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10 Winning Kitchen Window Treatment Ideas

By: Amanda Lecky

Whether you need more privacy, want light control or just want to enhance the look of your workspace, window treatments are a pretty and practical addition to your kitchen. Get inspired by these 10 stylish shades and valances.

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Photo: Calico

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Twice as Nice

For the ultimate in flexibility, consider shades that can be raised and lowered from the top or bottom as needed. “These simple and sleek shades by Kirsch can drop down from the top or raised up from the bottom to allow you to control the view or the sunlight as needed," says the retailer.

Photo: Jim Schmid Photography; Design By: Teri Thomas, Teri Thomas Interiors

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Layered Effect

To create a tailored look in a simple, monochromatic kitchen, designer Teri Thomas chose a valance and Roman shade in the same fabric. She used a custom-printed fabric from Galbraith and Paul for both the shade and its box-pleated topper, says contractor Duane Johns of Advanced Renovations.

Photo: Calico

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Pretty Pattern

In a kitchen with simple style and a mostly white color palette, a splash of pattern can add personality. "Help frame a beautiful view with a valance mounted above the window. This ikat-patterned fabric, Bansuri in Slate, has a rich neutral that adds interest to the solid white cabinets," says the manufacturer.

Photo: Smith & Noble

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Light and Lively

Window treatments not only add softness and style, but also control light, protecting interior furnishings and materials from damaging UV rays. “Flat Roman fabric shades from Smith & Noble are available with a privacy lining that offers sun protection,” says Kara Roberts, Director of Merchandising for the company. Shown here is a Flat Roman Fabric Shade in Samara/Stone with privacy lining.

Photo: Phillip Ennis; Design By: Robin Baron, Robin Baron Design

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Formal Effect

Designer Robin Baron gave this elegant country kitchen the perfect finishing touch with an ornate scalloped valance above the sink. “I always say ‘great design is in the details’ and this beautiful valance is a perfect example,” says Baron. “I used the detail of iron hooks to create the dramatic pleating in lieu of a traditional pole and embellished the classic linen floral fabric with tassel trim, and matching tape, giving weight and importance to this country-inspired valance.”

Photo: Laura Hull; Design By: Annette English, Annette English & Associates

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Barely There

If you want to filter light and soften the look of your kitchen window – but don’t want anything heavy or opaque, consider using a fabric with a loose weave, such as linen, for example. Here, designer Annette English complemented the otherwise pared-down look of the space with lightly textured material from Dan Marty Fabric.

Photo: Kelly Horkoff of K West Images; Design By: Karen Sealy, Sealy Design Inc.

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Tailored Alternative

“When planning a kitchen layout, placing the sink under a window is a great option,” says designer Karen Sealy. “Having a nice view can make washing the dishes or prepping food more enjoyable.” In this space she specified shutters to complete the room’s transitional style. “Using shutters is a low-maintenance alternative to drapery that still controls light levels and views,” she says.

Photo: Anthony Hall; Design By: Marvin Daniel and Brian Pilgrim, KDW Home

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French Accent

When they remodeled an older family home with French architectural details, kitchen designers Marvin Daniel and Brian Pilgrim of KDW Home wanted to give it an open and airy look that still felt in keeping with the style of the home. Roman shades in a French provincial fabric added just the Old World accent the updated space required.

Photo: Smith & Noble

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Exotic Element

“Fabric shades are like great art: They transform a space and its inhabitants,” says Kara Roberts, Director of Merchandising for Smith & Noble, the manufacturer of the Moroccan-style shades shown here. Flat Roman shades fold up at the top when fully raised and lie flat when lowered, creating a low profile look that works with a wide range of fabrics and prints.

Photo: Calico

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Coordinated Charm

Fabric-based window treatments are a great way to balance all the hard surfaces in the kitchen while also adding pattern and color. This custom arched shade can raise and lower to control sunlight and privacy. “Whether up or down, the shade keeps the kitchen feeling sunny with splashes of yellow from this Thom Filicia fabric, Prospect in Shadow,” says the manufacturer. Continue the look by using fabric in places like lampshades (see the shades on the wall sconces), barstools, chairs and even Fido's bed.

10 Winning Kitchen Window Treatment Ideas

Twice as Nice

Layered Effect

Pretty Pattern

Light and Lively

Formal Effect

Barely There

Tailored Alternative

French Accent

Exotic Element

Coordinated Charm

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