Designers Say Curtains Are the Easiest Way to Add Personality to Your Kitchen
No matter your design style, there's a curtain to match.
If you're looking for a simple way to make your kitchen feel more cozy, we've got one word for you: curtains. Designers told us that one of their go-to hacks is using curtains to add personality to a kitchen. It's far easier than a full kitchen renovation, or even painting the cabinets, but it has a surprisingly large impact.
If your style leans more whimsical, colorful cafe curtains can add a touch of charm to your kitchen. If your kitchen is defined by clean lines and sleek appliances, consider something like a fabric shade in a color that matches the walls for a monochromatic look. Here are more of our favorite ideas.
Add texture with wicker shades
To complement forest green cabinets, interior designer Anna Applegate hangs a wicker shade on this kitchen's only window. The natural material brings texture and personality into the space.
Photo by: Abigail Jackson
Go monochrome
For this modern kitchen, Cat Walker Design sticks with an off-white color scheme — from the creamy white cabinets and simple subway tiles to a semi-sheer Roman shade.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
Try a neutral cafe curtain
Cafe curtains, which are short curtains that cover only a portion of a window, add instant character to this neutral kitchen by Sunday House Design. A sheer fabric allows natural light to enter the space.
Photo by: Kaitlin Green
Make a statement with plaid
Since window treatments are temporary, they're a great place to experiment with pattern. Here, Ashley Martin Home settles on a trio of plaid shades.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
DIY cafe curtains
Cafe curtains are surprisingly easy to make, which can be particularly helpful if your window is a unique size. This blogger turned kitchen towels into adorable striped curtains in only 10 minutes (no sewing required).
Go sheer
Soft and airy, these sheer cafe curtains allow sunlight to enter this farmhouse kitchen. The gold tension rod pairs well with the gold cabinet hardware and pendant lights.
Try multi-panel shades
In an otherwise neutral space, these blue-and-white patterned Roman shades add texture and color. We love that there's a light fixture above each window for a sense of balance.
Photo by: Annie Schlechter
Install sheer shades
Light-filtering shades provide privacy without preventing natural light from entering the kitchen — especially important for illuminating your prep station. Here, Dorling Design Studio contrasts a black window with a crisp white shade.
Photo by: Kara Mercer
Match the backsplash
Take note from Studio Munroe and match your window treatments to the backsplash — bright blue is just one option. For added style, consider a floral pattern.
Photo by: Thomas Kuch
Go floor-length
If your drapes aren't over the counter, or too close to a stove, opt for floor-length sheers to cozy up the space. Here, blogger Brigette Muller of @hummusbirrd hangs them from a gold curtain rod.
Create a focal point
Use a whimsical pattern to draw attention to the window above the sink. Here, LH.Designs creates contrast with a floral print against white walls and cabinetry.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
Say yes to stripes
You can't go wrong with classic stripes, especially if you prefer rustic or farmhouse kitchen design. Here, BHDM Design also uses striped fabric for the bar stool cushions to create balance.
Photo by: Adam Macchia
Dress a large window
For this expansive window over the kitchen sink, Potthast Design choose a wide striped shade that extends from cabinet to cabinet. The dangling tassels add a dose of texture.
Photo by: NativeHouse Photography
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
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