To dress up the top of your kitchen window and add a finished look without blocking sunlight, you can hang a fabric valance, install a wooden display shelf, or mount a custom cornice box to hide curtain hardware.
To dress up the space above your kitchen window, you can hang functional treatments like valances and tie-up shades or install a floating display shelf for trailing plants, cookbooks, and pottery.
The best cover for a kitchen window depends on its proximity to your sink or stove. Because of high moisture, heat, and grease, water-resistant and easy-to-clean materials like faux-wood blinds, vinyl roller shades, or solar shades are the most practical choices for high-traffic food prep areas.
Window covering trends prioritize a blend of organic aesthetics, smart functionality, and tailored minimalism. Top looks include:
The best kitchen windowsill displays balance beauty with everyday functionality. Fresh potted herbs like basil or mint add vibrant color and are perfect for cooking, while small-scale decor—such as a decorative vase or a cordless accent lamp—adds warm, functional ambiance.
The best items for a windowsill depend on your lighting and space. Choose potted herbs or succulents for bright windows, cozy LED candles or a cordless lamp for bedrooms, or a neat stack of books and bookends for wider ledges. Always ensure items don't obstruct blinds or open windows.
how to make kitchen windows look nice. Make your kitchen windows look more appealing with fresh paint, decorative trim, a patterned window shade, half curtains, or wood shutters. Hang a pendant light or a plant in the window, and remember to regularly clean the glass panes to allow natural light to flood in.
Martha Stewart famously doesn't use traditional curtains in her homes, joking she could write a book titled "A House With No Curtains." Instead of heavy drapery, she prefers clean sightlines and opts for options that maximize natural light.
In 2026, window covering trends heavily favor a blend of nature, smart technology, and tailored minimalism. Key styles include organic woven materials (like bamboo and grasses), linen Roman shades, layered textures, motorized automation, and the surprising comeback of sleek, modern mini blinds.
If you want to dress up a kitchen window without the fuss of curtains, focus on clean lines, unobstructed natural light, and easy-to-clean materials. Top options include installing frosted or stained glass film for privacy, mounting woven natural shades, creating a lively herb garden, or using sleek shutters.
The best solution is one-way daytime privacy window film. It creates a mirrored or tinted effect on the outside that blocks visibility into your home during the day, while allowing you to see clearly outside.
Joanna Gaines typically uses natural, neutral window treatments like airy linen or cotton curtains, woven wood or bamboo Roman shades, and bifold plantation shutters. She is known to layer these elements—often pairing a natural shade with a simple curtain—and hangs panels high and wide to make windows appear larger.
In 2026, kitchen design is pivoting away from cold, minimalist aesthetics toward warm, nature-inspired, and highly functional spaces. Top trends include light wood stains overtaking stark white cabinets, bold slab backsplashes, multifunctional super-islands, and integrated, seamless smart technology.
The ideal kitchen window covering depends on the window's location. For windows near a sink or stove, faux wood blinds or vinyl roller shades are best because they are moisture-resistant and easily wipe clean. For windows in dining areas away from splatters, Roman shades or woven wood shades add elegant texture.
An outdated kitchen usually gives itself away through a few telltale signs: heavily patterned "builder-grade" granite, short or multi-level upper cabinets, poor or overly harsh fluorescent lighting, and outdated built-in appliances (like over-the-range microwaves).
Today, roller shades and Roman shades are the most popular window coverings. Homeowners prioritize minimalist designs, and these options deliver clean lines alongside excellent light control. Modern trends also lean heavily into motorized smart shades and earthy, natural fabrics like linen and bamboo.
Curtains are absolutely in style for 2026, shifting away from basic functional pieces to striking statement features. Instead of blending into the background, modern curtains are designed to frame windows with deep colors, heavy textures, and traditional details.
Outdated window treatments are generally those that look flimsy, overly cluttered, or overly utilitarian. Specifically, vertical blinds, flimsy aluminum mini-blinds, grommet-style (eyelet) drapes, and traditional valances or swags are considered dated.
To instantly modernize your space, skip stiff, overly formal window treatments and cheap "quick-fix" drapes. Designers recommend avoiding grommet headings, bulky valances, and sterile stark white fabrics in favor of warmer palettes, natural textures, and tailored pleats.
The most modern way to dress a window focuses on clean lines, smart functionality, and minimalist architectural integration. The leading trends include floor-to-ceiling motorized drapery, sleek motorized roller shades, and layered treatments that combine sheer fabrics with block-out options.
Martha Stewart has been diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose their pigment.
If you want to dress up a kitchen window without the fuss of curtains, focus on clean lines, unobstructed natural light, and easy-to-clean materials. Top options include installing frosted or stained glass film for privacy, mounting woven natural shades, creating a lively herb garden, or using sleek shutters.
To make a small kitchen look bigger, stick to light, reflective colors like crisp white, soft off-white, pale gray, or light sage green. These shades prevent the space from feeling cramped by bouncing light around the room and visually pushing the walls outward.
Kitchen window treatments should balance privacy, light control, and durability. Opt for moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean materials (like faux wood blinds or vinyl roller shades) near sinks and stoves. For breakfast nooks or dry areas, soften the space with Roman shades, woven wood blinds, or light-filtering cafe curtains.