When it comes to small kitchen window ideas, you may be surprised how many options you have. There’s plenty to discover when it comes to window treatments, curtain styles, window sill decor, and other out-of-the-box ideas.
While the conventional approach may involve covering a window with curtains, drapes, or blinds, there's a world of design potential waiting to be explored. Whether you're aiming for a moody, intimate kitchen or one bathed in the brilliance of natural light, kickstart your kitchen's design journey by focusing on the often underestimated power of your window.
Changing your window decor can be a game-changer for the overall look and feel of your small kitchen. Your kitchen can become a canvas for creating a harmonious space that reflects your personality.
Small kitchen window ideas
Decorating a small kitchen may come with its fair share of challenges but finding inspiration for your kitchen window shouldn't be one of them.
From choosing the right style of window treatments, to growing your own herb garden, there are plenty of ways to create the ideal window set-up for your small kitchen.
1. Add some greenery
Bringing some of the best houseplants for small spaces into your kitchen can create a happier and healthier atmosphere. The natural light pouring through your kitchen window will be the ideal place to add some greenery.
Window sill boxes, like this set of three planters from Amazon, are a great way to create a miniature flower garden or plant herbs you can when cooking. Hanging air plants or vines are a great way to add more dimension to your kitchen.
2. Use privacy curtains without blocking light
For those who are looking for privacy in their kitchen but don’t want to lose any natural light, hanging your curtain rod at the mid-way point will guarantee the best of both worlds.
When shopping for curtains, be sure to understand the differences in opacity. While some curtains can almost totally black out the sunlight (like these gray curtains from Amazon), others are more transparent (like these sheer curtains from Target). Whatever your preference, choosing where to place your curtain rod is another way to customize the amount of natural light your kitchen receives.
3. Keep your view free and clear
For those lucky enough to have a beautiful view, consider an inexpensive (read: free) way of decorating your window: by opting for small space furniture that doesn't obstruct your view.
Clearing the path to your window will make it the showcase of your small kitchen and a great way to bring the outside world in, turning the view into a part of your decor.
If this is an option for your kitchen, there are a few things to consider, including the direction of the sun. While north-facing windows receive less sunlight, south-facing windows might require a window treatment.
To keep the pretty view streak-free, try cleaning your windows with vinegar for an inexpensive cleaning hack.
4. Opt for patterns
Incorporating patterns and bright colors is always tricky but the window provides an ideal place to experiment with bolder designs (like these blue-striped curtains from Amazon).
Many window treatments, drapes, and valances are made in bold, dark, or patterned fabrics, allowing you to inject a bit of fun into your interior design without anything as drastic as tiling or wallpapering your kitchen.
5. Experiment with vinyl glass accents
For those of us unlucky enough not to live in a pastoral 16th-century building with plenty of stained glass windows throughout our homes, there are plenty of products on the market that can offer us a similar look and style, like this colorful window film from Amazon.
Inspired by stained glass, vinyl glass accents are a beautiful way to block a bit of sunlight without going fully dark, as well as providing a bit of flair to your kitchen window.
6. Utilize accent lamps
Not every window provides enough lighting to begin with. For those darker days (or nights) spent cooking, adding accent lighting around your windows can create a romantic ambiance. Since there are plenty of styles of sconces on the market, including this brass one available at Pottery Barn, this is a great way to add a bit more of your personal style to your kitchen window.
7. Opt for a window valance
For those who prefer a bit of natural light, it's understandable that you wouldn't want to go full-on with the drapes in the kitchen. Valances, like these linen valances from Amazon, are a great option to create a bit of privacy and decor flair without hiding your entire view or natural light.
Need more privacy? We have an expert-approved solution. “The mixing of blinds and valances leads to a versatile control of light with a nice look,” interior design expert and Arsight founder Artem Kropovinsky advises.
8. Use Roman shades for a custom edge
Interior decorator Vivianne Chow has a great idea to incorporate a window treatment style that looks custom-made. “Roman shades are a popular way to style kitchen windows,” she says.
“You can’t go wrong with sticking to a neutral or ivory color for a classic look. You can also choose bamboo woven shades to bring in some warmth and texture to your space.”
Using Roman shades in your small kitchen, like these neutral ones from Amazon, can help create a sleek and modern look without the custom prices.
9. For odd windows, go fully custom
Although opting for bespoke appliances or choosing fully custom cabinets can cost a pretty penny, going fully custom on your window treatments is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade your kitchen window design.
The best part? Going custom with window shades and treatments means getting a curated look, as they're available from a variety of stores in a multitude of styles.
10. No window sill? No problem
Need a place to showcase your herb garden or teacup collection but don't have a window sill? Thankfully there are plenty of options on the market to increase existing window sill space, or completely add a new one without too much installation required.
Typically available in a variety of colors or wood styles, attachable window sills are a great way to add more storage or classic detailing to your kitchen. For a more subtle option, try this acrylic window shelf from Amazon.
Best products to buy
Price: $50
If you want to add more greenery to your kitchen, macrame and boho chic isn’t your only option. These potted hangers from West Elm are a minimalist and modern way to add hanging plants, vines, and flowers to your window.
Price: $51.92
Does your window lack a window sill? No reason to fret. With plenty of window sills available on the market, including this one available in a variety of wood styles, you can add a charming shelf to your kitchen window that feels like it's been there the entire time.
Price: $8.99
Whether you're searching for floor-to-ceiling drapes or a small valance to cover the brightness of the sun, one thing to search for when looking for curtains is whether or not they are energy efficient, like these Seymour Valances designed to block the sun's rays from entering into your home.
FAQs
What's the best way to measure a kitchen window for window treatments?
Purchasing window treatments online can be a difficult task. The key is to understand the proper way to measure your window. Determine the style of window treatments you're using (an inside or outside mount) and measure accordingly, from the area (height and width) you'd like the treatments to sit.
What are the best plants to keep near a kitchen window?
When choosing the right plants to decorate your kitchen's window, there are a few factors to keep in mind, including the direction of the sun and the amount of lighting your window receives. As far as window sill herb gardens go, basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley are all popular options that are typically less difficult to grow in a small space.
No matter your window set-up, there are plenty of ways to add to your kitchen's design by focusing on your windows and brightening a small kitchen.
Whether you prefer mood lighting for your eat-in kitchen, or prefer to see the morning light over breakfast, there are many great options for decorating your windows.
