All about curtains for the kitchen

It's no secret that curtains are capable of visually ennobling the interior of any room in the home. With them, the windows become elegant, and the design acquires sophistication. When it comes to choosing models for the kitchen, the layman often thinks that it is almost impossible to choose something practical and at the same time beautiful for her. The material of this article will prove the opposite: we will acquaint the reader with the peculiarities of choosing such curtains, we will lay out the main aspects on the shelves, including the types of curtains for the kitchen, their design options, colors and decoration.

Curtains for the kitchen are interior accessories, they carry practical and decorative load... On the one hand, these are window décor elements, on the other, a method of protection from the sun's rays. They add completeness to any interior, saving windows from loneliness. At the same time, if necessary, they are ready to hide what is happening inside from prying eyes from the street.

Few thought that curtains in the kitchen can also be a way to visually increase the space... In Soviet-style houses, kitchen windows are often small, which causes significant damage to the interior of these rooms. Curtains can visually increase the size of window openings with the right approach to their choice. In addition, these are excellent interior accents that can indicate its belonging to one or another style of interior design.

They can be distinguished from typical curtains for other rooms of the dwelling design, type of cut, method of decoration, length, color... Often they do not tolerate excessive pomp and pretentiousness. This is good for kitchens, because there are usually a lot of small things in sight, thanks to which the illusion of disorder is created.

Models for the kitchen are different, depending on the type of room and the location of the furnishings. The curtains can be the same for all windows or different in length, depending on the location and type of windows. For example, models for windows near which the sink is located are always short. Analogs for guest zones are often long, although they are subject to user safety rules.

They should not interfere with being located in any area of ​​the kitchen or sitting in places, clinging to the dining / work table or the legs of household members. In short, these are curtains that are bought based not only on beauty, but also on practicality in the kitchen. Their task is to unobtrusively emphasize the integrity of the interior design.

Other requirements are imposed on them, for example, they must:

• do not obstruct access to the window for airing the room;
• do not absorb odors and food particles;
• match the interior textiles and color scheme;
• look modern and stylish with seeming simplicity;
• provide for simple cleaning or washing;
• be made from quality materials.

The times when exceptionally simple crocodile curtains were hung on the kitchen windows have sunk into oblivion. Today, in the lines of manufacturers of these products, you can find a lot of options of various cuts and shapes that are perfect for decorating a window opening. In this case, kitchen curtains can be very different:

• symmetrical and asymmetrical;
• single and double;
• from one material and combined;
• light and heavy;
• plain and printed, with a picture or photo printing;
• laconic and creative;
• one-sided and two-sided;
• with manual or mechanical opening and closing;
• on the whole wall, window or several doors of your choice;
• daytime or nighttime.

The choice of the desired option is based on the resource of a particular style of interior design.

This violates the selection rule, because each interior style has its own priorities in the choice of material, color, cut and style of kitchen curtains. For example, some models are designed in the style of the French hinterland, while others are suitable specifically for industrial style panoramic windows.

Still others gravitate towards the palace solemnity of the classical style. Others are laconic and designed for modern style. However, they just go well with most types of curtains up to tulle, together forming a harmonious design of kitchen windows.

Consider several varieties of curtains for the kitchen, which are more capable of decorating the interior of a particular design. The main thing is to look at them with a designer's eye.

These models are considered among the most versatile today. Many people like them for their laconicism and a certain elegance due to the presence of metal rings, through which they are put on the cornice. In terms of design, these curtains are unique: with the usual rectangular shape and light folds, they look elegant in any interior style. In this case, the models can be a single canvas on the window or paired curtains that can be fixed with hooks, if this is conceived by design. Often, the upper part of these products is decorated with a special pattern.

Models can be asymmetrical and even cut, they can be hung on the sides of the tulle with identical eyelets. However, with all desire, they cannot be hung with the smell of one curtain on another. But you can compensate for the disadvantage by ordering a model with it.

These models are essentially an alternative to the eyelet options. They have the same shape and cut. They are also laconic and can decorate the interior of the kitchen without detracting from the practicality and functionality. However, the hinged options are not as versatile: they are designed, rather, for a rustic style (for example, Provence).

Clothespins analogs are more versatile in this regard. They can be hung and decorated in different ways: symmetrically, asymmetrically, with grabs, with the entry of one canvas onto another. They look beautiful in the interior, they can decorate windows in both modern design trends and retro styles. They are made mainly from a loose and lightweight material.

A beautiful name means curtains of short length that do not reach the windowsill. Usually they are hung in the middle of the window on a transverse bar, which is why they only partially close it. In other varieties, the fastening is performed inside the frame almost at the glass sheet, often complementing the curtains with an upper frill.

Depending on the design, the frill is attached to its cornice by means of a drawstring or crocodiles. Other upper elements are attached with special Velcro for the molding.

Often, the cut of the cafe curtains is complemented by wide edging, frills and ruffles, grabs, ribbons. These models are suitable mainly for retro interiors, country and French hinterland style. In modern style, they are inappropriate.

Despite the seeming inappropriateness, these curtains can become a worthy decorative element in the arrangement of the kitchen-living room. However, you need to choose the right model: you should not rely on a complex type of lambrequin. Layering and deliberate pomp have long gone out of fashion. It is necessary to select options with the dosage of the form and type of design.

For example, not so much models with swagas are in fashion, but rather products with a rigid lambrequin shape... It is great if it is decorated with perforation, arched shape and some kind of ornament.

Such curtains are made of material of different density, they can be symmetrical and asymmetrical, as well as combined... But if you want to use two contrasting materials to decorate kitchen windows, you need to do this with a dosage of swags and folds.

Viennese curtains are unique not only in appearance, but also in the way they are transformed. In fact, it is a rectangular canvas with a lifting mechanism and often an electric drive, whereby it is assembled into draped scallops. These products differ from curtains for other rooms in the number of scallops and in the material of manufacture. For example, they can be made of natural textiles with the number of scallops from 1-3 to 5.

Most often, these models differ in length to the window sill and above, which allows them to be supplemented with curtains of a laconic cut. Often they barely cover half of the window, complemented by a lambrequin. These models look most beautiful in the dining or even living area of ​​the kitchen.

These models are often confused with Austrian counterparts. Outwardly, they are really similar, they look like draped scallops. They are made of elastic and pliable material, but if the Austrian curtains are collected in scallops only at the bottom, then the French ones are stitched along the entire length.

Thus, they can be made lush or wavy. Unlike the Austrian modifications, the French curtains are lowered in a semicircle. Visually, they do not break up into separate semicircular segments. Their cut is simpler than the Austrian ones, they are technically versatile for any interior. They are sewn more often from thin and translucent fabric.

English curtains are another type of roll-up curtain. Their basis is a rectangular canvas, due to the rings with cords installed vertically on the seamy side, they are raised to the desired height. Moreover, as a rule, they do not have such lush folds and draperies, as in the French and Austrian varieties.

Such products can decorate not only ordinary, but also arched and bay windows of the kitchen. In this case, the cornice can be attached not only to the ceiling, but also to the window slope or window frame. With the right fabrics, finishes and designs, these models will suit any interior style.

These models on the kitchen windows look not only unusual, but also stylish and creative. They look like sheets of paper, they are stretched and do not change shape even in a draft. These are excellent models, often up to the windowsill, which are convenient to use and can be made of different materials.

They are easy and comfortable to use. These are durable curtains with a sliding panel control system. They move according to the principle of a screen, while the width of the section in some cases can reach 1 m. Unlike many other varieties, not only natural textiles, but also bamboo can be used in the production of Japanese panels.

These curtains are sewn more often from dense textiles (coarse cloth, wool). They look simple, which allows you to refresh them with all kinds of laces and tassels. Models can be hung with a variety of fasteners.

They are characterized by strict shapes, the naturalness of the textiles used, and sometimes a wealth of accessories. Greek curtains are necessarily paired, they are hung symmetrically, they are able to decorate the interior of the kitchen of different areas and degrees of illumination. The products are easy to care for, they are easy to make at home with your own hands.

These roller blinds are truly unique: they are short, barely cover the window, look like a straight sheet and, when closed, roll up onto a special roller. They can have a different type of transformation and attachment. For example, the closer they are attached to the glass, the tighter they adhere to it... Some of them have a cassette, into which textiles are rolled when opened.

If desired, they can decorate the window only partially (certain of its sashes). The models can be single, in addition, 2 cassettes can be attached to one window, opening one of them up and the other down. Blinds are mounted on top of the frame or inside it, the color of the cassette can be the same as the color of the window frame.

These curtains are often confused with blinds, however they have a different way of closing. If roller mechanisms provide for winding material on a shaft, Roman counterparts have a folding type, somewhat similar to blinds. At the same time, they gather in a series of wide folds of the same size and shape. They can be folded both completely and partially, which allows you to vary the degree of illumination of the kitchen at the request of the owners of the house.

They are great for kitchens with a sink located under the window. Roman curtains are compact, look stylish, can be plain and printed, have a strip and a regulating cord. To maintain an even shape, they are equipped with a weighting material at the bottom. They are suitable for any interior style, as they can be combined with universal curtains and tulle.

These models belong to the modern shortened type variants. They look great on kitchen windows, are suitable even for small window openings and can be harmoniously combined with curtains made of different materials. The design of the curtains is a rectangular textile, gathered in folds according to the principle of an accordion. Often these models are mistakenly called Roman, although they have differences.

These are not blinds, but a separate line of curtains, which are made mainly from natural raw materials. They are expensive, they can decorate kitchen windows of various shapes, including options for complex geometry (for example, arched, trapezoidal, round). Roman counterparts gather in folds on the sides and cannot boast of this ability, unlike pleats.

These products can be of different shapes and designs. These are curtains, blinds, double, Roman, roller blinds and even photocurtains. Models are fastened, depending on the variety, to eyelets, rings, hinges, and a shaft.

In fact, these are curtains of any type, made of special textiles, which, on the one hand, let light into the room, and on the other, reliably cover the entire kitchen from prying eyes from the street... The textiles of these curtains are dense, their length is often standard, which is why they are used more for the guest part of the kitchen-living room.

Usually, when choosing a fabric, the buyer tries to give preference to a practical material that is undemanding to care for. The main problem for curtains is splashes, oily stains, soot and specific odors. For this reason, the buyer tries to choose materials that are easy to wash and iron. The correct type of fabric is easier to wash, does not lose shape and color, and has dust-repellent properties.

Among the most demanded raw materials, it is worth noting linen, chintz, silk, satin, nylon, rayon, acetate, polyester, synthetic organza, bamboo and plastic. As for dense materials, they are quite specific and do not always look harmonious in the arrangement of kitchens. However, when choosing one or another textile, you need to take into account the style of interior design.

Linen, cotton, silk and satin curtains, with the right choice of model, are appropriate not only in country, boho, retro and Provence styles, but also in classic style, gravitating towards everything smart. The materials are environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, air and light permeable. However, in addition to the high cost, they are not all machine washable. And also curtains made of natural textiles (especially cotton and linen) are not resistant to fading, as well as to some detergents.

Analogs made of synthetic fabrics are more affordable and less expensive.They are durable, wear-resistant, do not wrinkle, do not shrink when washing, do not fade. However, they attract dust and become electrified.

Bamboo and plastic curtains are eye-catching. At the same time, the former can be used in arranging shabby chic, country, Provence, oriental styles, the latter will look good in modern kitchens.

Textiles for kitchen windows are distinguished by the density and type of weaving of threads.

Today on sale you can find curtains for kitchens:

• nylon;
• satin;
• velvet;
• from a matting;
• tape;
• lace;
• blackout;
• from the header;
• from burlap.

Someone buys a veil and muslin for decorating kitchen windows. However, it is difficult to call muslin a suitable material for decorating kitchen windows. Filament curtains can cling to anything, they get confused during operation. They look beautiful only in pictures.

Color solutions and design of kitchen curtains are subject to different selection criteria. Among the main points, it is worth noting the priorities of color solutions for a particular style. For example, for the Provence style, these are light pastel and bleached colors. Here are appropriate white, light mint, pinkish, pale blue, whitish lavender, pistachio, pearl, creamy, milky, beige shades. A combination of beige with blue, white, lavender, pistachio, pale turquoise color is welcomed.

Traditional prints of this style - light motives of a flower meadow, simple and medium-sized flowers, as well as a cage, a medium-sized strip, sometimes flowers in stripes and polka dots. And striped, and checkered, and floral patterns should be done in muted colors, nothing sharp and acidic is allowed.

Country already needs brightness - despite the light background of the curtains, the patterns on them can be more saturated. The same applies to the decoration of curtains: edging, ruffles, decorative braids, frills can also be bright. It is important to select models in such a way that they reflect the identity of the village house. The style is close to nature, the curtains should be made of natural material, and their design should reflect the characteristic ethnic features of a particular place.

As already mentioned, the background of the curtains should be light, it is important to create the illusion of light and warmth... Prints here can be different, for example, striped, floral and plant, variegated. When you want to choose curtains for the Gzhel style, the choice is obvious. Here you need the basic colors of the style (white and bright cornflower blue), while the drawings can be different (for example, dishes, teapots, flowers, ornaments, floral motifs, white polka dots on a cornflower blue background). The curtains here are certainly two-tone, the infusion of other tones of the palette is not allowed.

Dosing their elegance, you can choose models from monochromatic textiles with a contrasting gilded finish (for example, braid with tassels or fringe, hooks). In addition, this style includes all kinds of monograms that can be taken as a basis when choosing a print for curtains. But if this pattern is already on the wallpaper, it is better to take the curtains in plain colors.

Modern style (e.g. minimalism, hi-tech, brutalism, loft, grunge, fusion) can be used as neutral paints (white, gray, black), and colored... Designers consider beige, creamy, white, pink-purple, pistachio, brick, lemon, gray, gray-beige, wine, muted orange tones to be the best tones of the color palette today.

Sometimes prints are indicated by the texture of the material (for example, it can be a dense pattern on a translucent background, like openwork curtains).

Curtains with photo printing are also in fashion. At the same time, the print is often applied to rectangular canvases of a simple cut, so that in the evening, closing the curtains, immerse the room in a special atmosphere. Depending on the design style, it can be a floral theme or a drawing of a night city drowning in the lights of lanterns. Someone chooses models with fruit prints, others like options with landscapes, still lifes, coffee themes, plants, hieroglyphs.

In some areas of design, prints are not needed at all.

The design of curtains can be very diverse - from simple rectangular canvases to creative models. Kitchen curtains can be:

• laconic rectangular without decor;
• paired rectangular with a pick-up on one side;
• asymmetrical rectangular with a slanting cut of the panel;
• with drapery in the form of a cascade, a semicircle;
• with a soft or hard lambrequin and a laconic curtain;
• with a lambrequin, swagas or perekids and short oblique curtains;
• combined in the form of a duet of short modern curtains and light curtains;
• short double tulle arched or semi-arched type;
• exclusive, made to order according to an individual sketch;
• original with unusual decorative elements, hooks or clamps.

As for decorative elements, even laconic products can have different decor.

For example, the same cafe models can have ruffles at the top, a wide contrasting stripe and an ornament on a specific theme at the bottom.

Other models are decorated not only with ruffles, but also with beautiful fringes with tassels, frills, embroidery, perforation, and beads. Craftswomen sew interesting curtain models, decorating them around the edges with knitted braid and pompoms. The decoration can be a contrasting color, a jabot, a tie, a garter, a magnetic tape, a bow.

The length of the curtains for the kitchen windows depends on their variety. For example, if these are roller blinds (roller blinds), it is selected in two ways based on the type of attachment. If they are attached in front of the frame, the length should correspond to the height from the eaves to the windowsill. When they are fixed near glasses, they are guided by the length and width of the glasses. To calculate the length of the curtains, measure the distance from the eaves or attachment points.

For example, if you need classic curtains from the ceiling with a wall height of 2.47 m, then their length will be 247 cm - 4 cm = 243 cm. To prevent the curtains from touching the window sill, their length should be 1 cm higher. it is measured no more than 10-15 cm.

The location of the kitchen curtains can be different, depending on the type of attachment. For example, if:

• they attach the cornice to the wall, the curtains will cover the frame;
• they are fixed inside the frame almost at the glass, they only cover the glass;
• you need to visually increase the size of the window, the curtains are hung on the entire wall;
• these are bay windows, they are attached to the cornice with bends.

On sale today you can find mini-curtain rods that are great for plastic windows. In addition to them, the cornices can be rod, telescopic, string, profile, baguette, spacer. You can arrange the curtains symmetrically, asymmetrically, draping the fabric.

Straight curtains for arched windows can start below the round dome. If the windows are triangular, here you will have to use 2 cornices with the formation of an angle flush with the peak of the shape. The fabric can be overlapped, it can also be a solid triangular fabric, fixed by means of holders, or sliding trapezoidal curtains.

The skylights are inclined; different types of curtains look good on them. However, in this case, they will have to be fixed not only at the top, but also at the bottom. If possible, you can use horizontal roller shutters that hide the opening and do not fall on the wall space. Japanese panels and blinds equipped with clamps and weights are ideal for such windows.

When the joints are large, each of them can be played with curtains, creating the illusion of separate windows. If the partitions are small, for these sections of the wall it is enough to take a fabric of a darker color.

Corner windows need to accentuate the corner. You can make the corner an accent of the curtain composition; here you can hang curtains gathered in the middle. Moreover, their length may be shorter than the main curtains. It is necessary to place curtains on such windows by means of cornices connected at the joints. These are not flexible profiles used for bay windows, nor are they separate sticks.

Having dealt with the varieties and materials of curtains for the kitchen, you can go to the store. And before that, you should arm yourself with valuable expert advice.

• Decide on the type of curtains based on the characteristics of the interior. Choose the shape based on the interior composition of your kitchen.
• The color scheme should be consonant: you need curtains in a uniform color key.
• Pay attention to the type of attachment, decide how you want to hang the curtains (on the ceiling cornice, Velcro, wall cornice, open, closed).
• Pay attention to the interior: the higher its pretentiousness, the higher the status of the models.
• The architecture of the room also matters.: simple models are taken to an ordinary apartment with a simple interior. Special ones are selected for the bay window.
• Consideration of the usable area is important: the smaller it is, the simpler the design. For a small kitchen, short curtains such as roller blinds, pleated, Roman curtains are needed.
• If the curtains are taken to hide the room from the sun, the type of material must be opaque.
• Cozy curtains - those that do not stand out from the general concept of stylistics, do not interrupt attention, but are harmonious with every element of the arrangement.
• Patterned curtains suitable for interior decoration when there is little print in it. Variegated flowers can simplify even a sophisticated style.
• Long curtains good in kitchens-living rooms, short ones are more suitable for the work area.

Decorate kitchen windows with curtains can be done in different ways:

• by hanging one canvas with folds on each window;
• by hanging paired curtains with symmetrical hooks;
• having thrown over the cornice to form scallops;
• fixing in the middle with an hourglass tie;
• hanging overlapped with the entry of one panel onto another;
• collecting curtains with bows or voluminous hair ties;
• using accent decor (for example, curtain beetles and butterflies);
• gathering in the middle with the help of special decorative pins;
• without touching one side and draping the other.

Design ideas depend on the flight of imagination and design approach. Curtains designed with these criteria in mind will look stylish and effective in the interior of any kitchen.

How to choose curtains for the kitchen, see below.