What curtains are suitable for a small kitchen?

General recommendations for selection

Window decoration depends not only on the size, but also on the style of the room, your preferences, and the location of the window opening.

• In a small kitchen with low ceilings, choose a ceiling rail: it remains invisible and does not reduce the height of the walls.
• For ceilings of 265 cm and more, both a tire and a tubular cornice for curtains on rings are suitable.
• Floor-length curtains with vertical stripes will help to raise the ceilings; it is better to choose short ones to the windowsill for initially high kitchens.
• Opt for lightweight fabrics over heavy curtains. An exception is southern window openings if the sun bothers you while cooking.
• Discard lambrequins, many folds and other massive decorations. The simpler the curtains for a small kitchen look, the better.
• Pay attention to fabrics treated with Easy Clean impregnation. The dirt-repellent coating guarantees long-term cleanliness and easy cleaning during cleaning.
• Avoid curtain rods that are exactly the width of the window, especially in narrow kitchens. Its width should be at least 1.5 times the window opening, or occupy the entire wall.
• Attach hooks or clamps paired with curtains to give you access to the windowsill while working in the kitchen and not to touch the fabric with dirty hands whenever you need to go to the window.
• Hang tulle and curtains in one line - single-layer designs look better in a small area than multi-level designs.

What are the best curtain options?

The design of curtains for a small kitchen can be varied, it depends on:

• illumination level;
• of what is in the zone (dinner table, sink, plate);
• interior design.

In northern kitchens, transparent light tulle will look best, which at the same time decorate the windows and do not interfere with the penetration of sunlight. The second option is to abandon curtains altogether, this is appropriate in a scandi or loft style.

Advice! It is not necessary to use two curtains that slide apart. Hang one wide curtain and catch it on one side for an unusual asymmetrical design. This option is especially convenient if there is a refrigerator on one side, or a pencil case and access to it cannot be blocked.

The brighter the sun is in the room, the thicker the curtains you can afford. At the same time, it is not necessary to choose curtains as in a theater, you can hang a light gauze that lets light through, and supplement it with one of the options:

• jalousie;
• roller blinds;
• Roman curtains;
• French (marquises);
• Austrian curtains.

The advantages of these designs are not only in the convenient regulation of the light penetration. They also do not take up much space and look compact. If placed under the opening of the countertop, this is one of the best ways to stylishly decorate the window, because you will always have access to the window sill.

Advice! If you are going to use lifting curtain types separately, install them over the window. To complement with tulle, it is better to fix it on the glass itself.

In the photo there are bright curtains with a large print in a bright small kitchen

The second factor is neighborhood. Do not post near the stove (especially gas!) flying long curtains. This is unsafe, because the wind blows them on fire and there will be a fire. Short heavy linens, Austrian curtains or Roman shades in a small kitchen near gas burners will be more appropriate.

Next to the sink (if it is under the window) place waterproof roller blinds or blinds - such materials are not afraid of water and dirt.

And the last important aspect - interior style:

1. Scandinavian. The classic option is the absence of curtains. In northern countries there is almost no sun and residents do not frame their windows with unnecessary partitions. If curtains are needed, choose plain laconic straight curtains made of linen, cotton, light tulle.
2. Loft. Blinds are the most suitable solution. Not necessarily white office ones made of thin metal. Colored or black metal, wood or bamboo are perfect. The use of roller blinds is appropriate.
3. Classical. Curtains are an important decor element, but don't overdo it. Choose models in solid colors or with low-contrast prints. Instead of bulky lambrequins, rely on decorative hooks.
4. Provence. Pastel shades, natural fabrics. In rooms of a small area, a small floral print is allowed. Cafe curtains look cute, but they are more likely to be used as a decor, not serving as a protection from light and nosy neighbors.
5. Minimalism. No flying fabrics or draperies. Your option is white blinds, roller blinds, roman blinds.
6. Eco style. Unusual thread curtains, bamboo rolls or blinds, paper curtains are suitable.

Carefully consider the choice of fastening:

• A ceiling molding creates the feeling of a fabric emerging from the ceiling. Thanks to this effect, the height of the ceilings increases.
• A bar with eyelets or curtains on hinges, ties, can be positioned at any height. It looks more decorative, and in order not to reduce the height of the ceilings, use a minimalist lambrequin over it.

In the photo there are tulles with hooks

What is the best color scheme to use?

A safe tip for a small kitchen - use a light color! It concerns the decoration of walls and ceilings, kitchen units, other furniture and, of course, curtains.

• White. Suitable if you create an interior in a minimalist style or want the window frame to blend in with the walls. White tulle looks great in any design.
• Beige. Creamy warm shades fill the room with light, so they are suitable for northern kitchens. The room will become warmer and more comfortable.
• Grey. Opposite to beige: cools, adds coolness. Ideal for a south-facing kitchen, the space will remain light, but not as bright.
• Pastel. The shades of this range work like gray and beige, depending on the color temperature. Blue, green, lilac cool. Yellow, orange will multiply the sun's rays by two.

Pictured are pastel yellow curtains

As for the dark palette, it is better to refuse it altogether. Dark curtains visually make the kitchen heavier and narrower.

A bright color scheme is acceptable if the rest of the home is neutral and you need an accent.

Advice! In narrow rooms with windows located on the short side opposite the door, bright curtains will help align the geometry of the room.

In the photo there are short curtains to the windowsill

What to consider when choosing a drawing?

Not everyone likes plain light curtains, and if the surroundings are already made in basic shades, I want to add character to a small kitchen. Printed fabrics come to the rescue!

The main requirements for drawings:

• no large patterns;
• no contrasting prints.

Also, do not take fabrics with paintings, such as a panorama of a city, a sandy shore, a dense forest. A repeating medium-sized pattern would be more appropriate.

Small details look proportionate in small kitchen in Khrushchev, visually increase the space, do not attract undue attention.

Main motives:

• flowers and plants;
• abstraction;
• cooking.

Important! Animal prints are too active and aggressive, do not use them in your kitchen.

The photo shows an example of a low-contrast print on fabric

Photo gallery

Small kitchens require a carefully thought-out filling: finishes, furniture and textiles must be selected in such a way as to visually expand the space, not narrow it.