After years of Roman shades and bamboo blinds in kitchen windows, curtains are making a stylish comeback. Kitchens are utilitarian spaces and curtains are a way to bring in a touch of warmth and softness to the space. They’re also a clever design vehicle for introducing color and pattern without the commitment and expense that something more permanent—such as cabinetry—involves.
What’s unique about kitchen curtains is that they need to strike the right balance between form and function—they should visually enhance the space but need to be practical to withstand daily messes. To find out what kitchen curtain styles are trending right now, we went directly to the pros and asked interior designers to share what they’re seeing, loving, and installing in their clients’ homes.
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Kitchen Curtains Are Trending Again
“I believe curtains are trending again because they bring a sense of softness, warmth, and color to the space,” says Liz Williams, founder and principal designer at Liz Williams Interiors. At its core, a kitchen is a utilitarian space and Williams says curtains can introduce a decorative touch that makes the space feel more inviting and like an extension of the rest of the home.
Designers say the renewed popularity of kitchen curtains is part of a larger design shift. “As of late, we’ve been seeing a real shift towards softness and comfort, which has made its way into the kitchen,” says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors. She explains that people want their homes to feel warm, layered, and lived-in, and the kitchen is no exception. Curtains add a cozy element in a way that Woolsey says window shades just can’t. “They infuse personality, movement, and a bit of romance into the room,” the designer adds.
Top Kitchen Curtain Trends of 2025
1. Cafe Curtains
“Cafe curtains are definitely having a moment,” Woolsey says. The designer attributes their comeback to the fact that they strike the perfect balance between form and function as they are both practical and charming. Cafe curtains cover the bottom half of a window which means you get the best of both worlds—you get the privacy, softness, and decorative touch of a curtain as well as plenty of natural light.
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2. Retro Style Curtains
Retro decor trends have been making a huge comeback in 2025 and are putting their stamp on kitchen curtains, too. Woolsey says that in terms of style right now, it’s all about a little nostalgia. “We’re seeing retro florals, sweet plaids, and unexpected pops of color in curtains—it’s all about that slightly old-fashioned vibe,” the designer says.
3. Curtains Made of Performance Fabrics
Given that a kitchen is a hard-working room, practicality is a big influence when it comes to current curtain trends. Woolsey says she’s always pushing for performance fabrics when possible and adds, “Kitchens are messy and you want something that can stand up to cake batter and marinara.”
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4. Full-Length Curtains
In addition to cafe curtains, Williams shares that full-length curtains that hang just below the crown molding and end either at the window sill or the floor are a popular option right now. “This style adds a touch of elegance and can make the ceilings appear higher, enhancing the overall sense of space in the kitchen,” she says.
5. Curtains Featuring Bold Colors and Patterns
In predominantly white kitchens, Williams has been installing curtains that bring in vibrant colors and bold patterns. Curtains are an excellent vehicle for introducing color and pattern because they do so in a smaller, more flexible, and less expensive way than cabinetry or a wall color.
Safety Considerations for Installing Kitchen Curtains
“Style is important, but in a kitchen, functionality and safety have to come first,” Woolsey says. Consider the following safety measures when choosing and installing kitchen curtains.
Keep Curtains Away from Heat Sources
The main thing to keep in mind when installing kitchen curtains is to always keep them away from heat sources. Whether it’s a range, an oven, or a fire place, the designers advise that you install curtains at a safe distance to avoid a fire hazard.
Opt for Flame-Retardant Fabrics
In addition to keeping kitchen curtains away from heat sources, pay attention to the material they are made of. “Opt for flame-retardant fabrics when you can and double-check your placement before you install anything,” Woolsey says.
Make Sure Curtain Hardware Is Secure
It’s not just the curtain material and placement that you need to consider. “Make sure hardware is secure,” Williams says. Whether you are mounting a rod on the wall or using a tension rod inside a window frame, it’s of utmost importance that the hardware is securely in place. Not only can curtains get damaged if they fall and land in the sink or on a messy countertop, it can lead to fire hazards if they come into contact with a heat source.
Clean Kitchen Curtains Regularly
You can expect to have to launder kitchen curtains more frequently than bedroom curtains simply because of the function of the room. Williams recommends cleaning kitchen curtains regularly to avoid grease buildup. Dirty curtains can make the whole space look messy and affect how much lighter filters in. Additionally, kitchen odors can linger in the fabric and cause foul smells to stick around long after you’ve taken the trash out.
Stick with a Practical Curtain Length
“Stick to sill-length or cafe curtains to prevent fabric from interfering with prep or traffic areas,” Williams says. Curtains that touch countertops get dirty easily, while those that pool on the floor can attract dust and dirt that accumulates through everyday cooking and dining.
