General recommendations for choosing

Window decoration depends not only on the size, but also on the style of the room, your preferences, and the location of the window opening.

In a small kitchen with low ceilings, choose a ceiling rail: it remains unnoticeable and does not reduce the height of the walls.
For ceilings of 265 cm and more, either a rail or a tubular curtain rod with rings will do.
Floor-length curtains with vertical stripes will help raise the ceilings; short curtains up to the windowsill are better chosen for initially high kitchens.
Give preference to light fabrics instead of heavy curtains. The exception is southern window openings if the sun bothers you while cooking.
Give up lambrequins, many folds, and other massive decorations. The simpler the curtains for a small kitchen look, the better.
Pay attention to fabrics treated with Easy Clean impregnation. The dirt-repellent coating guarantees long-term cleanliness and easy cleaning during cleaning.
Avoid curtain rods exactly the width of the window, especially in narrow kitchens. Its width should be at least 1.5 times larger than the window opening, or occupy the entire wall.
Attach grabs or clips in a pair with curtains to free access to the window sill while working in the kitchen and not touch the fabric with dirty hands every time you need to go to the window.
Hang the tulle and curtain in one line – single-layer structures look better in a small area than multi-layer ones.

What curtain options are best?

The design of curtains for a small kitchen can be varied, it depends on:

the level of illumination;
what is in the area (dining table, sink, stove);
interior design.

In northern kitchens, transparent light tulle will look best, which simultaneously decorates the windows and does not interfere penetration of sunlight. The second option is to refuse curtains altogether, this is appropriate in the Scandi or loft style.

Tip! It is not necessary to use two curtains that slide apart. Hang one wide curtain and pick it up on one side, creating an unusual asymmetrical design. This option is especially convenient if there is a refrigerator or a pencil case on one side and access to it cannot be blocked.

The brighter the sun in the room, the thicker the curtains you can afford. It is not necessary to choose curtains like in the theater, you can hang light muslin that lets in light, and complement it with one of the options:

blinds;
roller blinds;
Roman blinds;
French (awnings);
Austrian curtains.

The advantages of these designs are not only in the convenient regulation of light. They also do not take up much space, they look compact. In the case of placement under the opening of the tabletop, this is one of the best ways to stylishly decorate the window, because you will always have access to the window sill.

Tip! If you are going to use lifting types of curtains separately, install them on top of the window. To complement with tulle, it is better to fix it on the glass itself.

bright curtains for the kitchen

The photo shows bright curtains with a large print in a bright small kitchen

Roman blinds for the kitchen Austrian kitchen curtains

The second factor is the neighborhood. Do not place long flowing curtains near the stove (especially a gas one!). This is unsafe, because a gust of wind will set them on fire and cause a fire. Short heavy canvases, Austrian curtains or Roman blinds in a small kitchen near gas burners will be more appropriate.

Next to the sink (if it is under the window) place waterproof roller blinds or blinds – such materials are not afraid of water and dirt.

And the last important aspect is the interior style:

Scandinavian. The classic option is considered to be the absence of curtains. In northern countries, there is almost no sun and residents do not frame windows with unnecessary partitions. If curtains are necessary, choose plain, laconic, straight-shaped curtains made of linen, cotton, or light tulle.
Loft. Blinds are the most suitable solution. Not necessarily white office ones made of thin metal. Colored or black metal, wooden or bamboo ones are perfect. Roller blinds are appropriate.
Classic. Curtains are an important element of decor, but do not overdo it. Choose models in a solid color or with a low-contrast print. Instead of bulky lambrequins, opt for decorative grabs.
Provence. Pastel shades, natural fabrics. In small rooms, a small floral print is acceptable. Cafe curtains look cute, but they are more used as decor, not performing the function of protection from light and curious neighbors.
Minimalism. No flying fabrics and draperies. Your option is white blinds, roller blinds, Roman blinds.
Eco-style. Unusual thread curtains, bamboo rollers or blinds, paper curtains are suitable.

Carefully choose the fastening:

A ceiling baguette allows you to create the feeling of fabric coming out of the ceiling. Thanks to this effect, the height of the ceilings increases.
A crossbar with eyelets or curtains on loops, ties, can be placed at any height. It looks more decorative, and in order not to reduce the height of the ceilings, use a minimalist lambrequin on top.

tulle with a lambrequin in the kitchen

The photo shows tulle with grabs

kitchen tulle rope curtains for the kitchen

What color scheme is best to use?

A win-win tip for a small kitchen is to use a light color! It applies to the decoration of the walls and ceiling, kitchen units, other furniture and, of course, curtains.

White. Suitable if you are creating an interior in a minimalist style or want the window frame to merge with the walls. White tulle looks good in any design.
Beige. Creamy warm shades fill the room with light, so they are suitable for northern kitchens. The room will become warmer and cozier.
Gray. Opposite of beige: cools, adds coolness. Ideal for a south-facing kitchen, the space will remain light, but not so bright.
Pastel. Shades of this range work like gray and beige, depending on the color temperature. Blue, green, lilac cool. Yellow, orange will multiply the sun’s rays by two.

small kitchen with curtains

The photo shows pastel yellow curtains

blue short curtains in the kitchen white tulle in a small kitchen

As for the dark palette, it is better to refuse it altogether. Dark curtains visually weigh down and narrow the kitchen.

A bright color scheme is acceptable if the rest of the home’s decoration is neutral and you need an accent.

Advice! In narrow rooms with windows located on the short side opposite the door, bright curtains will help to align the geometry of the room.

kitchen curtain holders

The photo shows short curtains to the windowsill

curtains in the kitchen with a sink by the window small kitchen with floor-length curtains

What to consider when choosing a pattern?

Not everyone likes plain light curtains, and even if the decor around is already done in basic shades, you want to add character to a small kitchen. Fabrics with a print will come to the rescue!

The main requirements for patterns:

no large patterns;
no contrasting prints.

Also do not take fabrics with pictures, such as images of a city panorama, a sandy beach, a dense forest. A repeating small pattern would be more appropriate.

curtains with flowers in the kitchen short light curtains bright print on curtains