Features of choosing the length and width of curtains
Modern short curtains are often a necessity. This solution meets the functional requirements and is convenient to use.
When choosing options, pay attention to the following characteristics:
- If the wall with a window is empty, long, wide curtains are used;
- if there is furniture near the window, short options are preferable;
- If there is a door to the balcony next to the window, you should carefully select the design.
In all cases, the optimal solution is Roman blinds, blinds or roller shutters. They meet all the requirements. If necessary, this variety can be supplemented with standard curtains.
Long
Floor-length curtains also hide the radiator. From a kitchen design point of view, this is the coolest option. But it is also the least practical and the most expensive.
They are also called drapes or curtains, but if you don't want to show them off, they are just a regular curtain.
Short Roman blinds look great on a regular small window. But if you try to use them with non-standard large window openings with many sashes, bay windows and French windows, you will always look like a poor compromise.
Drapery is the folds of the curtain, achieved by the length of the fabric exceeding the length of the fastening (cornice).
It is available in all floor models. This is important so that it does not look like a blanket that has been stretched out to dry.
Regarding the choice of the ratio of the length of draperies and types of fabrics (and how to wash them) - consult with a specialist at the place of purchase - there are too many options, new items are constantly appearing, not everyone has a full range - there is no point in going into details that are constantly changing.
Long models go well with short ones, but more on that after choosing the color.
Short curtains for the kitchen
2 models of short curtains with vertical opening:
Roman blinds are a modern standard for the kitchen. The peculiarity is that the fabric gathers into folds and hangs freely when closed. To the windowsill. It can be hung across the window opening, hiding the plastic window. Any color and transparency of fabric. In the kitchen it can be combined with other types of blinds.
The best models on marketplaces:
Fabrics similar in design, but different in appearance when assembled, include Greek (these are Roman with a straight edge and simple folds - the best), Austrian (wavy style) and French (draped, i.e. have folds and waves horizontally and verticals are not used in modern interiors even in classical styles - an outdated option).
Roller blinds. They have a cylinder at the base onto which material is wound when closed. Thanks to this, unlike the Roman blind, the curtains remain on a flat surface. They can be installed on one window sash or on the entire window. If the fabric doesn't hold anything to the side, they are called "loose-hanging". If the fabric moves along the guides and fits tightly to the window, it is a cassette.
In design, they are inferior to Roman blinds, and many people generally classify them as office options (like blinds) and consider kitchens with them inconvenient.
As a rule, short ones with a vertical hole are better:
In a small separate kitchen, window sill-length curtains are almost always better than long ones.
This is, first of all, practicality and budget. Yes, long ones look cool and more on them later. But often they cannot be used at all (U-shaped kitchens with a window in the middle, corner kitchens with a countertop against a wall with a window, etc.).
One of the ideas that I outlined in my article about a small kitchen and kitchen renovation in a Khrushchev-era building is to put a countertop instead of a plastic window sill. And use the windowsill. Even if the height is higher or lower than the countertop, it is still additional space.
In terms of design, Roman blinds and vertical opening are a modern idea for small kitchens that suit all interior styles thanks to the choice of fabrics.
Short curtains for kitchens with horizontal opening also exist, but they are more difficult to use on the window sill.
What material are suitable for kitchen curtains?
Before choosing beautiful curtains for the kitchen, it is also important to choose the right fabrics. The durability and attractive appearance of the window structure depend on the materials. Remember that the kitchen is considered a room with high humidity. In addition, temperature changes occur frequently and water or grease may splash during cooking.
Choosing fabric for curtains is a very important task. The material should be as easy to clean (iron) as possible and keep its shape well. The most commonly used materials for kitchen window textiles are
- wool;
- lace;
- patchwork;
- organza;
- atlas;
- a curtain;
- cotton.
Let's take a closer look at each fabric:
- Organza . A synthetic fabric characterized by transparency and a slight sheen. It is ideal for a small kitchen where there is not enough light. In addition, this fabric has another important advantage - affordability. It should be noted that during the use of the kitchen, organza curtains lose their original appearance and functional properties - they can stretch and tear.
- Veil. Slightly denser than organza, but also made of transparent material. Voile curtains have an expressive shine and are lightweight, which makes them ideal for decorating a small kitchen.
- Satin. Want to add a touch of luxury to your kitchen? Prepare curtains for the kitchen from satin. This shiny, dense material is quite easy to keep clean and iron. For satin curtains, be sure to also buy translucent tulle.
- Bed linen: A material that fits into the modern environmental trend. Please note that linen curtains cannot be washed in very hot water. In addition, they are difficult to iron - it is better to iron all the folds after washing the fabric.
- Cotton. Like linen, it is a natural material, but it is easier to care for. In addition, cotton kitchen curtains can be dyed in any shade. Therefore, unlike linen, they can not only be a single beige color, but also have different prints.
- Lace is also often used to decorate window curtains. This is especially important for Provence style kitchens. Original patterns and lightness of the fabric will make the kitchen much lighter, more spacious and lighter.
- Net. Synthetic fabric. Thanks to the variety of shades and beautiful shine, this window design looks very stylish and original.
- L patchwork sewing. Otherwise, such curtains for the kitchen can be called patchwork. They are made from different fabrics or with different patterns from the same fabric. You can buy or make patchwork curtains yourself, as long as you have samples of different fabrics on hand.
Avoid items made of velvet or brocade. In addition to the fact that these are quite dense fabrics, they get dirty easily and are difficult to clean.
Textiles with asymmetry elements
Asymmetry is very popular in modern textile design. In this design, the kitchen looks more interesting, even if it is made in neutral colors without accents. This gives it a special flair.
This option is ideal when decorating a window opening with a balcony door. When one curtain is straight and covers the ugly balcony threshold, and the other is picked up with a beautiful large wave and secured in the opposite corner. This leaves a lot of open space for natural light, and all the white plastic is covered and does not spoil the interior of the kitchen.
Asymmetrical design is also achieved by combining different textures and textures of textiles. It looks easy and organic. Use this technique to refresh your interior and focus on textiles.
If you want to close yourself off from prying eyes from the street, you don’t have to choose heavy and thick curtains. Organza is perfect for these purposes. Add transparent tulle to it and you have an interesting composition with the necessary functionality.
Types of kitchen curtains
Regardless of the length and type of fabric, the following types of curtains will look great in the kitchen:
Hourglass
The classic tulle pattern has also changed. You can hang a solid color tulle with a clip in the middle to create an hourglass silhouette.
To make the composition look harmonious, the tulle over the wide window should consist of two pieces of fabric. Each of them should be wide enough so that it can be formed into beautiful folds, both straight and twisted.
Rolled
This is one of the latest, one might say, innovations in the field of design. Despite their relative “youth”, they pose serious competition to traditional types of curtains.
If you wish, you can drape the window in one piece or use narrow curtains that cover each section separately.
Lightweight fabrics create a subtle shade, while emphasizing the decorative effect. Fabrics are impregnated with special compounds, which makes them resistant to high humidity and sunlight.
In addition, samples of Roman blinds with photo printing can currently be found in exhibition halls. Modern technologies make it possible to print drawings, family photographs and any images onto fabric.
If you want them to be more convenient to control, choose models with electric drive. They are easily integrated into the smart home system, automatically opening and closing at the times you set.
On the eyelets
Curtains with drapery are distinguished by neat, even folds thanks to hoops sewn into the fabric. They slide easily along the eaves, making them a good option for kitchens with patio doors.
Cornices fit into most modern styles - minimalism, scandi, modern classics, loft.
Blinds
For interiors in the style of minimalism, horizontal blinds remain relevant.
- Such blinds have minor drawbacks: they are inconvenient to clean, they make noise when ventilating the room, plastic and metal slats often crack and become unusable.
- But there are also many advantages: blinds can be attached to a window of any configuration, choosing the width of the slats or even installing them directly on the frame; horizontal lines of lamellas visually expand the room; Easy to adjust the intensity of sunlight.
- Combining this trend with the trend towards eco-friendliness, designers are choosing blinds made from wood, bamboo and composite materials with wide, textured slats.
Plastic versions with matte colored elements are also available. Popular colors are black, white and emerald.
Thread
Another model in retro style. It is often used to decorate interior doors and windows in the bedroom, but the designers decided to decorate window openings in the kitchen with thread blinds. They are combined with lambrequins and Japanese panels.
Ultra short curtains
Very fashionable now are “ultra-short” curtains that cover only half of the window. Designers went even further and introduced shorter curtains in the kitchen. They should be suspended at the top of the window on brackets or mini-cornices.
Such curtains give the window a more decorative look, but do not block the view. If necessary, short decorative curtains can be combined with short transparent tulle or translucent Roman blinds.
Royal luxury
To make the classic kitchen interior look richer and more pompous, folding curtains, for example, French or Austrian curtains made of heavy fabrics, are ideal. The only drawback of rich theatrical curtains in the kitchen is their impracticality.
As an alternative, you can use such curtains, but in a very short version. Their height can reach 50 cm. This will enrich the interior and allow the curtains not to get too dirty. It is best to choose a gold color, but in calm tones.
Roman curtains
Roman blinds are still in fashion. However, this year they have also changed. Among the new curtains for the kitchen, there are a wide range of options. Whereas previously each kitchen window had its own curtain, now curtains can be placed on one wide area of the window, rather than above the window.
This technique will help create two adjacent windows and a partition between them. This will optically enlarge the window and make the kitchen more spacious.
Curtains-cafe
Light and airy, cafe curtains are ideal for country or Provence style kitchens.
You can sew them yourself. They can be easily hung on a small curtain rod or directly on the sash using braid or twine.
With lambrequins
If we talk about stereotypes in the classic style, the first thing that comes to mind is curtains with lambrequins. They are beautiful and elegant - although they would look over the top in a small kitchen.
Modern lambrequins are not always made of fabric. How about this? Thin plastic looks like a bright accent, which is sometimes literally necessary in rooms.
In a more traditional sense, it is the draping of fabric over a curtain. We recommend that you do not get carried away with complex options. It's better to choose something more elegant, like this one.
Bright translucent curtains with a lambrequin will be an interesting choice. If your entire kitchen is pastel, why not add a little color this way?
There are many types of curtains suitable for classic kitchens. Which one you choose is up to you. The most important thing is to stick to basic design principles and consider several options.
What color and pattern to choose for kitchen curtains
Curtains can either enliven a monochromatic and boring interior or ruin the overall impression. Therefore, it is important to guess not only the style, but also the color, pattern or design. Read more about what to combine textiles with and when to use roller blinds as an accent in the text below.
To match the furniture
To create color balance in the interior, textiles can be combined with furniture. Either upholstery of kitchen chairs, armchairs or sofas in the kitchen-living room, or facades in the house.
Don't choose curtains the same color as the furniture. Highlight the curtains. If the curtains are intended to complement color rather than as an accent, then make them a little paler.
To integrate textiles with furniture into the overall design, choose curtains with an unobtrusive pattern and one color spot.
Accent option in the interior
If you like contrasting elements, feel free to experiment! Remember, however, that even accent details are best enhanced by a colorful decorative companion. This could be a vase, brightly colored dishes, a watch or, for example, a tablecloth.
Textiles set the tone for the tranquility of this room. The contrasting turquoise color can easily be replaced with another bright color when you want to make a seasonal change in your home.
When choosing textiles for the kitchen, remember that you will have to wash them often. Therefore, you should buy wear-resistant and quick-drying material.
Beige curtains
Beige curtains will give the kitchen a feeling of warmth, calm and closeness to nature. Beige blinds will look good in a brown, white or blue kitchen. With beige curtains, you can also add a colorful decor to your kitchen.
By choosing beige curtains, you can experiment with colors in the kitchen. For example, choose a kitchen set with brighter fronts: fresh green or yellow, red and dark blue. For those who love contrasting combinations, it will create the desired effect in the kitchen with black furniture.
Brown curtains
There are countless shades of brown in nature: chocolate, coffee, cola brown and all shades of wood. Curtains in coffee, chocolate, sand or classic brown colors will harmonize with wooden furniture and floors. Dark brown classics will give the kitchen an atmosphere of luxury.
In the kitchen, rich brown colors will go well with a light background. Soft coffee and warm coffee tones are the perfect choice for white kitchens. In a beige kitchen, the best option would be to complement brown curtains with an apron of a similar color. Brown bamboo blinds will look good in eco- and rustic styles.
Orange curtains
Orange curtains in the kitchen create a good mood. The combination of oranges with olives or salad is undoubtedly a hit of our time. Orange curtains can be combined with any shade of the kitchen, but it is necessary to include additional accents: upholstery on upholstered furniture, a matching kitchen apron or a bright lampshade.
Which kitchens will look good with orange curtains:
- In the kitchen with brown furniture there is a traditional oriental combination;
- With white furniture - an excellent palette for modern styles;
- With purple or black - a bold combination for ultra-modern styles;
- With gray - an excellent harmonious combination.
Purple curtains
Purple is a very sophisticated color for the kitchen, although some psychologists believe that it reduces appetite, which can be very useful for people prone to obesity. However, those who can detect the seductive tones of wine and grapes will surely like it.
In modern kitchens, you can choose light shades of purple, especially since it goes well with fashionable gray.
Red curtains
Red curtains in the kitchen can never play the role of a neutral background. They will always serve as an accent and attract attention. Red curtains can help you implement all sorts of bold ideas in any style in the kitchen, especially when you consider the huge selection of shades.
Red curtains paired with black ones look beautiful, but this design is not suitable for everyone due to the aggressive proportions. In a kitchen with white furniture, they are an indicator of good taste. They are suitable for both a cozy Provençal style (red curtains with white dots) and a classic modern style. In high-tech they will become the missing color spot for harmony.
Green curtains
Green curtains in the kitchen - a cheerful and lively mood in the morning and calmness in the evening.
Nature abounds in greenery, from cool sea waves to rich coniferous trees:- Garden greenery will look good with floral designs or rustic plaid;
- Light green shades are ideal for creating an accent in a neutral room;
- Turquoise color will look good in bright, well-lit kitchens;
- A mint shade on curtains will be a great way to break up the chrome and high-tech metallics;
- Slate green color is a comfort factor in a kitchen with pine furniture.
Gray curtains
It’s safe to say that gray color in the interior has recently become fashionable among designers. This also applies to gray curtains. If you want to meet modern trends in kitchen interiors, then when purchasing gray wallpaper, do not forget to match it with gray curtains.
To create the perfect high-tech look, curtains should have a rich metallic color and be deeper due to the background tone.
Curtains with flowers
Floral print curtains have been the preferred choice for kitchens for centuries. They create a cozy atmosphere and give the interior personality.
In accordance with the unspoken requirements of style, there are several formats of floral prints, characteristic of different designs:
- Country music is characterized by a scattering of small, discreet flowers that go well with wooden furniture;
- Pastel flowers suit English and Victorian styles;
- Prints with large flowers are popular in classic styles;
- In modern styles, the emphasis is on one very large flower, applied to several canvases.
If the owners of the kitchen have a negative attitude towards diversity, the curtains should be decorated with neutral floral patterns: embroidered or cut out.
Curtains for the kitchen in two colors
Two-color or combined curtains look original and beautiful in the kitchen.
There are several rules for combining shades:
- Contrasting colors are chosen for modern kitchens and for young families. One of the shades should be consistent with the kitchen design elements;
- The combination of shades of the same color creates a unified space. This often happens with curtains with lambrequins;
- A classic, harmonious combination should match the overall tone of the kitchen.
The combination of plain materials is suitable for kitchens decorated in styles such as minimalism, modern, hi-tech, modern. However, for a custom solution, you can use printed fabrics that match the colors of the kitchen finish. You can also dilute the two-color combination with checks, stripes, geometric or floral patterns - such decors look very organic in the kitchen interior.
Roller curtains
If you are looking for exclusive curtains for the kitchen, take a closer look at roller curtains. This variation of lifting curtains differs from Roman curtains in that they can be rolled up. The preferred material is polyester.
To see ready-made solutions for a successful combination of curtains in the interior, you can visit the portal about curtains https://shtora.guru/.
Modern ideas
I'll finish and add a few modern ideas for choosing curtains for the kitchen:
- If you have a simple window and a small kitchen, Roman windows are a great choice.
- If your window is large, complex, or you have a balcony door, use regular floor-mounted ones. They can be placed on one side only or combined with tulle and tiers.
- Gray or pastel curtains will suit most kitchens.
- Think about what you are going to hang them on. If your kitchen is after a major renovation, and the ceiling is suspended or made of plasterboard, you can make a niche without bringing the ceiling to the wall with a window (this is the standard option).
- If the fabric is thick, you can pin Roman blinds a little higher and regular ones a little wider than needed. This will create the illusion that they are covering a larger window than they actually are.
- Approximately the same curtains are suitable for both classic and modern styles. Excessive complexity, lambrequins and decoration look ridiculous even in a classic kitchen.
- And linen curtains look like a throwback to the 1990s - not the best idea.
- Curtains with grommets (large round holes mounted on plastic or metal where you hang them from a curtain rod) look bad. The less noticeable the fasteners, the better.
Design and combination of curtains
Many designers suggest abandoning the classic use of curtains, in which one tulle and two curtains are hung on the sides. Sometimes design projects involve combinations. For example, one curtain can be tied up, the second can be combined with another fabric. Instead of classic tulle, you can use draped fabric of an unusual texture.
Three stylish options.
- Classic white curtains and curtains of different colors. For example, one curtain is beige, the second is coral. On the left, an additional narrow curtain in a contrasting color is added to the canvas.
- Two-tier curtains. Their peculiarity: one short curtain is attached at the top of the window and reaches its middle. The second starts from the middle and ends near the window sill.
- Stylized curtains combined with thick plain curtains. Such curtains involve the use of medium-weight fabric with a pattern, unusual embroidery or bright print.
Each option should match the style and color scheme of the kitchen design.
Any room acquires a warm and homely atmosphere if you add light and delicate fabric to plain designs.
Trendy solutions in the world of curtains
Curtains are undoubtedly the right choice for your kitchen. Current trends: Scandinavian style, hi-tech, minimalism, color block, eco-style and modern classics.
All these trends are characterized by simple shapes and patterns, pure tones, light shades, and simple prints.
Therefore, when choosing curtains you should be guided by:
- Straight cut. No bandeaus, no lambrequins, no frills. For long cottons, you can add linings from the same fabric. They do not look superfluous and create additional opportunities for drapery;
- Wooden or metal, undecorated cornices. The curtain system should be as concise as possible. Concealed installation options are allowed. For a neoclassical style, you can choose a hanging version of the baguette, but it should not stand out too much;
- There are no patterns on the fabric. Prints are a thing of the past; modern curtains for the kitchen 2022 are laconic and do not distract attention. An exception can be made for eco-style - in a spacious and bright kitchen you can hang curtains with large floral motifs, for example, monstera leaves;
- Matching colors to complement the interior color scheme. The curtains form a separate color block. You can combine up to three colors or use shades of the same color to decorate the window area;
- Pastel palette. Muted shades go well with modern interiors;
- Natural fabrics. The secret is not in the composition, but in the appearance. Curtains should not have a synthetic shine, and also should not be too thin - they simply cannot be draped beautifully.
Roman curtains
Roman blinds are similar to blinds: a cord is used to lift them. Advantages: versatility, practicality, moisture resistance, durability, ease of use.
This version of window design is made of rigid material. The design solution can be selected to suit any style direction.
