Curtains That Make Your Kitchen Sink Window Shine
The kitchen sink window often goes overlooked when it comes to decorating, but it deserves just as much love and attention as the rest of the kitchen. After all, the sink window is front and center above your workspace while washing dishes and preparing meals. Choosing the right curtains to adorn your kitchen sink window can take it from drab to fab in an instant, adding intrigue, color, texture, and personality to this focal area.
Whether your goal is to filter light, enhance privacy, or simply dress up the space, finding that perfect set of sink curtains can elevate the whole kitchen. Here, we'll explore why your sink window merits special consideration, the functionality to look for, and the most stylish curtains to make your kitchen shine.
Why Pay Special Attention to Your Kitchen Sink Window?
The kitchen sink window commands attention since it's situated right in your line of sight as you wash dishes and prepare food. This prime placement above the sink provides a great opportunity to inject color, texture, and your unique taste into the space. Your sink curtains also control how much natural light streams in, views to the outdoors, and the privacy level in your kitchen. For these reasons, it pays to give some extra thought to selecting the right window treatment.
It's a Focal Point While Washing Dishes and Cooking
Think about how often you stand at the sink washing dishes, filling pots with water, or preparing ingredients. This stretch of counter and sink area becomes your work zone. Since your eyes will constantly gravitate to the window overhead, the curtains you choose make a statement and become a focal point.
Opportunity for Extra Style and Personality
The sink window provides a perfect opportunity to layer in more color, texture, and style. Many homeowners use the sink window treatments to complement the existing kitchen decor or go in a totally different direction for contrast. Either approach can infuse personality and visual interest into the kitchen.
Controls Privacy, Light, and Views
Depending on the size, placement, and curtains at your sink window, you can control the privacy level, natural light, and outdoor views. Sheer curtains still let in light while obscuring the view, whereas thicker, opaque curtains provide full privacy. Consider your needs and weigh all the factors as you choose sink window curtains.
Consider the Functionality You Want
Before falling in love with a particular curtain style, first consider the functional factors that matter most for your kitchen. This helps narrow down the options and focus on curtains that meet your needs.
Light and Privacy Control
Think about your privacy needs and how much natural light you want filtering in. Do you need blackout curtains to darken a brightly lit kitchen at certain times? Or do you prefer sheer panels that don't obstruct the outward views? Many curtain fabrics and linings offer sheer, opaque, and even blackout options to customize light control.
Hint: Be aware that blackout curtain panels can look heavy and dominate the windows, so also consider light-filtering options to preserve views and brightness.
Easy Maintenance
Kitchen curtains get more wear and tear than other rooms, so easy care is key. Look for machine washable fabrics that won't fade, shrink, or warp in the laundry. Stain-resistant curtains that tolerate splashes and spills are also sensible for kitchen windows. Low maintenance curtains stay looking fresh longer.
Style Versatility
Select curtains that you can dress up for seasons, holidays, or a simple decor change. Styles like grommet-top panels make it easy to switch out curtains. Opt for classics over trends to transition your curtains as your style evolves. Versatile sink window curtains inject personality without a big commitment.
Compare Different Curtain Styles and Materials
With so many options on the market, it helps to compare the most popular kitchen curtain styles and materials side-by-side. Consider the pros and cons of each to determine what best suits your needs and kitchen design.
Rod-Pocket Curtains
Description: Basic curtains with a pocket sewn into the top that slide onto a curtain rod. These are often more informal and casual.
Pros: Affordable, easy to install, wide variety of patterns and colors. Easier to wash than curtain panels.
Cons: Less formal looking without the crisp shaping of tailored panels. Limited insulation and light blocking ability.
Best fabrics: Cotton, linen, poly-cotton blends, polyester
Roman Shades
Description: Shades that lift up into soft folds when raised, offering adjustable privacy and light control.
Pros: Softer look than many shades, controls views and light well, available in many materials and styles.
Cons: Can be pricier than basic curtains, folds may collect dust.
Best fabrics: Natural fabrics like linen, bamboo, jute, woven woods
Roller and Woven Wood Blinds
Description: Blinds with horizontal slats that raise and lower to control light and privacy. Mounted on a roll-up mechanism.
Pros: Streamlined and tailored look, effective light and privacy control, easy pull-down operation.
Cons: Can be noisy with plastic slats, not as softening as curtains.
Best materials: Vinyl, woods like basswood or bamboo, even sustainable woods and recyclable materials.
Venetian Blinds
Description: Horizontal slats that adjust by rotating to filter light and air.
Pros: Provides flexibility over light control. Aluminum slats are durable and easy to clean.
Cons: Not as insulating or blocking as other window treatments. Slat angle may need frequent adjusting.
Best materials: Aluminum, vinyl, or wood slat materials.
Tips for Measuring and Hanging Your Sink Window Curtains
Installing your sink window curtains correctly makes a big difference in how they look and function over time. Follow these tips for seamlessly measuring, purchasing, and hanging curtains:
Measure Carefully
Precise measurements ensure proper fit. Measure the exact width from wall edges and height from above the window frame to where you want curtains to fall. Include the window sill if you prefer curtains to puddle on the sill. Know your measurements when ordering curtains.
Consider Height and Length
Standard curtain lengths range from 60 to 120 inches long, with most sink curtains falling to the counter or floor. Measure the exact window height and buy longer panels than the frame height if preferred. You can always hem long curtains, but too short won't work.
Choose Proper Curtain Rod and Hardware
Select a sturdy metal rod in the appropriate length and diameter for your curtains. Stick with simple finials that complement your kitchen. Ensure all necessary mounting hardware is included for secure installation.
Mount Into Window Framing for Security
For safety and stability, always mount curtain rods securely into studs or window framing, not just drywall. This keeps the rod and curtains from falling under their weight. Use anchors designed for windows to reinforce the mount.
Style Your New Sink Window Curtains
The final step is styling your stunning new curtains above the sink. Whether you want to complement or contrast your kitchen decor, there are endless possibilities to showcase your personal taste.
Tie in With Existing Kitchen Decor
Pick up some colors, patterns, or textures already present in your kitchen backsplash, flooring, counters or cabinets. This creates a coordinated, pulled-together look. Try echoing your kitchen tile pattern in the curtains for a cohesive feel.
Contrast With Kitchen Decor for Accent
Alternatively, intentionally contrast your sink curtains from the rest of the kitchen for dramatic effect. Bright crimson curtains against a neutral white kitchen make the window pop. Just be sure to tie in some coordinating details, like hardware finishes.
Coordinate With Window Treatments in Other Rooms
Maintain a continuous feel by using sink curtains that complement window treatments in adjacent rooms. Coordinate colors, materials, and styles for a seamless flow from the kitchen through the home.
The sink window often gets overlooked, but choosing the right curtains can make a statement and bring your kitchen to life. Assess your needs for privacy, light, and convenience before selecting from stylish curtain options. Measure carefully for the best fit. And don't be afraid to use your sink curtains as an opportunity for creativity and self-expression through color, texture, and design.
The sink window can become a beautiful focal point with the right curtains. So go ahead and dress up your sink window with curtains that reflect your personal tastes and needs. Then stand back and let the compliments on your kitchen roll in!