Design ideas and recommendations for choosing short curtains for the kitchen.

Recommendations for choosing

Space is important for the kitchen, especially if it is a small space, so short curtains in different styles are increasingly used. Among the advantages are:

• compactness and unimpeded use of the window sill;
• easy access to the balcony;
• curtains make a small kitchen visually larger;
• less susceptible to dirt;
• short curtains are available in a wide range of designs and shapes.

• When choosing short curtains, you need to consider the width and height of the window, the type, color scheme and style of the kitchen.
• You also need to consider the method of attaching the curtains, especially if there is an exit to the balcony, these can be eyelets, rings, ties, asymmetrical or Roman with fastening to the window frame.

The photo shows a modern kitchen with a balcony. On the windows, translucent short Roman blinds, and the door is free. This solution simplifies the exit to the balcony.

Types of curtains

Short curtains should be selected based on style of the kitchen and its size. Straight curtains with a lambrequin or French ones are suitable for creating a classic style, and models with lifting mechanisms will be appropriate for a modern interior.

We recommend that you first look at the features of decorating a kitchen window with curtains.

Classic short curtains

They can be translucent or thick. There is no standard length, curtains can be up to the windowsill or slightly lower. Transparent curtains are suitable for a small kitchen, they are best combined with blinds, and thick curtains will cool a hot room on the sunny side.

Roller

They allow you to regulate the flow of light, they are attached to both the window and the window sill. They can be combined with tulle or short curtains, or they can be used on their own. They are presented in a wide selection of curtain designs and patterns.

See in full Which roller blinds are best for the kitchen?

Roman

They look stylish and simple, do not clutter the space. Can be made of fabric of any density. Also, like roller blinds, they are economical in the use of material and do not wrinkle.

French

Act as aristocratic kitchen decor item, can be a complement to a lambrequin or short curtains. There are lifting and stationary ones.

The photo shows transparent French curtains, which are the best option for functional decoration of the window above the sink, combined with a window sill.

With a lambrequin or grabs

Short kitchen curtains with a lambrequin will suit any style, if you take into account the accent of shades and the size of the kitchen. Neutral colors and simple grabs made of fabric will be appropriate in a modern interior. Not lush lambrequins of a rigid or soft design will suit the kitchen.

The photo shows short curtains with a grab made of the same material in a rustic style. In a neutral interior, textiles (tablecloth, towels) are the key accent.

Cafe curtains

They differ in shape and the way they are attached to the middle of the window frame. They are suitable for kitchens in country and Provence styles. Most often, they are attached with ties and loops. They can be with two halves or whole. To make the window look high, it is decorated with a lambrequin on top.

Blinds

Suitable for a modern kitchen, the slats can be made of plastic, aluminum, fabric, bamboo, horizontal or vertical.

Pleated blinds

Suitable for non-standard window shapes, consisting of an upper and lower cornice, between which there is a fabric accordion. They can be one-sided or made of materials of different densities.

Methods of fastening to the cornice

The options for fastening short curtains are no different from long ones.

• Fastening on eyelets is suitable for classic curtains of any transparency and looks good in a modern kitchen style. The diameter of the sewn-in rings can be different.
• Short curtains on rings are suitable for a classic kitchen interior. The curtain is attached to a hook, which is fixed to the ring. The rings move freely along the cornice without any extra effort.
• The loops are located at different frequencies, depending on the required drapery and the weight of the fabric. The loops can be the same color as the short curtains, or differ in contrast not only in color, but also in material.

• Ties on curtains can be of different widths. Like loops, they are attached to the curtain rod, but by tying knots or bows. This method is convenient if you frequently wash kitchen curtains.
• The drawstring is suitable for niche windows in the kitchen, for attaching tulle and short curtains. It is distinguished by a small protruding frill of the curtains above the cornice.
• With the help of tape, you can create a dense drapery of fabric. This fastening is suitable for a closed cornice.

Choosing fabric for short curtains

When choosing a fabric, you need to pay attention to the material’s resistance to dirt, fire, and paint quality, since kitchen curtains need to be washed more often than others and it is important that they retain their original appearance. Kitchen textiles should be impregnated with a product that prevents combustion and dust accumulation. Both natural and synthetic fabrics are suitable.

Cotton and linen

Do not accumulate static electricity, look stylish with a simple cut, do not cause allergies. Linen does not require additional decoration, wrinkles easily. Linen with added synthetic fibers is easier to wash, does not wrinkle as much and looks noble.

Cotton holds its shape and color well, and is combined with synthetics. It is used to make chintz translucent short curtains and shiny dense satin curtains.

In the photo Cotton jacquard curtains that tightly cover each window door. This kitchen design helps to regulate lighting and easily open any part of the window separately.

Silk

Short silk curtains do not accumulate dust, drape well, match only with matte furniture, require delicate washing.

Synthetic fabrics

Synthetic curtains for the kitchen dry faster, are more durable, do not fade, do not wrinkle.

• Nylon stretches well, is suitable for tulle, is resistant to dirt.
• Viscose curtains have a silky sheen, form smooth folds, do not electrify. Wash by hand without wringing.
• Acetate does not electrify, holds color well, such curtains have a silky sheen, do not wrinkle much, and are breathable.
• Polyester in its pure form is rare, most often it is a mixture with viscose and lycra. Short curtains made of polyester are durable, dry quickly, do not shrink after washing and do not stretch.

Curtains made of synthetic organza can be iridescent or matte, smooth, crinkled, one- or two-color, with a pattern. This is a durable fabric, does not change shape after washing, is resistant to dirt, lets in light, but does not let in air.

Bamboo

Short bamboo curtains are suitable for the kitchen, they do not absorb odor, retain heat, and are easy to care for with a sponge and soap solution. Non-standard short plastic curtains for the kitchen protect the window from water, cold air, and serve as a partition.

Tulle

The fabric for translucent curtains is made from tulle – threads of different composition and weaving method. Short tulle curtains are washed more often than curtains. To do this, shake off the dust from the tulle and soak it in warm water with detergent. After that, all dirt comes off the fabric easily. If you do not crumple or wring it out, you can dry it on a flat surface instead of ironing it.

Design and color of curtains

Today, you can choose any design of short curtains or make a custom order. Patterned curtains will be a bright accent in a monochromatic kitchen, and patterned curtains can be echoed in tablecloths or napkins.

The color of short curtains should match the kitchen facade, countertop, and work area, but differ by several shades.

• Ivory curtains will suit any color scheme for the kitchen.

• Cold colors such as blue, light blue, violet, lilac are suitable for “hot” kitchens, where you need to protect yourself from the scorching sun. At the same time, the color of the furniture can be any.

• Warm curtains, red, yellow, green, orange, increase appetite, “warm up” a cool kitchen, look good with a neutral furniture set.

Style solution for the kitchen

Modern style

In a modern kitchen interior, rational use of space is valued, so Roman, roller blinds, pleated blinds and blinds will be appropriate here. Mixed and synthetic materials are preferred as fabrics. Classic short curtains are also suitable for a discreet design.

Classic style

Classic kitchen interior is characterized by luxury. This style is best revealed in a medium and large kitchen with a wide window. Short curtains are decorated with a lambrequin or tulle. Here, preference is given to blended and natural fabrics.

Country

Cafe curtains, straight curtains made of linen or cotton with embroidery or print are suitable for the country style. The fabric can be natural or dyed.