Kitchens aren’t just the place everyone winds up at parties they’re also a workhorse of a room. Tasked with everything from cooking to homework, this is one space your family probably spends a lot of time in. So why not warm it up and beautify it with kitchen curtains?

Unlike a bedroom, curtains in a kitchen usually aren’t about privacy or light reduction, but decoration. That widens your range of options, allowing for sheers and lighter fabrics, as well as decorative trims like fringe or ribbons.

Curtain Types

This is a room that lends itself to window-length curtains, so it’s a natural for classic curtains like Priscillas and cafe curtains. It’s also a great place for a valance, precisely because you’re less concerned with privacy.

Since this is a room where there’s a minimum of soft goods, curtains can act as a base for the rest of your decor. Start with a fabric you love and then decide whether you want:

·         window-length panels

·         Priscillas (criss-cross curtains)

·         cafe curtains (curtains hung halfway up the window)

·         tier curtains (cafe curtains with a valance)

·         just a valance

How to Hang Them

Once you’ve picked your curtain style, then consider how you want to hang them. If they’ll need to be opened and closed frequently, go for easy-to-slide options like rod pockets or grommets.

If they’re decorative, consider a non-functioning rod or even suspend the curtains from decorative hooks. This is an especially clever way to hang a valance, particularly if you have a theme kitchen and like the look of gentle swags.

Fabric and Trim Options

Kitchens lend themselves to more casual fabrics, and some classic options include:

·         lace

·         check

·         toile

·         voile

·         plaid

·         flour sack

If your taste leans more toward the modern, consider a print reminiscent of one by British post-war designer Lucienne Day, a graphic floral or a bright stripe.

You can also finish the curtains with a fun, flirty trim. Pom-pom trims are popular, especially in a contrasting color. You might also try:

·         grosgrain ribbon

·         lace

·         bows

·         embroidery

·         crochet

Cleaning Kitchen Curtains

When buying kitchen curtains, look for ones that can be washed at home (instead of dry-cleaned). Kitchen curtains need frequent cleaning to keep up with the grease and grime that are a natural part of a space where you cook.

To help cut down on how often you need to deep clean your curtains, vacuum them every time you clean. Wiping them with a fabric softener sheet will also help prevent dust accumulation between cleanings.

Deep clean them twice a year by washing the curtains and wiping the rods. It’s also a good time to wipe out the windowsill and frame.

Cleaning them makes them last longer and keeps them looking and smelling fresh.