Kitchen Curtains and Valances

Kitchen has always been an important part of any home when family and friends gather to share a meal and have a good time. This is the place where people share time and have good memories. Kitchen is the heart of any home, the place where most of the time is spent. A lot of time and energy goes into decorating this particular room, but it can also be a fun task. The most important factors of kitchen interior have always been curtains and valances that add definite stroke of style, elegance and sophistication.
Kitchen curtains and valances serve three main purposes: protection, privacy and decoration.

Kitchen valances

Valance is a simple curtain used in rooms with décor and minimal fuss. This term originated in 1400s in the city of Valence, France. Kitchen valances are often used kitchen window treatments, because they are quite short and open the view of the street. Their main function is décor, but if individuals desire to have some privacy of their own, valances must be combined with shades or blinds.
Almost all kinds of shortened curtains are adaptable to valances style; however, there are a few window toppers that are more popular than others: rod-pocket, box-pleat, tab-top, pinch-pleat, wooden cornice, draped, tied and gathered.

Kitchen curtains

Kitchen curtains originate in the times when the first stoves were used and the room where it was placed appeared. There various materials, designs, colour and patterns may be chosen to suit any kitchen, lifestyle, budget and personality.
These are 3 most common types of kitchen curtains – white sheer, pleated and country style.

Tips on How to Choose Kitchen Curtains and Valances

When purchasing curtains and valances one should mind the following steps.

  1. Texture. You should understand that you can’t just put any fabric over your window and call it a day. Curtains and valances are exposed to all harsh conditions, that’s why one have to select fabric wisely. In some countries, where the most part of the day is bright and sunny, people prefer using linen curtains and valances. Linen fabric possesses a cool and crisp look. However, if you desire to add elegance and a romantic look to the room, try velvet, chiffon or silk fabrics.
  2. Care. Avoid fabrics that absorb moisture, e.g. heavy cotton or velvet. If these fabrics are left unattended, there is a danger of mold. Stick to lighter and heat resistant fabrics while choosing kitchen curtains and valances for your home.
  3. Colour. Colour of curtains and valances is one of the most important factors to mind, because they help to set the mood of the kitchen. Among their capacities are ushering positive energy into the rooms and enlivening space. If you want a small kitchen to look light and bright, try yellow colour. Avoid floral prints, because they might seem to cut down space in a small room. However, mixing different kinds of matching geometric-print curtains and valances will give a contemporary look to your kitchen.
  4. Light. Understand your needs and preferences. If you and your family spend way too much time in the kitchen, perhaps, the best option would be to purchase curtains that allow natural light into the room. If you want to keep privacy and avoid people’s looks from the street, stick to heavier curtains.
  5. Accessories. Now that you have decided on the type of curtains and valances, it’s high time you thought of accessories to embellish. You can find lots of stuff on the market nowadays: ribbon borders, beads, fringes, etc. However, don’t lose control here – you want your kitchen have a sophisticated look, don’t you?

Maintenance of Curtains and Valances

Kitchen curtains and valances can add certain attractiveness and glory to the kitchen. Keep in mind that coordinating curtains and valances with your kitchen style and colour might be congruous with your theme.