Kitchen Curtain Ideas Above Sink 11 Fresh Styles For 2025

Q: What style of curtains is best for a kitchen?

The best curtain styles for a kitchen are practical and stylish. Cafe curtains are excellent for balancing privacy and light. Roman shades offer a clean, modern look with full privacy. Valances add a decorative touch without covering the window. For all styles, choose moisture-resistant and easily washable fabrics.

Q: How do you dress a kitchen window above the sink?

Dress a kitchen window above the sink by choosing a treatment that won't interfere with the faucet or get splashed easily. Short options like cafe curtains, valances, or shades (Roman or roller) are ideal. Use a tension rod for a no-drill solution on tiled walls and select fabrics that are simple to clean.

Q: Do people still use kitchen curtains?

Yes, kitchen curtains are definitely still in style and are seeing a major resurgence. Modern interpretations focus on clean lines and functional fabrics. Styles like cafe curtains, simple valances, and fabric Roman shades are very popular in 2025 for adding softness, color, and personality to kitchen spaces.

Q: How do you hang curtains over a kitchen sink?

For a damage-free method, use a tension rod inside the window frame. For a more permanent solution, install a small decorative curtain rod with brackets mounted to the wall or window trim above the frame. Ensure the rod and curtains are high enough to clear the faucet and any items on the windowsill.

That bare window staring back at you from above the kitchen sink—does it feel a little… exposed? It’s a classic kitchen dilemma. You love the bright, natural light flooding in while you wash dishes, but in the evenings, it can feel like a black mirror to the outside world. Finding the right balance between style, privacy, and practicality for this high-traffic spot is a common decorating challenge.

You need a solution that adds a touch of personality and coziness without blocking that precious daylight. You want something that can handle a few splashes from the faucet but also elevates the entire look of your kitchen. It’s about making the space feel finished and thoughtfully designed, turning a functional area into a beautiful focal point.

The best solution is a window treatment that balances light, privacy, and practicality. Styles like cafe curtains, sleek Roman shades, and simple valances are popular choices because they add softness and character without getting in the way of the faucet or collecting moisture. We’ve curated 11 fresh, stylish, and practical kitchen curtain ideas that solve this exact problem.

Contents show

Feeling Exposed? How to Add Privacy & Style Above Your Kitchen Sink

The best curtains for a kitchen window above the sink balance light, privacy, and practicality. Styles like cafe curtains, valances, and Roman shades are popular because they add softness and style without getting in the way of the faucet or collecting splashes. This common decorating challenge is all about finding a solution that makes your kitchen feel both cozy and stylish, without blocking the essential daylight you need for daily tasks. It’s the perfect opportunity to add a touch of personality to one of the most used areas of your home. Acknowledging the need for a “finished” look while maintaining function is the key to choosing the right window treatment. We’re here to deliver 11 fresh, practical, and stylish solutions that solve this exact problem, based on real-world experience and design know-how.

11 Fresh Kitchen Curtain Ideas Above the Sink for 2025

For 2025, the best kitchen curtain ideas above the sink are a curated mix of classic farmhouse styles, sleek modern options, and clever DIY solutions. This list includes timeless cafe curtains, elegant Roman shades, no-drill tension rod setups, and even bold patterns to showcase your personality. Each idea is chosen based on current design trends, practical kitchen needs like washability and moisture resistance, and real homeowner feedback to ensure you find the perfect fit for your space.

1. The Classic Cafe Curtain: For Privacy & Light

The best way to get both privacy and light is with classic cafe curtains that cover the lower half of the window, leaving the top half exposed for sunlight. This timeless look adds a cozy, farmhouse touch and is incredibly easy to install, especially with a tension rod.

Materials Needed: 1 pair of cafe curtains, 1 adjustable tension rod.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Measure the inside width of your window frame.
2. Choose a tension rod that fits within your measurement range.
3. Select cafe curtains that are 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window for a full look.
4. Decide on the height—typically covering the bottom half or third of the window, often aligning with a sash.
5. Slide the curtains onto the rod.
6. Compress the tension rod and fit it snugly inside the window frame at your desired height.

Pro-Tip: For kitchens, choose a lightweight cotton or linen-blend fabric that is machine washable. This makes dealing with inevitable kitchen grease and splashes much easier.

Love this timeless look? Pin it to your ‘Farmhouse Kitchen’ board!

2. The Sleek Roman Shade: For a Clean, Modern Look

A cordless Roman shade offers a tailored, modern aesthetic with excellent light control and full privacy when needed. Mounted inside the window frame, it provides a clean, uncluttered look that is perfect for contemporary or minimalist kitchens.

Materials Needed: 1 custom-sized Roman shade (cordless recommended), mounting brackets, drill, measuring tape.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Carefully measure the inside height and width of your window frame in three places (top, middle, bottom). Use the smallest measurement for ordering.
2. Once your shade arrives, hold the headrail in place and mark where the brackets will go. Ensure it’s level.
3. Drill pilot holes for the bracket screws.
4. Screw the mounting brackets securely into the top of the window frame.
5. Snap the headrail of the Roman shade into the brackets until it clicks firmly into place.
6. Test the cordless mechanism by gently pulling and pushing the bottom rail.

Pro-Tip: Invest in a “top-down/bottom-up” Roman shade. This gives you the best of both worlds: you can lower the top for light and a view of the sky while keeping the bottom closed for privacy.

Click to save this modern kitchen window idea for later!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/chic-abovethesink-curtain-ideas-to-elevate-your-kitchen-video-in-2024–988610555690277652/

3. Airy Sheer Curtains: To Soften the View

To add a soft, decorative layer, use lightweight sheer curtains to diffuse harsh sunlight without sacrificing brightness or the view. This approach adds an ethereal, delicate touch to the kitchen, making the space feel more open and airy.

Materials Needed: 1-2 sheer curtain panels, 1 thin curtain rod with brackets, drill, measuring tape.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Decide whether to mount the rod inside or outside the window frame. For an airy look, mounting it a few inches above and outside the frame works well.
2. Measure and mark the placement for your brackets, ensuring they are level.
3. Drill pilot holes and screw the brackets into the wall.
4. Thread the sheer curtain panel(s) onto the rod.
5. Place the rod onto the brackets and secure it.
6. Adjust the gathers of the curtain for an even, soft look.

Pro-Tip: Choose sheer curtains that are slightly longer than the window to “puddle” on the countertop for a romantic, high-end designer look. Just be mindful of water splashes.

Pin this dreamy, light-filled look to your ‘Kitchen Inspo’ board!

4. The Simple Fabric Valance: A Pop of Color

A fabric valance is the perfect way to add a decorative splash of color or pattern to the top of a window without covering the glass. It acts as a finishing touch, framing the window and tying the room’s color scheme together.

Materials Needed: 1 fabric valance, 1 short curtain rod or valance rod, brackets, drill.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Mount a short curtain rod a few inches above the window frame. The rod should be slightly wider than the frame itself.
2. Follow the instructions for installing the brackets that come with your rod.
3. Choose a valance that complements your kitchen’s color scheme. A flat-panel valance offers a modern look, while a gathered one is more traditional.
4. Slide the valance onto the rod through the rod pocket.
5. Place the rod on the brackets and arrange the fabric evenly.

Pro-Tip: To make a small window appear larger, mount the valance rod 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend it 3-4 inches on each side. This tricks the eye into seeing a taller, wider window.

Need a pop of color? Save this valance idea now!

5. Bold Patterns to Show Your Personality

Use a boldly patterned fabric in a Roman shade or cafe curtain to inject personality and create a dynamic focal point in your kitchen. This is an excellent way to introduce color and visual interest, especially in an otherwise neutral space.

Materials Needed: Your chosen style of curtain (e.g., Roman shade, cafe curtains) in a bold pattern, appropriate mounting hardware.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Identify a dominant color in your kitchen that you’d like to highlight (e.g., from an appliance, backsplash, or decor).
2. Choose a patterned fabric that incorporates this color. For small windows, smaller-scale patterns often work best to avoid overwhelming the space.
3. Decide on the curtain style. A flat Roman shade is excellent for showcasing a large-scale pattern, while cafe curtains work well for repetitive patterns.
4. Install the curtain or shade using the method appropriate for its style (see tips #1 and #2).
5. Step back and ensure the pattern feels balanced with the rest of your kitchen decor.

Pro-Tip: When using a bold pattern, keep the other elements around the window simple. Let the curtain be the star of the show. Avoid cluttering the windowsill with too many objects.

Ready to be bold? Pin this pattern inspiration!

6. Cozy Farmhouse Charm with Gingham

For a classic farmhouse or country look, hang simple gingham cafe curtains in a traditional color like black-and-white or red-and-white. This pattern instantly adds a layer of cozy, rustic charm and nostalgic appeal to the heart of the home.

Materials Needed: Gingham cafe curtains or valance, black or oil-rubbed bronze tension rod, measuring tape.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Choose a classic gingham color like black-and-white or red-and-white to match a farmhouse aesthetic.
2. Opt for cafe-style curtains that cover the bottom half of the window. For an even more layered look, add a matching valance at the top.
3. Select a simple, dark-colored tension rod or a decorative rod with simple finials.
4. Install the tension rod inside the window frame.
5. Hang the curtains, ensuring the checks align neatly.

Lesson Learned: While classic, a bold gingham can sometimes feel busy. If you have a lot of other patterns in your kitchen, consider a gingham with a larger check pattern or in a more muted color to avoid visual clutter.

Save this perfect farmhouse idea to your ‘Country Living’ board!

7. The Ultimate Minimalist: A Simple Roller Shade

The most simple and unobtrusive window covering is a light-filtering roller shade made from an easy-to-clean performance fabric. It offers a clean, minimalist look that provides privacy and reduces glare, then virtually disappears when rolled up.

Materials Needed: Custom-sized roller shade, brackets, drill, level.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Measure for an inside mount for the cleanest look.
2. Choose a light-filtering fabric to reduce glare while keeping the room bright. Many modern roller shades come in performance fabrics that are easy to wipe clean.
3. Install the brackets at the top corners inside your window frame, ensuring they are level.
4. Snap the roller shade cassette into the brackets.
5. If it has a chain, install the child-safety tension device to the side of the window frame.

Pro-Tip: Look for roller shades made from “solar screen” material. They block UV rays and reduce heat gain while still allowing you to see the view outside, making them incredibly practical for sunny kitchens.

Love minimalism? Pin this sleek and simple solution!

8. The No-Drill Tension Rod Solution

The perfect no-drill solution is to use an adjustable spring-loaded tension rod to hang lightweight curtains inside the window frame. This damage-free method is ideal for renters or for hanging curtains against a tile backsplash where drilling isn’t an option.

Materials Needed: 1 adjustable tension rod, lightweight curtains (cafe or single sheer panel).
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Measure the interior width of the window frame. Purchase a tension rod that includes your measurement in its adjustable range (e.g., a 28″-48″ rod for a 35″ window).
2. Unscrew the rod to extend it to be about 1 inch wider than your window frame.
3. Thread your lightweight curtain panel onto the rod.
4. Holding the curtain in place, compress the rod by pushing the ends together.
5. Fit one end into the corner of the window frame, then let the other end expand into the opposite corner. The spring inside will hold it securely in place.

Pro-Tip: Tension rods work best with lightweight fabrics. Avoid heavy or lined curtains, as their weight can cause the rod to slip over time, especially in a humid kitchen environment.

Renting? Pin this damage-free curtain hack!

9. Bohemian Vibe with a Macrame Valance

Add a unique, handcrafted element by hanging a macrame valance made from natural cotton cord. This adds incredible texture and a bohemian, crafty vibe, acting as a piece of art for your window rather than just a simple covering.

Materials Needed: 1 macrame valance, 1 small curtain rod or wooden dowel, 2 cup hooks or small brackets.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Find or create a macrame valance that is slightly wider than your window.
2. Instead of a traditional curtain rod, use a simple wooden dowel or even a smooth, clean tree branch for an authentic boho look.
3. Screw two small cup hooks into the top of the window frame or the wall just above it, spaced to hold your dowel.
4. Loop the macrame valance onto the dowel.
5. Rest the dowel on the hooks.

Pro-Tip: Macrame can collect dust and kitchen grease. To clean, gently hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, roll it in a towel to absorb excess water, and hang it back up to air dry.

Get the boho look! Save this macrame window idea.

10. The DIY No-Sew Tie-Up Shade

Create a custom, budget-friendly tie-up shade using iron-on hemming tape and your favorite fabric. This easy, no-sew project allows you to get a completely custom look without needing any sewing skills, and it’s perfect for an informal, charming style.

Materials Needed: Fabric of your choice, iron-on hemming tape, an iron, scissors, fabric measuring tape, two lengths of ribbon or twill tape, 1 tension rod.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Measure your window’s width and height. Cut your fabric 2 inches wider and 4 inches longer than these measurements.
2. Fold and press a 1-inch hem on both sides and the bottom. Secure the hems with iron-on hemming tape.
3. Create a 3-inch pocket at the top for the tension rod by folding the fabric over and securing it with hemming tape, leaving the ends open.
4. Lay the shade flat. Drape your two ribbons over the top, letting them hang down the front and back. Space them evenly.
5. Slide the tension rod into the top pocket and install it in your window.
6. To open the shade, roll it up from the bottom and tie the ribbons into bows to hold it at the desired height.

Lesson Learned: Choose a fabric that isn’t too thick. A medium-weight cotton or linen works perfectly because it’s heavy enough to hang nicely but light enough to roll up easily without being bulky.

Feeling crafty? Pin this easy DIY project for your next weekend!

11. The Layered Look: Sheers & a Valance

For a more substantial and elegant window treatment, layer a decorative valance over a simple sheer curtain panel. This combination provides the light-filtering benefits of sheers with the color and polish of a valance, creating a custom, designer look.

Materials Needed: 1 sheer curtain panel, 1 fabric valance, 1 double curtain rod set (or two single rods), drill, level.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Install the double curtain rod brackets above your window frame. A double rod allows you to hang two layers from one set of hardware.
2. Hang the sheer panel on the inner rod (the one closer to the window glass). This will act as your privacy and light-filtering layer.
3. Hang the decorative fabric valance on the outer rod. This adds color, pattern, and a finishing touch.
4. Adjust both layers so they hang neatly. The sheers can remain closed while the valance frames the top of the window.

Pro-Tip: Coordinate your layers carefully. If your valance has a busy pattern, choose a simple, solid-color sheer. If your valance is a solid color, you could opt for a sheer with a subtle embroidered pattern for added interest.

Love a designer touch? Save this layered curtain idea!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to kitchen curtain ideas above sink

Prioritize Function: Decide if your primary need is privacy (Roman shade, cafe curtain), light-filtering (sheers), or pure decoration (valance).
Consider Cleanability: Kitchens are messy. Opt for machine-washable fabrics like cotton or easy-to-wipe materials like performance fabrics or vinyl.
Embrace No-Drill Options: For tile backsplashes or rentals, tension rods are a stylish, damage-free solution for hanging lightweight curtains.
Match Style to Your Space: Let your curtain choice enhance your kitchen’s existing aesthetic, whether it’s modern, farmhouse, or bohemian.
Don’t Block the Faucet: Ensure your chosen curtain, when open or closed, doesn’t interfere with the function of your sink and faucet.

Final Thoughts

Your kitchen sink window is a small space with big potential. With the right idea, you can transform it from a blank spot into a charming focal point. A simple window treatment is a small change that can make a huge impact on the overall feel of your kitchen, adding warmth, personality, and that perfect finishing touch.

Which of these styles are you most excited to try in your kitchen? Share your favorite in the comments below