Kitchen window treatments? What say you? (ETA:LIP)

[simpsongal]

What are people's opinions on kitchen window treatments? 

I'm debating right now.  DH likes the windows w/o treatments -- he thinks anything else would block the view of the yard.  I just feel like the space needs something else to tie the kitchen in with the family room.  Plus, I'd like to add a pattern to the kitchen.  I think curtains or roman shades might add a nice softness too.

Would curtains the length of the windows look good?  Floor length wouldn't really work (there's a buffet under one of the windows).  I was looking at valances but I'm afraid those will look dated or frumpy (some before and afters seem to start w/valances.....)

Note: We don't need them for privacy or to block sunlight (we get some sun, but not too much to require window treatments)

ETA: I put cheap 84" curtains in an upstairs guest bedroom - hung them high so they're window length when pulled back.  I'm surprised to say, I think they look pretty good.
ETA 2 - Finally a PIP (sorry!) - Excuse the mess in the kitchen.  I'm thinking of painting the walls a bit lighter.  I like some roman shades from pottery barn, but they're a bit pricey.  I'm thinking of buying cheaper canvas ones from Macy's and painting them.

www.imageurlhost.com/images/shf1s6v0tk687f570tu3.jpg
www.imageurlhost.com/images/t4kgdahy8tidem67262.jpg

[mrs.jacinthe]

Can you PIP the windows in question?

[simpsongal]

Hmmm, it's not letting me upload.  It says the forum has exceeded its space limit?

[mrs.jacinthe]

Jan 28, 2013 13:41:22 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Hmmm, it's not letting me upload.  It says the forum has exceeded its space limit?

Yeah, since the forum swap we're WAY over our limit.  Ellie's deleting old uploads, but obviously she's got a lot of deleting to do before we can upload directly again.

Can you use tinypic or another hosting service?

[simpsongal]

Maybe, it's been a while since I used those. That's a shame about the upload issue. Did that happen on TN? Is there a way for the forum to just delete everything that's a certain number of days old?

[mrs.jacinthe]

Jan 28, 2013 13:51:07 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

Maybe, it's been a while since I used those. That's a shame about the upload issue. Did that happen on TN? Is there a way for the forum to just delete everything that's a certain number of days old?

it just happened with the forum switch to the new format.  Apparently the new proboards host server is picky.  As regards autodelete, I don't know if there's a way to do that or not.  I'm asking Ellie.

[munkii]

Tailored valances and cornices can look nice and contemporary; you just have to have the right fabric and pick the right style.

If you don't like those options, I would use a Roman shade, real or faux since it's just for decor purposes. Another option would be cafe curtains like you mentioned, but I think Roman shades would look better.

[Susie]

Jan 28, 2013 13:25:15 GMT -5 simpsongal said:

What are people's opinions on kitchen window treatments? 

That "it depends"?

If the windows are big, roman shades can be pretty.  But I know how gross our kitchen cabinets were before I sanded/primed/painted them, and I do worry a little about textiles near a work area in a kitchen.

If the windows are modestly sized, I think wide open is good, especially if you don't need privacy or to block sunlight.  We put a bamboo roman shade on ours (totally unnecessary for any practical reason) and while I don't think it looks bad, I wouldn't spend the money again.

If you're on the fence, I'd leave them uncovered for a while and see if you get used to it.  Either you will or the need for something will be obvious.

[FoxInFiji]

I love inside mount fabric roman shades in the waterfall style so there is no hanging valance. They can be pricey though so I'm considering DIYing them for our master bedroom (along with drapes) and bathroom.

[ssmjlm]

I think roman shades could work. I'm tempted to do the fake ones though b/c I can't deal with cords b/c the way our bay window is a bit lower.

[simpsongal]

We have cordless roman shades in the family room adjacent to the kitchen. They're off white canvas and cost like $200/each....so maybe I'll think about it a bit longer b/c of budget.

[kaylie]

I absolutely LOVE the shades in that last picture that SBP posted!

I removed the seller's roll up rattan shade when we moved in. Our kitchen window is large, but it's the only source of light so I wanted the whole thing exposed. I might go back and put up new ones after we paint the cabs, but we'll see.

[Ramz-ee]

This is my dining room with a cornice box and widely hung curtains. It really doesn't hide the windows at all.



I also really like the roman shades that were posted above. I think all those options are lovely.

[heliocentric]

All of these options are nice, but I agree with the poster who mentioned dirt issues. The cafe curtain above our sink gets dirty often from things splashing on it. They are easy to throw in the washer, but you can't do that with a shade or blind. Just something to consider.

Depending on your house style, plantation shutters can be nice.

[simpsongal]

Finally PIPed - sorry it took me so long to figure it out. I'm a technophobe.

I'm thinking inside-mount roman shades....