Decorating the Space Above Your Kitchen Window

The area above a kitchen window often gets overlooked when it comes to decorating. However, this prime real estate offers ample creative potential to enhance your culinary space. From eye-catching window treatments to storage solutions and beyond, a bit of planning and DIY spirit can transform this blank canvas into a functional and stylish focal point.

Read on for ideas and inspiration for making the most of the wall area above your kitchen window.

Types of Window Treatments

The style of window treatment you select lays the foundation for your kitchen window decor. Consider privacy needs, room dimensions, and decor aesthetics when choosing options like:

Curtains

Flowing onto a deep sill or puddling at floor length, fabric curtains infuse softness and color. Layer gauzy sheers with opaque panels for light and privacy control. Opt for machine washable fabrics in moisture-prone areas. Avoid highly patterned or textured curtains competing with complex backsplashes.

Shades and Blinds

Adjustable blinds neatly conceal window areas with horizontal, vertical, or faux wood slats. Roller shades offer a streamlined profile and block light when lowered. Mount them inside the window frame or onto the upper wall itself.

Valances and Swags

Custom window valances add height, texture, and sophistication. Tailor swag lengths and return sizes to perfectly suit your window proportions. Use decorative hardware, trim, or architectural molding to define the treatment.

Cafe Curtains

Half-length curtains framing the lower portion of windows lend cottage style. Opt for breezy, woven fabrics like lace or gingham paired with cute curtain rods.

Design Considerations for Above Window Decor

When planning kitchen window treatments and wall decor, factor in elements like:

Intended Use

Consider functional needs like storage solutions or ingredient displays for an active cook's kitchen. Frame captivating views outdoors for extended relaxation and dining spaces. Maximize natural light and ventilation near cooking equipment.

Traffic Flow

Map out high traffic zones so window decor does not create bottlenecks or safety issues. Avoid bulky tables, protruding shelves, low-hanging lighting, or unsafe step stools to reach displays.

Easy Cleaning

Kitchens inherently gather grease, humidity, food splatters, and dust at amplified levels. Select window materials that easily wipe clean like machine washable curtains. Angle floating shelves to avoid messy build-up.

Creative DIY Window Treatment Ideas

Looking to add custom flare above your kitchen window? DIY projects allow you to create precisely the look you envision with these ideas:

Framed-Out Woodwork

Construct a decorative picture-frame surround from weathered barnwood or painted trim pieces. Accent with trim details like brackets, dental molding, or corner flourishes. Showcase the frame with artwork, open shelves, or greenery.

Wallpapered Window Recess

Define the kitchen window architecture with a vibrant wallpapered inset. Contrast the deep-set window itself with three dimensional molding. Infuse pops of color or seamless patterns to suit your style.

Floating Wall Ledges

Line the wall area above window frames with floating shelves or shapely ledges. These display spaces are ideal for cookbooks, ceramics, ingredient canisters, or even a mini indoor herb garden.

Architectural Salvage Medallions

Add an ornate focal point using carved rosettes, octagons, or medallions from architectural salvage shops. Weather and age these statement pieces for patina then highlight against painted upper walls.

Window Treatment and Wall Decor by Kitchen Style

Certain kitchen aesthetics lend themselves to specific window treatment styles and wall display concepts. Tailor above-window decor to design genres such as:

Modern

For contemporary spaces, opt for sleek cafe curtains, Roman shades, or frosted glass treatments. Limit upper shelving depths and utilize colorful open containers for pops of brightness. Paint surrounding walls a crisp, bright white.

Rustic Farmhouse

A reclaimed wood floating shelf with galvanized buckets suits rustic charm. weathered wooden shutters, lace under-curtains, and gingham valances also enhance country kitchen windows. Display vintage finds like glass bottlenecks or ruffled linens.

Coastal Cottage

Evoke breezy charm using woven textures, netted curtain panels, or shells and starfish framed art. Whitewash window surrounds and sills then style with galvanized vases, worn books, and driftwood drying racks overhead.

Eclectic Bohemian

Make a vibrant, globally-inspired statement using patterned fabric swaths, paper lanterns, and world map curtains. Arrange collections of colored glass, exotic flea market treasures, and succulents to generate an artistic feel.

Smart Storage Solutions Above Windows

While aesthetically enhancing your kitchen views and light, also utilize the prime window-adjacent space to organize items. Clever storage solutions include:

• Wall-mounted racks for oils, spices, knives, pans and commonly used tools.
• Ingredient storage cubbies to corral baking staples, packaged goods, or glass canisters.
• Floating open shelves to display ceramics, cookbooks, and barware.
• Framed chalk or peg boards for hanging utensils or shopping lists.

Maximize Vertical Space

Take advantage of the vertical real estate above kitchen windows with multi-level shelving and floor-to-ceiling storage racks. Use the entire wall to neatly organize items like linens, small appliances, or cookware while adding a visual focal point.

Let There Be Light! Decor to Maximize Sunshine

Strategically decorating your kitchen windows and surrounding areas prevents obstructing precious sunshine from filtering into interior spaces. Consider these illuminating concepts:

• Sheer curtains soften light as needed while still allowing rays to shine through.
• Window film treatments and removable frosted panels diffuse harsh light.
• Shallow floating shelves above windows prevent deep shadows being cast.
• Mirror placements reflect and amplify sunlight reaching interior walls.
• Glass front cabinetry, containers, and displays filter light through contents.

Supplemental Lighting Solutions

Even well-lit kitchens need ample task lighting for safe cooking, washing up, and meal prep. Use supplemental lighting sources like:

• Pendant lamps or chandeliers as dazzling focal points.
• Under cabinet fixtures to illuminate countertop tasks.
• Slim LED track lighting to spotlight cooking zones.
• Sconces flanking window frames or display shelving.

By thoughtfully combining natural and artificial light, your kitchen can bask in a warm, welcoming glow morning, noon, and night.

Final Touches: Accessorizing Your Kitchen Window

The finishing details make all the difference in pulling together a cohesive, stylish kitchen window decor scheme. Consider accenting with:

• Plants, wreaths, garlands, and fresh floral arrangements.
• Artwork, sculpture pieces, or cultural artifacts.
• Colored glass bottles, ceramics, or cookbooks.
• Framed photos, children's art, or personalized wall art.
• Decorative plates, carved cutting boards, or custom monogrammed linens.