Kitchen design
Kitchen Window Ideas: Café Curtains, Blinds and Shutters
What works at a kitchen window, especially above the sink or near the hob, and how each option handles steam and splashes.
Kitchen windows have to cope with steam, splashes and cooking smells, and they are often above the sink where you need light most. The best dressing lets light in and still gives some privacy.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Options compared
| Option | Light | Privacy | Steam and splashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café curtain (lower half only) | High | Good at eye level | Fabric; wash often |
| Roller blind | Adjustable | Good | Choose a wipeable or moisture-resistant fabric |
| Roman blind | Adjustable | Good | Fabric folds catch grease; better away from the hob |
| Wooden or faux-wood shutters | Adjustable | Very good | Faux wood or painted finish copes best with steam |
| Frosted or privacy film | High | Good | Wipes clean; no fabric at all |
Safety near the hob
Keep curtains and fabric blinds well away from the hob so they cannot blow into a flame or touch hot pans. Next to a cooker, a film, shutter or wipe-clean roller blind is the safer choice.
Making the most of the sill
A sunny sill is ideal for a windowsill herb garden. A gingham or linen café curtain matches cotton tea towels for a country cottage look.
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