11 Kitchen Curtain Ideas Over Sink To Brighten Your View

That empty window staring back at you while you do the dishes—does it feel like a missed opportunity? It’s a small space, but its bareness can make the whole kitchen feel unfinished. You’re left with unfiltered, glaring sunlight in the morning and a total lack of privacy from the neighbors in the evening. It’s the one spot in your kitchen that feels more functional than beautiful.

You know it needs something, but what? A heavy curtain could block precious light and feel stuffy. Blinds might seem too harsh or difficult to clean with inevitable splashes from the sink. It’s a decorating dilemma that leaves many of us stuck, defaulting to leaving the window completely bare and missing out on a chance to add a powerful punch of style and personality.

The best way to dress a kitchen window above the sink is by choosing a treatment that balances light control, privacy, and moisture resistance. Popular options include classic cafe curtains that invite light while shielding the lower half of the window, elegant Roman shades for a modern and clean look, or durable faux-wood blinds that are incredibly easy to clean and maintain. This guide is your secret weapon to finally conquering that space.

Tired of That Bare Window? How to Instantly Elevate Your Kitchen Sink View

That window over your kitchen sink is more than just a source of light; it’s a potential focal point waiting to happen. For many, it’s a blank canvas that gets overlooked in the grand scheme of a kitchen renovation or redecoration. You might be dealing with glaring sun, nosy neighbors, or simply a boring view that does little to inspire you while you’re prepping meals or washing up. The challenge is finding a solution that doesn’t just look good but also stands up to the reality of a kitchen environment—splashes, steam, and all.

As home decor enthusiasts who have tested countless solutions, we know the struggle of finding the perfect balance between light, privacy, and style in the kitchen. These are the ideas that truly work. This guide is packed with 11 simple, stylish, and practical kitchen curtain ideas designed specifically for the space over your sink. Whether your style is modern farmhouse, sleek minimalist, or cozy traditional, you’ll find an idea here to transform that overlooked window into a feature you love.

11 Kitchen Curtain Ideas Over Sink To Brighten Your View in 2025

Ready to transform your kitchen’s character with one simple change? The right window treatment can soften hard lines, introduce color and pattern, and control light to create the perfect ambiance. We’ve curated these 11 ideas by analyzing top interior design trends for 2025 and consulting with decor experts on the most practical materials for a kitchen environment. From timeless classics to modern statements, each idea includes stunning visuals and practical tips to make your decision process easy, inspiring, and fun.

1. Cafe Curtains for Charming Light Control

The perfect solution for privacy without sacrificing sunlight is a set of classic cafe curtains. These half-window curtains cover the lower portion of your window, shielding your space from the outside world while letting natural light pour in through the top. They add an instant touch of charm and are perfect for farmhouse, cottage, and traditional kitchen styles.

Save this classic farmhouse look to your ‘Kitchen Inspiration’ board!

• Materials Needed: Cafe curtains, tension rod or small curtain rod with brackets, measuring tape, pencil.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Measure the width of the inside of your window frame. Purchase a tension rod that adjusts to this width.
  2. Decide on the hanging height. Typically, this is the halfway point of the window or aligned with a sash.
  3. Thread the cafe curtains onto the tension rod.
  4. Compress the tension rod and fit it securely into place at your desired height, ensuring it’s level.

Pro-Tip: For a no-sew DIY version, use fusible hem tape to finish the edges of a fabric piece (like a decorative tea towel) and create a rod pocket. This is a budget-friendly way to get a custom look.

2. Roman Shades for Sleek Sophistication

For a clean, tailored appearance, a fabric Roman shade is an unbeatable choice. It offers the softness of a curtain with the neat functionality of a blind. When raised, it stacks into crisp, horizontal folds, and when lowered, it provides full privacy and light control. This style is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into modern, transitional, and contemporary kitchens.

Pin this modern and clean window idea for your next kitchen refresh!

• Materials Needed: Roman shade kit, drill, screws, level, measuring tape, pencil.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Decide on an inside or outside mount. For an inside mount, measure the exact width and height inside the window frame. For an outside mount, add 2-3 inches to each side.
  2. Use the pencil and level to mark where the mounting brackets will go, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Drill pilot holes for the screws.
  4. Screw the brackets securely into place.
  5. Snap the headrail of the Roman shade into the brackets until it clicks. Test the cord mechanism.

Pro-Tip: Choose a cordless Roman shade for a cleaner look and improved safety, especially in homes with children or pets. They are incredibly easy to operate with a simple push or pull.

3. Wicker or Rattan Shades for Natural Texture

To introduce organic warmth and texture, opt for woven wood shades made from materials like bamboo, jute, or rattan. These shades filter light beautifully, casting a warm, dappled glow into your kitchen. They are the perfect complement to boho, coastal, and modern farmhouse decor, adding a touch of nature to the heart of your home.

Add this warm and textural look to your ‘Boho Home’ Pinterest board!

• Materials Needed: Woven wood shade, mounting hardware (included), drill, level, measuring tape.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Measure for an inside or outside mount, carefully following the product’s measuring guide (woven shades have minimal deductions for inside mounts).
  2. Hold the shade’s headrail up to determine bracket placement. Mark the spots with a pencil.
  3. Install the brackets using the provided screws, ensuring they are level.
  4. Secure the headrail into the brackets. For some models, this involves tightening a wing nut or snapping it into place.

Pro-Tip: If you love the textured look but need more privacy, opt for a woven shade with an attached privacy or blackout liner. This gives you the best of both worlds: style and function.

4. Sheer Fabrics for an Airy Ambiance

If your goal is to maximize sunlight, hang simple sheer curtains to create a soft, diffused glow. These lightweight curtains add a touch of elegance and softness without obstructing the view or making the space feel heavy. They offer minimal privacy but are unparalleled for creating a light, bright, and airy atmosphere in any kitchen.

Love this light & airy vibe? Pin it for your dream kitchen!

• Materials Needed: Sheer curtain panels, decorative curtain rod and brackets, measuring tape, drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Install the curtain rod brackets 4-6 inches above and outside the window frame to make the window appear larger. Use a level to ensure they are even.
  2. Screw the brackets into the wall.
  3. Thread the sheer curtains onto the rod.
  4. Place the rod onto the brackets and secure it.
  5. Arrange the gathers of the sheer fabric evenly for a soft, flowing look.

Pro-Tip: To keep sheers looking pristine near a sink, choose a machine-washable polyester blend. They resist wrinkles and are much easier to clean than delicate natural fibers like silk.

5. Pattern Play for Visual Interest

Inject instant personality into a neutral kitchen by choosing a window treatment with a bold pattern. A floral, geometric, or abstract print on a Roman shade or simple curtain panel can act as a piece of art, becoming the focal point of the room. It’s a fantastic way to introduce color and energy into your kitchen design without committing to a full wall of patterned tile or wallpaper.

Make a statement! Save this bold pattern idea to your ‘Kitchen Decor’ board.

• Materials Needed: Patterned fabric of choice, Roman shade kit OR cafe curtains, sewing machine or fusible tape, iron.
• Step-by-Step Directions: (DIY Shade)
  1. Purchase a DIY Roman shade kit that includes the headrail, cords, and rods.
  2. Carefully cut your patterned fabric to the dimensions specified in the kit’s instructions, leaving allowances for seams.
  3. Follow the kit’s guide to iron and sew (or fuse) the hems and create pockets for the support rods.
  4. Attach the fabric to the headrail and thread the cords.
  5. Install the finished shade following the kit’s mounting instructions.

Pro-Tip: When choosing a pattern, pull a secondary color from it to use for other small accents in the kitchen, like tea towels or a fruit bowl. This creates a cohesive, professionally designed look.

6. Monochromatic Shades for Seamless Design

To achieve an ultra-clean and seamless look, select a window shade that perfectly matches your wall or cabinet color. A monochromatic roller shade or Roman shade will blend into the background, creating an uncluttered, minimalist aesthetic. This approach makes the room feel larger and more cohesive, letting other design elements, like your faucet or backsplash, take center stage.

Pin this for the ultimate minimalist and clean kitchen window design!

• Materials Needed: Roller shade in a color matching your walls/cabinets, drill, level, measuring tape.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Measure the inside width of your window frame at the top, middle, and bottom. Use the narrowest measurement to order your shade for a perfect inside mount.
  2. Position the first bracket inside the top corner of the window frame and mark the screw holes. Drill pilot holes and install the bracket.
  3. Use the level to position the second bracket on the opposite side, ensuring it is perfectly even with the first. Install it.
  4. Insert the pin-end of the roller shade into the corresponding bracket, then slide the other end into the main bracket mechanism until it locks.

Pro-Tip: To get a perfect color match, get paint swatches for your wall color and hold them up to fabric samples for the shade. Order multiple fabric samples to see how they look in your kitchen’s specific lighting throughout the day.

7. Balloon Shades for a Touch of Whimsy

For a romantic or vintage-inspired kitchen, a balloon valance adds a soft, decorative flourish. This treatment gathers fabric into billowy “poufs,” creating a look that is full of character and charm. While more decorative than functional for privacy, a balloon shade is a beautiful way to frame the top of your window and add a touch of shabby chic whimsy.

Add a touch of vintage romance to your kitchen—save this idea!

• Materials Needed: Balloon valance, continental or wide curtain rod, mounting hardware, drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Install the curtain rod brackets above and slightly wider than the window frame. This will make the window appear taller and wider.
  2. Mount the rod securely.
  3. Thread the balloon valance onto the rod through its rod pocket.
  4. Arrange the valance on the rod, adjusting the gathers and poufs until you achieve the desired fullness and shape. Use your hands to “fluff” the sections.

Pro-Tip: Balloon shades are primarily decorative and can collect dust in their folds. Choose a machine-washable fabric and plan to launder it every few months to keep it looking fresh, especially in a kitchen environment.

8. Matching Treatments to Backsplash or Cabinetry

To create a high-end, designer look, coordinate your window treatment fabric with your backsplash tile or cabinet color. This intentional choice creates a powerful sense of harmony and cohesion in your kitchen. You can find a fabric with a pattern that mimics your tile or a solid color that perfectly matches your painted cabinets for a truly custom feel.

Want a designer look? Pin this color-coordinating trick!

• Materials Needed: Fabric sample or paint swatch of your backsplash/cabinet, window treatment fabric samples, chosen window treatment and hardware.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Identify the dominant or accent color/pattern in your backsplash or on your cabinets.
  2. Obtain a physical sample of this color/pattern.
  3. Order fabric samples for your desired window treatment (e.g., Roman shade, curtains) from various retailers.
  4. Hold the fabric samples up to your backsplash/cabinets in your kitchen’s natural light to find the best match or complementary pattern.
  5. Once selected, order and install your chosen window treatment.

Pro-Tip: If an exact pattern match feels too busy, choose a solid-colored fabric for your shade that pulls a single accent color from your backsplash. This creates a sophisticated, coordinated look without being overwhelming.

9. Stripes for Classic or Farmhouse Appeal

For a timeless pattern that never goes out of style, choose curtains or a shade with stripes. Ticking stripes offer a subtle, classic farmhouse feel, while bold cabana stripes can lend a more coastal or contemporary vibe. Stripes are incredibly versatile and work well in almost any kitchen, adding a touch of tailored visual interest without overwhelming the space.

You can’t go wrong with classic stripes. Save this timeless idea!

• Materials Needed: Striped curtains, curtain rod with hardware, curtain ring clips (optional), drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. Install the curtain rod above the window.
  2. For a more custom, pleated look, attach ring clips evenly along the top edge of the curtain panel.
  3. Slide the rings onto the curtain rod. This also makes the curtains much easier to open and close.
  4. If using a rod pocket, simply thread the curtain onto the rod.
  5. Adjust the panels so they hang neatly.

Pro-Tip: Vertical stripes can create an illusion of height, making a small window feel taller. Horizontal stripes can make a narrow window feel wider. Choose the stripe orientation that best enhances your window’s proportions.

10. Floor-Length Sheers for Coziness (with caution)

For a touch of unexpected elegance, consider floor-length sheer curtains, but only if your window placement allows it. This look adds incredible softness and drama, making the room feel cozy and elevated. However, this is strictly for windows that are adjacent to the sink area or in a kitchen dining nook—not directly over a counter where they could be a water or fire hazard.

Add unexpected elegance to a large kitchen with this idea—just be mindful of placement!

• Materials Needed: Long sheer curtain panels, decorative curtain rod, tie-backs or holdbacks.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. IMPORTANT: Only use this idea if your window is not directly over a countertop, sink, or stove to avoid fire hazards and water damage. It is best for kitchen windows that go to the floor or are next to a dining nook.
  2. Mount a decorative rod high and wide around the window frame.
  3. Hang the sheer panels. The fabric should just “kiss” the floor for a tailored look.
  4. Install holdbacks on the wall or use decorative tie-backs to keep the fabric safely away from any work areas.

Pro-Tip: For practicality in a kitchen, ensure your floor-length curtains are made of a durable, machine-washable material. This look adds softness but requires mindfulness about splashes and stains.

11. Shabby Chic and Modern Combinations

Create a beautifully balanced space by pairing a soft, textured shade with clean, modern kitchen elements. A relaxed linen Roman shade, with its gentle wrinkles and organic feel, can prevent a minimalist kitchen from feeling cold. This “modern farmhouse” or eclectic approach blends the best of both worlds—the warmth of shabby chic with the clean lines of contemporary design.

Love mixing styles? Pin this modern-meets-rustic look!

• Materials Needed: Relaxed-style Roman shade (often linen or cotton), mounting hardware, drill, level.
• Step-by-Step Directions:
  1. The key to this look is the material. Choose a fabric with natural texture like linen, burlap, or a loose-weave cotton.
  2. Select a “relaxed” or “unstructured” Roman shade style, which has a gentle curve at the bottom instead of a rigid bar.
  3. Install the shade using a standard inside or outside mount method.
  4. Pair it with modern elements in the rest of the kitchen (sleek hardware, simple countertops) to create a beautiful contrast.

Pro-Tip: To enhance the shabby chic element, choose a shade in a natural, undyed fabric color. The organic texture and color will soften the hard lines of a modern kitchen perfectly.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Perfect Kitchen Window Curtains

• Function First: For windows directly over a sink, prioritize moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean materials like faux wood, vinyl, or washable polyester blends.
• Balance Light & Privacy: Cafe curtains are the classic solution for enjoying natural light while maintaining privacy. Sheer fabrics maximize light, while lined Roman shades offer full privacy.
• Style is in the Details: Use your window treatment as a design element. Add a pop of color with a patterned Roman shade in a neutral kitchen, or add warmth and texture with woven bamboo shades.
• Think Beyond the Window: Make your window look larger by mounting your curtain rod or shade several inches above and outside the window frame.

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

People Also Ask About Kitchen Window Curtains Over Sink

Do people still use kitchen curtains?

Yes, absolutely! While styles have evolved, kitchen curtains are very much in style for 2025. Modern trends favor lighter options like cafe curtains, sleek Roman shades, and natural woven blinds over the heavy, ruffled valances of the past. They are a key tool for adding softness, color, and personality to a kitchen.

How do you dress a kitchen window above the sink?

Dress a kitchen window by choosing a treatment that is both stylish and practical. Cafe curtains offer a charming balance of light and privacy. Roman shades provide a clean, modern look. For high-moisture areas, durable options like faux-wood blinds or vinyl roller shades are excellent choices as they are easy to wipe clean.

What type of window is best over a kitchen sink?

Casement and awning windows are often considered the best types over a kitchen sink. Both open outwards with a crank handle, making them easy to operate without having to lean far over the counter. They also provide excellent ventilation, which is a major plus in a kitchen environment.

What blinds should you put above a kitchen sink window?

Faux wood blinds are the top recommendation for blinds above a kitchen sink. They have the classic look of real wood but are highly durable and resistant to moisture, warping, and steam. They are also incredibly easy to clean with just a damp cloth, making them perfect for an area prone to splashes.

Final Thoughts

The window above your kitchen sink is a small piece of real estate with a huge potential for design impact. Don’t let it be an afterthought. By choosing a treatment that reflects your style and meets your functional needs, you can transform a simple window into a beautiful feature. It can be the finishing touch that ties your whole kitchen together, making your time spent at the sink just a little more enjoyable.

Which of these ideas would you try in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below