Kitchen Curtains - How to Choose and Buy

So you decided it's time to redecorate your kitchen. But maybe you want to go for a full-blown remodel, he does want to spruce things up. What better way to start than by putting up a new set of kitchen curtains? Whether you're going to do something as simple as country kitchen curtains on a single rod, or a more complicated setup involving lots of trim pieces like kitchen curtains and valences, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First remember these are going into the kitchen. Unless you are one of those people who never ever eat fried foods, and you never ever make a mistake and burn something, you have to take into account the fact that at some point there will be odors for the curtains to absorb. In my kitchen, it's garlic. No I'm not afraid of vampires, I just like the garlic.

Another thing you can do in addition to new window treatments is to invest in some new kitchen gadgets. If you do, think about the appearance of them, and see if you can make them match. Maybe you can add an electric coffee grinder, or a magnetic knife rack. Just try to come up with something that fits the overall theme.

The type of kitchen window curtains you choose is going to depend on how you already have your kitchen decorated as well as the shape and size of your windows. I want to steer you away from doing your kitchen in all roosters, or all chickens or all zombies. While some people think that there is a sort of a kitschy country feel to kitchen done this way, it has just been done too many times and really girl, it’s tired.

Okay, so far we know that we want the curtains to be washable, and permanent press if that's possible. We also know that we don't want a kitchen full of freaking roosters. What else do we need to think about?

Well, for starters what's the light like coming into your kitchen? Would there be an advantage to having a thicker heavier material to block access sunlight and heat? It's not something most people think of but there may be an advantage for you and having thermal or thermal lined curtains in your kitchen.

You also want to consider the placement of your appliances and your sink. Make sure that when you install your curtains they are easily adjustable and that you can open and close them without reaching over a hot stove or a sink full of dirty dishes. If the latter is the case, eventually her husband's tie will fall into the dirty sink as he is attempting to close the kitchen curtain for the evening. He won't be happy.

You will also, of course, want to consider price. I would advise you not to skimp. Cheap curtains look just like that -- like cheap window curtains. As George Carlin once said, you can spray paint a turd pink and glue it to a popsicle stick, but it’s still a turd. Cheap curtains and the cheap tablecloth you will no doubt buy to go with them would destroy the look of your carefully planned kitchen.

Go ahead and spend a little money -- get quality fabric, and a beautiful, colorful pattern. Don't skimp on the accessories either. If those cute little curtains that you've chosen look as if they really should have matching tiebacks, go ahead, spend the money, and get them.

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The hardware is also important. Make sure that it matches not only the curtains (which is something everybody remembers) but also the rest of the hardware in your kitchen (which is something everybody forgets).

Your beautiful gingham kitchen curtains are going to look ridiculous on the ornate brass curtain rod when your cabinets all have modern stainless steel hardware. Remember, we are going for an integrated look here. Your kitchen curtains are supposed to add to an already cohesive decorating scheme, not take off in a direction all their own.

I hope the tips I've given you above will help you make a proper selection for a new kitchen window treatment. I'm sure you've noticed that I am not coming down on the side of solid fabric versus patterned curtains or anything else. Those issues are besides the point.

Just take your time, don't be rushed, and make sure everything matches when you're finished -- you'll be happy with your purchase and your friends and family will be happy to spend time in your kitchen.