Your kitchen window is one fingertip away from discovering curtains that look good while standing up to a multitude of grease splatters and steam. Unlike living room or bedroom windows, kitchen windows are positioned directly above cooking zones and sinks, thus your curtain choice dictates how often you'll wash it and whether or not it's a fire hazard. This guide goes over all the practicalities of the kitchen: choosing fabrics that can survive the kitchen life, what style curtain to choose, and what to avoid.

Functional curtains to fit your kitchen

Go with something that is easily washable and can be hung safely. This is what really matters, not whether it matches your backsplash.

The kitchen is a workspace. Cooking releases grease particles that are attracted to moisture and settle onto all surfaces, curtains included. A beautiful linen curtain that looks perfect in a bedroom will be a terrible choice here. Stained and wrinkled curtains are a kitchen nightmare you want to avoid.

At least one kitchen window is in a tricky location. The window above your sink is the curtain splashing spot. A window near the stove faces heat and grease and should be treated with caution.

Every kitchen window should be considered a splash zone, and curtains in those spaces should be fire safe. Consider these practical questions before thinking about patterns or colors: How much am I willing to wash these curtains? Is the window positioned next to a source of heat? Is some privacy required, or is it just a decorative item I am after?

Your answers can help narrow down the options you have tremendously. If there is a window right above the stove, perhaps a simple valance hung high would be better, or even a roller shade. If there is a window in your breakfast nook, a more traditional treatment can be used.

Pick curtains that are easy to clean

Polyester and poly-cotton blends are well-suited for kitchen conditions. They are wrinkle resistant, quick to dry after a wash, and can be thrown in the machine without concern for shrinkage. While polyester is oleophilic and can trap grease odors, the fact that you can wash it frequently in hot water means you can keep it smelling fresh.

For windows that are positioned above cooking areas, it is best to source fabrics that are water resistant or stain resistant. These have a coating that prevents oil and liquids from soaking in entirely, allowing you to wipe away splatters before they are set in.

Lightweight cotton curtains can be used if a monthly wash is committed to. It breathes well and is more natural than the synthetic curtains. But cotton curtains that are positioned near a greasy stove are going to need more than usual attention.

What fabrics should you stay away from in kitchens?

• Linen (expensive to replace, harder to clean oil stains, and wrinkly)
• Silk and velvet (will absorb odors, impractical)
• Heavy fabrics (300+ GSM, hard to wash and trap moisture and grease)

Light and medium weight is best (150-250 GSM). They don't trap grease and moisture and wash easily.

Practical tip: buy two sets of the same curtain, while one is in the wash you can hang the other to keep your windows covered. Kitchen curtains really do need washing more than you would think, especially if you cook a lot.

Cafe curtains work best in most kitchens

Cafe curtains cover only the bottom portion of the window. The rod hangs to the mid point which leaves the top of the window open to let in light.

They're short enough to not get in the way of countertops and sinks and avoid fabrics dangling into your dish soap.

Cafe curtains paired with a valance offer a timeless touch ideal for farmhouse and traditional-style kitchens. Classic valances provide a touch of color and soften the window frame while still allowing light to pass through. Patterns such as little floral prints, simple stripes, and gingham checks work well for the style. In contrast, modern kitchens with a neutral palette and solid colors maintain a streamlined appearance.

Other curtain styles for kitchens

Tier curtains consist of two adjustable segments, a top and bottom panel, giving increased light and privacy management. While they require the extra effort of hanging two sets, curtains of this style are a good fit for rustic aesthetics and are a good alternative for light control and privacy.

Valances are a style without lower panels. This style is a good option for windows that lack privacy concerns, like those facing a backyard, or can be paired with a separate set of window coverings like blinds for privacy. Valances heighten the visual accessibility of the window by adding color and frame softening. It's a great option for anyone who wants something easy to maintain because it stays above the cooking surface.

Short window panels that end at the windowsill or drop to the apron length work for modern style kitchens. Compared to cafe curtains, these provide full coverage when window panels are in the closed position. If you enjoy a minimal style, short window panel curtains in a solid light neutral will be less visually noticeable.

What about the length of curtains?

The ideal length for curtains that are not full length is to have the bottom hem of the curtain align with the windowsill, or to drop four to six inches below the windowsill, but not down to the floor. Curtains that reach the floor are a liability in the cooking area for safety and maintenance because they collect dust and require movement for cleaning surfaces.

Café-length curtains are designed to cover the bottom half to two-thirds of your window. To determine the length, measure from where you want the curtain rod to the windowsill, and add an inch or two to allow for a slight overflow. If you are unsure, it is better to go shorter than longer, as you can always exchange for longer curtains, which are more problematic in a kitchen.

Matching curtains to window location

Considering where your window sits dictates which curtain treatment makes the most sense.

Above the sink. This window position is the most common kitchen window placement and cafe curtains are a great choice, as they will not hang below the faucet and splash zone. Avoid curtains that hang low and can get wet while you are washing dishes. If you want more coverage from the window, a roller shade that can be pulled down is a better choice than longer cafe curtains.

Near the stove. There are safety issues to consider. Make sure there is a minimum of three feet of space below the window and the burner. If your window is closer to the stove, it is better to skip window treatments completely, or use only a short valance mounted well above the cooking surface. Roller shades can work if you specifically purchase ones labeled "fire rated" or "flame retardant." Standard vinyl or polyester roller shades from big box stores are not fire resistant and will melt when exposed to heat. Avoid metal blinds near the stove. While they won't catch fire, grease builds up on the slats and is difficult to clean.

Breakfast nooks and dining areas can have slightly more formal window treatments like tiered curtains, long panels, or roman shades since they don't deal with the same grease and moisture exposure, allowing for more flexibility with fabrics.

Open-plan kitchens can pose a challenge when it comes to visual coordination, especially since you need to not only coordinate with the dining area but also a living space or dining room if your kitchen flows into one of those areas. Your kitchen curtains don't have to match the curtains in the dining area, but they also shouldn't clash. A simple shade or cafe curtain in the kitchen can offset more intricate curtain styles in the dining area. It's best to have consistency in color family, even with different styles.

Before you purchase kitchen curtains, it's best to review this checklist for best results:

• Machine washable (not dry-clean only)
• Clears countertops, sinks, and appliances
• Is at least 3 feet from any burner for safety
• If you have young children, no long cords
• Matches your kitchen's style

For renters, the easiest solution is to simply use a tension rod with cafe curtains. It requires no drilling, can be fully reversed with no damage to the walls, and you can take them when you move, too.

Lastly, with color to consider, you may want to skip pure white. Due to the high contrast, it can show grease spots very easily, and it also yellows very fast. Off-whites, creams, or patterned curtains like checks and stripes tend to hide stains better between washings, like medium-tone blues or greens.

Make your kitchen window work harder

Kitchen curtains don't need to be complicated. Pick a fabric that survives regular washing, choose a length that stays out of your way, and keep safe distances from heat sources. Cafe curtains solve most kitchen window situations well. When in doubt, go simpler. A clean, functional curtain you can toss in the washing machine beats a fancy one that's stained and wrinkled within a month.