window and current pieces.
Inside vs. Outside Mounts
Inside mounts install within the window frame itself:
- Offer a built-in look
- Provide full privacy
- Reduce light gaps
- Can be tricky for deep-set windows
Outside mounts attach around the window's outer molding or frame area:
- Ideal for oddly shaped windows
- Preserve maximum glass visibility
- Allow adjustment room
- May leave light crevices
Installation Tips
For DIYers, handy tips enable frustration-free shade mounting:
- Check for obstructions like handles or vents
- Use metal brackets to prevent sagging over time
- Confirm screws penetrate studs for durability
- Use level for straight positioning
- Leave extra length and width when cutting
For extremely wide windows or hard-to-reach areas, calling professional installers prevents headaches.
Incorporating Roman Shades into Kitchen Designs
Roman shades' adaptable style enables creative incorporation throughout your kitchen:
Color Coordinate
Select roman shade hues echoing your cabinetry finishes for a cohesive look. Layer blackout liner behind a sheer matching your subway backsplash tile. Embellish neutrals with shade binds or contrasting welting echoing kitchen accents.
Pattern Play
Make your windows a focal point with roman shades boasting lively patterns. Display vibrant florals against crisp white cabinetry for striking color pops. Soften steel appliances by pairing them with whimsical paisley or damask prints.
Texture Mixing
Weave multiple textures together for added dimension. Combine breezy sheers with chunky bamboo shades behind them. Accent sleek cabinet surfaces with nubby cotton prints. Contrast modern metals with matte faux-wood blinds.
Layering
Get the best of both worlds by layering roman shades with existing drapes or valances. Place shades beneath swags running over the top of your window for a dressed yet functional setup. Or pair them with casual cafe curtains beneath for extra privacy.
Focal Point
Transform an overlooked window into a showcase by flanking it with art or open shelving to spotlight the shades themselves. Include decorative hardware like tassel tiebacks or trim with mitered frames to enhance their presence.
To keep kitchen roman shades looking fresh, observe these care tips:
- Dust regularly with a soft brush attachment
- Spot treat spills and stains gently with a damp white cloth
- Take down shades annually to clean thoroughly top to bottom
- Consider professional cleaning for silk roman shades
To remove debris and surface dust, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum weekly. Check for accumulating spots in heavy splash zones and gently dab allow food or grease marks to penetrate further before blotting up excess.