In a functional room such as a kitchen, where there is a mass of appliances and hard surfaces, window decor can be a valuable source of softness and comfort. We will tell you how to decorate a window in the kitchen in a stylish, practical, and safe way.
Choosing a window design in the kitchen
Usually window decoration is the final chord in kitchen renovation. Therefore, when choosing a decor, you need to start from the existing interior and color combinations. Beyond personal preference and overall style, there are several key factors to consider. Among them:
Window dimensions
It is inappropriate to close small windows with massive curtains. This will disrupt the flow of natural light and balance in the interior. Blinds, cafe curtains and roller blinds save space well. If there is a lack of daylight, windows can be left without decor.
Panoramic, tall windows, on the other hand, will look comical with short curtains that do not reach the windowsill. The ideal option in such cases is curtains to the floor or slightly above it. Stylish solution – Japanese panels.
Room dimensions
In modest kitchens, heavy, voluminous curtains steal precious space and obstruct daylight. Blinds, light tulle, cafe curtains, Japanese and Roman blinds work much better in such cases. Choose large prints on the curtains for large kitchens – in small ones they will only emphasize the size of the room. In open-plan homes, curtains can combine the design of the kitchen and living room.
Tip: in a kitchen with a low ceiling, curtains with vertical stripes will visually “raise” the ceiling, and for narrow kitchens, curtains with horizontal stripes are well suited.
Window opening shape
With the help of curtains, you can emphasize the originality of the window opening, or mask it. Windows with a balcony door are a reason to play with asymmetry. The canvas covering the door to the balcony may be longer than that hanging on the adjacent side of the window. The easiest way is to adjust the height of the curtains with hooks.
Horizontal windows along the wall are found in modern laconic kitchen layouts. For the decoration of such windows, designers are advised to choose blinds, roller blinds and films. Ruffles and draperies can contrast unnecessarily with the overall minimalistic interior. It is more convenient to decorate roof windows with roller blinds or blinds.
Tip: visually adjusting the proportions of a non-standard window will help a traditional textile design with a straight cornice, wide curtains and a rectangular lambrequin.
Window location
Through the windows facing south or west, the sun looks in almost all day. Blinds, blackout curtains with blackout fabric , Japanese and roller blinds will protect you from excessive light and heat . If a classic curtain takes up a lot of space, consider options with sunscreen, tall plants on the windowsill, and stained glass windows.
On the northern or eastern windows, it is enough to hang light, transparent and light fabrics (tulle, organza, muslin, chiffon), or limit yourself to a lambrequin. The window can be left without curtains at all, if this does not harm privacy.
Interior palette
When choosing a palette of window decor, they are repelled by the dominant colors in the interior. But it is undesirable for the shade of the curtains to exactly match the walls and ceiling, otherwise they will merge (of course, if this is not provided for by the design). Shades of kitchen furniture and textiles can become the main reference points.
Tip: if you use the window decor as an accent, then it is advisable to choose 2-3 color companions for it in the form of a tablecloth, utensils, clock or rug.
Dark walls, like curtains, will reflect light and narrow the space. Light or neutral shades will visually enlarge the room. For dark kitchens with windows to the north, prefer bright curtains in warm colors and their combinations (yellow, orange, red). They will warm and revitalize the interior.
Materials for window decoration
Sharp changes in temperature and humidity, the proximity of electrical appliances and open fire, a high probability of pollution, lack of daylight … these are just some of the features of the kitchen microclimate that are worth remembering when decorating windows. Materials for kitchen curtains should be easy to maintain and allow good airflow with daylight. Experts recommend translucent fabrics made from natural materials (cotton, linen, silk), or with a slight admixture of synthetics (polyester, viscose).
Important: do not forget that textiles in the kitchen get dirty more often, so they must withstand repeated washings and dry quickly.
Long curtains near the hob or work area can touch an open fire or get dirty in a draft. It is better to replace them with small canvases made of practical, easy-to-clean fabrics, made of fire-resistant fiber, or with a special fire-resistant impregnation.
Idea: perforated textiles will visually expand the space and are perfect for small kitchens.
Spacious kitchens with a large window are a real gift. Here you can safely experiment, using expensive and capricious materials for window decoration (silk, jacquard, velvet), which are not inferior to textiles in the living room or bedroom.
Tip: sheer curtains without lace and fringe can easily fit into any interior style and combine with all decor colors. Better to choose a blend of cotton and polyester.
What to hang on the kitchen window?
To begin with, it is worth deciding whether the window decor will be sliding, lifting or fixed.
Sliding
This includes the largest group of curtains. Here are just a few of the popular varieties for the kitchen:
- Curtains: Represents long vertical translucent or transparent canvases. They let the sun through well and do not burden the space.
- Curtains: They are often combined with curtains. The main difference is in tissue density. They protect from daylight, heat, and prying eyes, open up wide possibilities for window design.
- Cafe curtains: They also call “grandmother’s” or “country curtains”. They consist of lightweight materials with drapery and attach to the cornice in the middle of the window opening, covering only part of the window.
- Japanese curtains: They are smooth panels without folds with a rigid structure. They will be able to blend into any interior. In addition to fabric, they are made from paper, bamboo, and metal.
- Austrian curtains: For lovers of classic interior styles. With the help of a cord, their canvases are life and form volumetric uniform folds. In kitchens, they are usually hung in the assembly position on half of the window opening.
- English curtains: An even rectangular canvas is life with cords more often on the sides or in 2-3 places. Usually, they cover only the upper half of the window, adding a retro touch to the interior.
- Kiseya: A web of numerous thin threads attached to a horizontal ribbon. They look airy and romantic. Combines perfectly with other types of curtains. But the threads are often tall and require careful maintenance.
Lifting
They characteriz by a mechanism that regulates the position of the blade and a wide range of materials: plastic, metal, bamboo, wood, fabric, etc.
- Roman curtains. This is a flat fabric, which folds like an accordion when raised. Combines the features of curtains and blinds with a convenient height adjustment. A great option for a small kitchen. Models made of porous fabrics (street type) or with a special coating can be easily cleaned with a damp sponge.
- Roller blinds. They differ in the mechanism of winding the fabric into a roll or into a cassette. Good for small spaces. In order not to damage the mechanism during washing, dust and dirt remove with a vacuum cleaner, soft brush, or rag.
- Vertical blinds. Well suited for large windows and French shutters. Their maximum length is 2m, otherwise, the cornice may not withstand. If the lamellae break down, it is easy to replace it yourself.
- Horizontal (Venetian) blinds. They encourage you to visually expand the space. They are easy to maintain and inexpensive. Please fabric blinds assemble into an “accordion” and attached to the frames.
Tip: The most Practical for the kitchen will be blinds made of plastic, aluminum, bamboo and wood.
Fixed
- Hourglass Curtains. They also called stained glass. Ordinary rectangular canvases are fixed with grip in the middle in the shape of an hourglass. They are convenient to use both on kitchen windows and on doors.
Alternative window designs
In modern interiors, windows are increasingly left without traditional curtains or blinds. The lack of decor allows you to visually enlarge the kitchen and make it lighter. Stained-glass windows, decorative films, screens or frosted glass solve the privacy problem. To fill the visual void on the window will help:
Houseplants:
Idea: Plants of approximately the same height and in similar pots look stylish on a small window.
Wreath:
shelves on the slopes and along the window:
beads or ribbons:
Garlands.
hard canopy:
pictures or posters around the opening, etc.
Combining window decor
Despite the desire for minimalism in the interior, mixes of different types of window decor do not lose their relevance. With them, windows can become a real highlight of the kitchen.
Tip: It is advisable to use 2-3 elements in the composition to avoid clutter and pretentiousness.
Combination methods :
- By color. Based on the overall design, you can use a combination of curtains with similar or contrasting shades.
- By texture. Soft draperies of textiles will balance the strict roller blinds or blinds.
Tip: Sheer curtains with white blinds are a versatile combination for a neutral kitchen.
- By size. The easiest way to experiment with the length and width of the canvases is with grabs.
Conclusion: it is important to remember that windows are primarily a source of natural light, and window decor should not interfere with it.
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