Selecting Window Treatments for Your Kitchen Design

by Allison Millar
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

New window treatments can dramatically change a room. In the kitchen, look for ways to balance the need for privacy with the potential for soothing views of the outdoors. Also look for colors that will complement your cabinet refacing.

Look at Window Treatment Goals

The key to finding the right window treatments is to analyze your goals. Do you want window treatments that blend with your cabinet refacing style or add an interesting contrast. Consider whether you want:

• Added privacy for your breakfast area.
• Sun-blocking features.
• The drama of floor length drapes for your kitchen.
• Informal country-style caf? curtains to top off your windows.

Popular Window Treatment Styles

The style of window treatment you select should fit the size and shape of your windows and your kitchen design goals. Among the popular window treatment styles are:

• Valances -- which cover the top of the window and typically go down about one-quarter of the window height. They can range from formal to casual and be mounted in several ways. The downside to this window treatment style is that it doesn't provide privacy and light control.
• Shades -- are flexible window treatments because they can be raised and lowered, with some styles allowing you to open the top portion and keep the bottom section in place. One popular shade is the Roman shade that fits flat against the window.
• Curtains -- traditional window treatments that extend to the bottom of the window sill or the floor.
• Shutters -- have horizontal slats that can be opened and closed. This window treatment can be left closed for privacy or opened from each side.
• Blinds -- offer light and privacy control. The slats can be adjusted to change the amount of light coming in.

Buying Window Treatments

Before shopping for window treatments:

• Measure your windows.
• Look on web sites and in catalogs at the various styles.
• Determine a rough budget.
• Plan your color scheme, considering how various colors will look with your cabinet refacing.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement web sites.