Choosing curtains or valances for your kitchen can be difficult, as there are hundreds of options available. To help narrow down your options, consider how much light you'd like your kitchen to receive during the day, the amount of privacy you desire, how much you'd like to spend and the overall style of your kitchen.
If your kitchen receives little light throughout the day, it would be best to choose curtains and valances made of an airy, sheer fabric. These are less expensive than heavier curtains and allow light to enter your windows without compromising privacy. On the other hand, if your kitchen receives blinding sunlight during the day, consider heavier curtains made of durable cotton or polyester. In addition to blocking light, these types of curtains also keep your energy costs low.
Privacy is a valid concern, especially for those living in crowded urban areas. Curtains and valances can be a great way to bring more privacy to your kitchen, but you don't have to sacrifice light. Consider half-length cafe curtains, which leave the top half of the window exposed and block out only the harshest rays of sunlight. If you're less concerned about privacy, think about decorating your windows with a valance alone.
The style of your kitchen should also influence your curtain and valance choices. If your home features a vintage kitchen with wood cabinets, consider playing up its rustic country vibe by purchasing shabby chic curtains in materials like cotton or lace. Or, if your modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite galore, consider flat roll-down panel curtains for a more polished look. Patterned curtains are often an appropriate choice for the kitchen, and you can even use them to build a theme for your decor—animals and fruits and vegetables are always great choices for this space.