Boost Your Kitchen's Cozy Factor with Country Curtains
Country kitchen decor brings to mind a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy farmhouse. From checked tablecloths to antique cupboards, every element works together to create a casual space that feels well-loved and lived-in.
An often overlooked yet integral part of achieving this rustic style is dressing the kitchen windows with pretty country curtains. The right window treatments can provide the perfect finishing touch, bringing sweet floral patterns, gingham checks, handmade charm and a sense of homespun comfort into your kitchen.
Country Kitchen Curtain Patterns
When considering country kitchen curtains, traditional patterns like checks, florals and stripes reign supreme. Let's explore some of the most popular print styles for farmhouse decor.
Checks/Gingham
A check or plaid pattern immediately conjures images of picnic blankets, tablecloths and country charm. Gingham print with its distinctive crisscrossed lines is a perennial favorite for kitchen curtains.
Gingham originated as a striped fabric imported to Europe from Southeast Asia centuries ago. By the 1800s, technological advancements allowed the distinctive checkered patterns to be woven, and gingham grew popular for its durability and affordability.
For country kitchen curtains, larger gingham checks make a particularly bold statement. Hang wide curtain panels in red and white or blue and white to emulate the classic farmhouse tablecloth aesthetic. For a more intimate kitchen, consider smaller scale gingham checks in softer neutral hues.
Florals
Delicate floral prints reflect the patterns seen rambling over cottage garden fences and country meadows. Often depicting roses, violets, daisies and other cottage garden favorites, floral patterns feel right at home in country kitchen decor.
Traditionally styled florals with muted antique color palettes work beautifully for the laidback farmhouse vibe. Pair your floral kitchen curtains with matching teapots, table linens and antique cupboards to complement the overall decor.
As with checks, choose floral prints based on window size. Curtains with large scale florals make more of an impact on expansive windows so the motifs don't get lost. Cluster small paned windows suit smaller floral prints for optimal enhancement of that intimate, cozy charm.
Stripes
Striped fabric lends itself perfectly to accenting country kitchen windows. Thick bands of color embody the nautical New England cottage vibe. Softer tonal stripes in linen or cotton evoke the comforting familiarity of heirloom table linens and handmade patchwork quilts.
Consider vertical stripes to emphasize the height of high ceilings or horizontal bands to widen windows in compact kitchens. Navy offers a classic stripe; experiment with calmer hues like sage green or dove grey for a more relaxed look.
Country Kitchen Curtain Fabrics
Now that we've covered the most popular country style prints, let's discuss suitable fabric choices for your farmhouse kitchen curtains.
Natural Fibers
To best embody the laidback warmth of country decor, choose natural fiber fabrics for your curtains. Natural materials lend themselves beautifully to casual textures and everyday wear-and-tear.
Linen curtains, with their textured, slightly rumpled look capture cozy cottage charm. The natural fibers allow linen to breathe and manage humidity, making these curtains perfect for steamy kitchens.
Similarly, cotton offers durability and a casually rumpled texture that suits relaxed country style interiors. Lightweight cottons keep the temperature comfortable in warmer months.
For a more rustic look, coarse burlap or hessian adds lovely contrasting texture. Burlap naturally repels moisture and insulating properties help retain heat in winter. Mix burlap with smooth cottons and linens in your country kitchen window treatments to create depth through appealing texture contrasts.
When sourcing natural fiber fabrics, consider purchasing from ethical, sustainable businesses. Supporting green manufacturers aligns well with country living's emphasis on protecting the environment.
Texture Layering
Layering different tactile fabrics and accents enhances the depth, dimension and coziness of country kitchen curtains.
Soft muslin or lace overlays contrast beautifully with rougher underlying fabrics. Pair billowy lace tiers over gingham or burlap panels for whimsical flair.
Fabric pairing options abound - blend breezy linens with warming flannel or chunky woven cottons for extra insulation. Contrast matelasse with delicate patterned voile or vintage sheet curtains.
Integrating assorted fabrics strengthens your kitchen curtains' ability to conserve energy. Multiple overlapping layers improve heat retention in chilly months and assist with temperature regulation in balmier weather.
Styling Country Kitchen Curtains
When it comes to styling your country kitchen curtains, tailoring your window treatments to complement both your windows and overall farmhouse decor results in a cohesive finished space.
Mixing and Matching Patterns
Carefully mixing and matching complementary country prints avoids the overmatched patchwork quilt look. Aim for a collected over time appearance.
Build up gradually - start by using solids or subtle ombre accents alongside a dominant floral, check or stripe print. Florals provide a pretty base layer; stripe and check prints make excellent coordinating accents. Consider incorporating all three traditional prints for extra personality.
Limit pattern mixing to three prints and stick to a similar muted color palette for cohesion. Varying scales of similar hues also blends prints seamlessly - combine a large and small scale floral in analogous soft tones.
Drawing the Eye Upwards
Strategically placed country kitchen curtains attractively showcase special architectural kitchen features. Drape floor length floral curtains wider than the window frame to highlight cottage style arched windows to full effect.
Drawing the eye upwards also works beautifully in renovated barns or rooms with exposed wood beam ceilings. Choose vividly hued curtains to define tall angled kitchen windows, emphasizing impressive ceiling height.
Allow panel widths, lengths and slight billowing to direct sightlines through the kitchen, reinforcing the soothing, carefree essence of country living.
Unexpected Places to Add Curtains
Creatively using curtains beyond expected kitchen windows introduces additional country character. Designate a portion of open shelving for dish storage and add a firmly secured delicate Swiss dot curtain for texture. The sheer fabric prevents dust accumulation while retaining items' visibility.
Full height cabinetry and pantries benefit from doors dressed in cheerful check or gingham curtains. Tailor cafe style rod lengths and panels to conveniently access contents while introducing extra country personality.
Curtaining lower backsplash surfaces boosts insulation and prevents cooking splatter accumulations. Opt for easily wipeable oilcloth prints secured discreetly with Velcro or magnets for a practical solution.
Country Curtain Styling Tips
Achieving that cozy farmhouse atmosphere relies on more than just pattern and fabric selection. Utilize these specialty country kitchen curtain styling tricks:
Cafe Style
Cafe curtains only cover the lower half of a window, allowing light to stream through the uncovered upper portion. The shorter style originated in restaurants and bistros, hence the name.
Work well for kitchens as they permit increased visibility and ambient light important for food preparation tasks. Perfect if your decor relies more on upper wood blinds for light control instead of drapes.
Accent with check or floral motifs in cotton, linen or lace. Hang rods at sink, prep or breakfast bar height and top with a cute ruffled valance for extra country personality.
Swags, Jabots and Valances
Elaborate window curtain accessories like swags, jabots and valances inject nostalgic old-world country appeal through softening lines and lavish draping.
A swag comprises bunting-like shaped fabric pieces cascading in an arc from a wall or window frame. Romantically reminiscent of bygone eras, swags impart nostalgic charm.
Jabots form ruffled cascading fabric pieces attached decoratively to valances or curtain tops, much like old fashioned cravat tie scarves.
Valances, the decorative uppermost section crowning the top of a curtain panel add gorgeous finishing flair. Create DIY valances from recycled fabric scraps, lace or vintage scarves.
Tiered and Gathered Curtains
Tiered or ruched gathered curtains made from soft, casual fabrics embody relaxed country style.
The romantic, delicate gathered effect contrasts beautifully with sturdy woodwork, playfully dancing when breezes drift through open windows.
Allowing for billowing fullness also accommodates cottages and farmhouses with irregular windows and ceiling lines markers of buildings' rich heritage and handcrafted beginnings.
Pretty Accents
Don't overlook those all-important finishing touches - details like decorative trim and accessories infuse added whimsy and personality into country kitchen curtain style.
Sweeten hemlines with delicate scalloped crochet edging. Introduce contrasting hues by binding or piping seams in gingham, ticking stripes or burlap.
Clothing windows with lace overlay panels or vintage millinery trims, silk flowers and mismatched glass or ceramic rings imbues quaint heirloom quality and depth.
Country kitchen curtains truly complete the farmhouse kitchen aesthetic. Cheerful check, sweet floral and cozy striped prints in natural fabrics build on the comforting back-to-basics foundation of rural style decor.
Designing your country kitchen curtains to complement both your windows and overall decor results in a relaxed, liveable space. Tailor your patterns, textures and styling details like trims and accessories to reflect the kitchen's atmosphere and your lifestyle.