14 Creative & Beautiful Kitchen Window Ideas

Whether you need more privacy, want some light control, or want to add a pop of color and texture, want to block out an unsightly view, kitchen window treatments are the perfect finishing touch for a kitchen. From roman curtains to valences and even unique ideas like wreaths and ribbons, here are 14 kitchen window ideas to inspire!

Sometimes, the kitchen window gets lost among the other showstoppers in a kitchen and becomes an afterthought.  But for many homes, the window is paired with the kitchen sink, which means that we spend a lot of time standing there, not only looking at the view outside, but the one inside as well! Taking some time to dress up the kitchen window is a small touch that can change the entire look and feel of the kitchen.  

Decorative fabric curtains – whether valances, cafe curtains, roman shades, etc. – are a quick way to add instant color, texture, and pattern to a room, but there are other fun ways to add interest, too! If you’re willing to think outside the box a bit, one of these alternatives might just be for you!

The kitchen is the heart of the home. And whether you have a large picture window or a small kitchen window, adding a window treatment can serve a variety of purposes. For some, they want privacy and light light contol. For others, privacy might not be a factor and they just want a decorate look. Other treatment ideas sit entirely outside of the window frame so as not to obstruct the view or block the light.  We’ll look at all of the kitchen window design ideas, starting with the most common types: shades and curtains.

1. Woven Wood Shades

Whether bamboo or some other type of woven wood (or even faux wood blinds), these have a traditional and classic look! These woven shades are most often found as inside mount options and are great for privacy, as well as adding some texture to the space.

2. Cafe Curtains

I love the whimsy of this window treatment. As if you’re at a quaint street cafe! Cafe curtains hang from a rod only halfway up the window. This way, they provide some privacy but still allow light to shine in. You can mount a rod to the window or even use a tension rod between the window frames. Using ring clips will allow you to easily move the curtains to the side if you want more light or need to open the window.

Tip: When choosing your fabric, keep your backsplash and countertops in mind. For kitchens that are neutral or without much pattern, you can choose a colored or patterned fabric as an accent. If your kitchen already has a lot of pattern or movement in the countertop or backsplash, stick with a solid fabric for your drape.

3. Roman Shades

These window shades look decorative whether pulled up or let down! Roman shades are great for adding color and pattern while still maintaining privacy!

4. Valence or Cornice

If privacy and light filtering aren’t a concern, you might opt for just a window valence or cornice instead. These look similar to roman shades but aren’t operable. You can mount them inside the frame or even outside if you want to make smaller windows look bigger.

If you’re concerned about kitchen grease or other debris common in the kitchen space, one of the following kitchen window treatment ideas might be more

5. Shutters

Depending on the style you choose, shutters can have a traditional look or a whimsical cottage feel. Make sure you have clearance on the sides of the window to allow you to fully open the shutters should you want.

6. Shelf

When a window doesn’t go all the way to the ceiling, the first thought might be to add a curtain that extends above the window to make the window appear larger,  But if you don’t want to add a curtain, then what?!  The addition of a shelf provides extra storage and display area.   Also, for those who don’t have a view outside that they want to highlight – or perhaps have one they want to hide – a shelf helps to keep the focus inside.

7. Sconces

Sometimes, dressing up the window doesn’t directly involve the window, but rather the window area.  Side sconces add additional light while also adding character and an element of customization to the space.

8. Overhead Lighting

A decorative pendant or unique light fixture can be a beautiful addition to the kitchen.  Not only is it practical, but it also draws the eyes upward and can give the illusion of a larger window or taller ceiling.

9. Ribbon

The addition of a beautiful ribbon to an existing shade or blinds is a simple touch that is easy and inexpensive to do and can be changed out according to your mood, decorating style, or season.

10. Wreath

A boxwood wreath adds a pop of color and a touch of nature and is a simple addition to the window! You can change out the wreath seasonally to help keep the kitchen festive.

11. Awning

This one makes the list since an awning isn’t a traditional curtain window treatment for a kitchen.  This idea is both clever and dramatic! While it doesn’t offer privacy, it definitely makes a statement.

12. Reclaimed Wood

An alternative to a traditional valance or curtain is to use a piece of reclaimed wood stenciled with a message like the ones shown below.

13. Corbels

Decorative corbels add visual interest and character to the space, making a unique statement!  Just like the sconces, the corbels aren’t affixed directly to the window itself, but rather the area surrounding the window.

14. Decorative Accents

You can still dress up the kitchen window even without a window covering. You can place a collection of vases on the window sill, white ironstone, or maybe vintage seltzer bottles. Whatever you use to decorate the window sill, ensure that it is appropriate for the kitchen. I’ve written an entire guide for How to Decorate a Kitchen.

So what do you think of these kitchen window ideas?  Are you more of a traditional kitchen valance person or would you consider one of these alternatives?  Let me know!

More Decorating Ideas:

• 6 Small-Scale ideas for that Empty Corner in the Living Room!
• 28 {Best} Ideas for Decorating Above the Bed
• How to Decorate a Kitchen – Stylish & Practical Ways to Accessorize Your Space
• How to Pull a Room Together
• 28 Creative Decorating Ideas for Tall Walls