3 Best Kitchen Sink Window Treatments

Do you dream of jaw-dropping kitchen sink window treatments but feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities?

The window treatments over a kitchen sink are one of the most important to get right in a home because they highlight a highly visible, frequently used space. Design-wise, they’re also a great opportunity to infuse a tiny bit of personality and pizzazz into your design scheme without the risk of going overboard. And don’t forget light control.

See, kitchen window coverings matter, right? If you weren’t fretting about the window over your kitchen sink before you probably are now.

Plantation shutters on the lower half of a kitchen sink window are a beautifully timeless way to meld light control, privacy and style. Photo: Miro Dvorscak/HGTV

But there’s no need to worry. I can help make the designing easy with the three most timeless kitchen sink window treatment choices — all with heaps of personalization options — and tips for picking the perfect one to accessorize your cooking space.

So let’s get down to it and see how we can make the most out of this high-profile window.

3 Ideas for Timeless, Versatile Kitchen Sink Window Treatments

These Roman shades pop in a high-contrast black and white pattern paired with a bold lime-green accent color. Photo: National Kitchen and Bath Association

Kitchen window Roman shades

Dressing your kitchen sink window in a Roman shade is a beautiful way to control the sun’s rays streaming into your kitchen. Because Roman shades come in an array of fabrics, colors and textures, I’m confident when I say there is a Roman shade for every kitchen design style — from farmhouse to modern and from contemporary to eclectic.

In fact, a shade over your kitchen sink window can help define your kitchen’s aesthetic and breathe life into an otherwise boxy, sterile place. It’s simple but true: adding a few soft folds of fabric to break up the expanse of hard surfaces like tile, stone and stainless steel is a game changer in the kitchen.

The colors in this kitchen shade are a beautiful blend of the white, beige, gold and black found in the room’s fixtures. Photo: National Kitchen and Bath Association

Consider adding a blackout lining so your Roman shade wears better and lasts longer. Another benefit of blackout lining is the fabric color of your shade remains true and isn’t altered during the day when the sun is shining through the window. This is especially important when the fabric is perfectly matched to the rest of the kitchen’s décor.

Not sure which shade color or pattern to choose? You can never go wrong choosing a Roman shade fabric that complements your kitchen’s backsplash or countertop. Or coordinate your kitchen window treatments with the drapes or shades in an adjoining dining or breakfast room.

An energetic blue complements the serene white and gray shades in this kitchen and dining area. Photo: National Kitchen and Bath Association

For a more energetic design, try selecting an accent color and using it to guide your choice of shade, and then mixing in statement cookware, a rug, and tea towels or other accessories to match.

Kitchen window blinds

Blinds may not be flashy, but they are an excellent choice for covering a kitchen sink window and any other window in your home. They provide excellent light control, and, if well cared for, can last a very long time.

Where the kitchen is concerned, blinds are a great option for anyone worried about their window treatments becoming dirty in the splash zone, i.e., right over the sink.

Wood, faux-wood or aluminum blinds clean up nice and easy. Just give them a quick swipe with a damp cloth after the nightly dinner rush.

Classic wood or faux-wood blinds provide excellent light control. Photo: Terracotta Design Build/HGTV

To keep blinds looking great for the long term, give them a once over with a vacuum cleaner attachment every few weeks to combat dust and debris.

Blinds come in a variety of colors, too, so matching them to your walls, tile, counters or cabinets is easy. There are no fun patterns available here, so they’re ideal for homeowners who want to make a subtle statement in the kitchen.

Kitchen window valences

I love valences for traditional, transitional or vintage kitchens. They are ideal in the kitchen because they limit the sun’s harsh rays while granting the chef and his or her assistants a nice view while working.

Valences over the kitchen sink look great in solids as well as bold prints and whimsical patterns, so don’t be afraid to have fun. I like to choose patterns that make a statement based on the personality of the home I’m working in. And of course, you can never go wrong with classic patterns such as ticking stripe, buffalo check, floral or plaid.

A window valence in bright red and orange adds character to a vintage-style kitchen with traditional details. Photo: Ann Lowengart/HGTV

For max functionality, pair your kitchen sink valence with curtains, blinds or shades. Cellular shades, wood or faux-wood blinds, layered shades, wood shades — even plantation shutters — are all good options. A sweet set of café curtains over your kitchen sink is another beautiful and versatile way to control light and add charm.

There you have it: tons of tips and tricks for styling your kitchen sink windows treatments. If you would like our help infusing your kitchen windows with personality, contact us and we’ll bring our showroom to you.

See you next time,

Lana