1
Try a Wicker Roman Shade
Abigail Jackson
To complement forest green cabinets, interior designer Anna Applegate hangs a wicker shade on this kitchen’s only window. The natural material brings texture and personality into the space.
Photo by: Abigail Jackson
2
Pull Off a Monochromatic Look
Amy Lamb
For this modern kitchen, Cat Walker Design sticks with an off-white color scheme — from the creamy white cabinets and simple subway tiles to a semi-sheer Roman shade.
Photo by: Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
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3
Charm With Cafe Curtains
Kaitlin Green
Cafe curtains, which are short curtains that cover only a portion of a window, add instant character to this neutral kitchen by Sunday House Design. A sheer fabric allows natural light to enter the space.
Photo by: Kaitlin Green
4
Add a Dose of Texture
Sara Liggoria-Tramp
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5
Decorate With Plaid
Amy Lamb of NativeHouse Photography
6
Take on a DIY Project
Bless’er House
Cafe curtains are surprisingly easy to make, which can be particularly helpful if your window is a unique size. This blogger turns kitchen towels into adorable striped curtains in only 10 minutes (no sewing required).
See more at Bless’er House »
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7
Make It Modern
Amy Lamb
8
Opt for Sheer Fabric
Tidbits & Company
Soft and airy, these sheer cafe curtains allow sunlight to enter this farmhouse kitchen. The gold tension rod pairs well with the gold cabinet hardware and pendant lights.
See more at Tidbits & Company »
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9
Play With Pattern
Annie Schlechter
In an otherwise neutral space, these blue-and-white patterned Roman shades add texture and color. We love that there’s a light fixture above each window for a sense of balance.
Photo by: Annie Schlechter
10
Let in Light
Kara Mercer
Light-filtering shades provide privacy without preventing natural light from entering the kitchen — especially important for illuminating your prep station. Here, Dorling Design Studio contrasts a black window with a crisp white shade.
Photo by: Kara Mercer
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11
Try Beautiful Blue
Thomas Kuch
Take note from Studio Munroe and match your window treatments to the backsplash — bright blue is just one option. For added style, consider a floral pattern.
Photo by: Thomas Kuch
12
Experiment With Subtle Pattern
Annie Garner
Here, designer Maren Baker proves that patterned shades aren’t always a bold choice. This textured print works beautifully with light blue cabinetry and a butcher-block countertop.
Photo by: Annie Garner
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13
Infuse Texture With Rattan
Lance Gerber
To complement this bold kitchen design (notice terracotta-colored upper walls, teal cabinets and geometric backsplash tiles), designer Michelle Bordeau goes for a natural rattan Roman shade.
Photo by: Lance Gerber
14
Create a Focal Point
Lauren Taylor
Use a whimsical pattern to draw attention to the window above the sink. Here, LH.Designs creates contrast with a floral print against white walls and cabinetry.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
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15
Hang a Balloon Shade
Bre Bertolini
Mixing modern with vintage, blogger Bre Bertolini installs an off-white balloon shade to complete the look. Plus, she hangs it slightly higher than the window to make the room feel larger.
SHOP BALLOON SHADE
16
Don’t Cover the Entire Window
Avery Nicole Photography
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17
Consider Floor-Length Curtains
Brigette Muller
If your drapes aren’t over the counter, or too close to a stove, opt for floor-length sheers to cozy up the space. Here, blogger Brigette Muller of @hummusbirrd hangs them from a gold curtain rod.
SHOP FLOOR-LENGTH SHEERS
18
Add an Element of Granny Chic
Lara Kimmerer
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19
Say Yes to Stripes
Adam Macchia
You can’t go wrong with classic stripes, especially if you prefer rustic or farmhouse kitchen design. Here, BHDM Design also uses striped fabric for the bar stool cushions to create balance.
Photo by: Adam Macchia
SHOP STRIPED SHADE
20
Blend Into the Background
Lauren Taylor
Stick with a streamlined design by hanging a solid white Roman shade that matches the walls. Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs suggests settling on the curtains last — once you’ve chosen the cabinet color, counters, backsplash and lighting.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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