Introduction: What curtains to choose for a kitchen with a balcony
When choosing a curtain design for a kitchen with a balcony, it is important to consider not only the decorative characteristics, but also the practical aspect: after all, kitchen textiles require more frequent and careful care. Practical recommendations on how to find the ideal option and not make a mistake are in this comprehensive guide.
Window design options in a kitchen with a balcony
There are many options for curtains for a kitchen with a balcony (especially considering the various combinations). Which ones are right for you?
Key trends
Modern, beautiful, stylish curtains most often meet the following requirements:
- naturalness (natural fabrics are among the favorites);
- texture (curtains with a pronounced texture are in fashion – for example, velvet, linen);
- laconicism (options with lambrequins, multi-layered complex draperies, intricate assemblies are a rarity in modern interiors; but textiles with eyelets, curtains with simple large and small folds or without them are in fashion).
Additional functions
Functionality is also among the trends. Curtains not only add coziness and cope with basic tasks (protection from the sun and prying eyes), but also perform a number of other functions:
- add texture;
- adjust the proportions of the room (for example, visually raise the ceiling);
- add a color or heat accent;
- participate in regulating the indoor microclimate.
Among the increasingly popular functional novelties are curtains with pockets for the kitchen with a balcony (see the photo below). Such curtains, among other things, also provide additional storage.
Conscious consumption
Another trend is the desire for conscious consumption: often, modern consumers choose textiles made from recycled materials (or fabrics that can be recycled in the future.
Advice: Smart consumption also includes focusing on local producers. In this sense, for example, Shuya curtains for a kitchen-dining room with a balcony are a logical, relevant choice.
The most relevant options
Curtains + tulle
Oddly enough, the usual scheme – a combination of tulle with curtains – is among the most popular options. Also in fashion is a single option – only tulle or only curtains.
Short curtains
They are appropriate in situations where the work area is located near the window, as well as when the window sill is used usefully – and performs some functional load (for example, serves as an extension of the tabletop or replaces a traditional table). In addition, they are especially organic in certain styles (country, Provence).
Roman
Judging by the photos, designers choose Roman blinds for a kitchen with a balcony for a variety of styles. Perhaps their versatility is the secret of their popularity.
Roll
An option loved by many for its practicality and optionality. Such curtains can be either an almost invisible detail or a bright accent. With their help, you can regulate the level of natural light, and they also go well with both floor-length curtains and short curtains.
Read also: How to choose roller blinds
Japanese
Japanese curtains for a kitchen with a balcony look spectacular in the photo, but are not suitable for every interior. But they are very convenient in regulating sunlight, visually raise the ceiling and allow you to neatly hide the balcony block visually if desired.
Asymmetrical
When decorating a window with a balcony in the kitchen area, you can choose curtains with an asymmetrical design. The photo below demonstrates the practicality of such a solution for rooms with a balcony block: the shorter part is often placed above the door – then when going out to the loggia, you do not have to move the curtains.
Stylized draperies
A number of options in the context of modern trends are often considered out of fashion: these are muslin – thread (or thread) curtains, curtains with lambrequins and intricate ornate gathers, complex multi-layered draperies.
But in interiors of certain stylistic trends, these curtains can be very appropriate. For example, options with lambrequins literally ask to be in a palace style, and thread curtains will be quite appropriate in a kitchen with a balcony in an ethnic style (look at the photo below).
Alternative options
If you are categorically against window drapes, but do not want to deny yourself protection from the sun, take a look at the alternatives. Among them:
- blinds;
- shutters;
- curtains made of bamboo, beads, beads, wicker curtains;
- stained glass windows (and stained glass stickers).
No curtains
A kitchen area without curtains with an exit to the balcony is a current and winning move. This solution makes the room:
- lighter;
- visually more spacious;
- more modern (refusal of draperies is a fashion trend);
- freer, lighter (less visual noise);
- easier to maintain.
What to look for when choosing curtains
1. Proximity to the cooking area
If the kitchen countertop, or even the stove, is located in close proximity to the balcony block, more serious requirements should be made for the curtains. In such a situation, it makes sense to contact:
- short curtains;
- Roman;
- rolled;
- blinds;
- asymmetrical.
A relevant, modern option would also be suitable: a complete rejection of draperies on the windows.
If the work surface is not located too close to the window, you can be more free in your choice: you can afford floor-length curtains, Japanese curtains, and many other options.
Advice: In a kitchen-living room with a balcony, a recreation area is often placed closer to the window. In such a situation, the choice of textiles is less limited, and the curtains add coziness and a relaxing mood to the lounge area.
2. Level of natural light
One of the basic functions of curtains is protection from direct sunlight. That is why it is important to focus on the level of natural light in the room. If the lighting is clearly insufficient, the following will help:
- light, translucent curtains;
- curtains without tulle;
- tulle without curtains;
- thread curtains;
- complete rejection of curtains.
But if, on the contrary, the sun shines brightly into the windows for most of the day, thick curtains, blackout curtains and options that provide the optional ability to protect from direct rays (blinds, Roman, roller blinds) are more suitable.
3. Functional filling of the balcony
An important point is the functional content of the balcony adjacent to the room. If this is its logical continuation – for example, a home mini-bar, a pantry or a place for breakfast – there is no point in visually delimiting the zones. You can do with translucent curtains or drapes without tulle.
If your balcony is a branch of the home laundry room, a study or another area that is not connected in meaning and style with the kitchen, it makes sense to choose thicker curtains.
Tip: Curtains that serve to visually separate the balcony from the kitchen can be hung on the back side of the balcony block, or even on both sides.
4. Room size
Incorrectly selected curtains for the interior of a kitchen with a balcony can visually overload and narrow the space. For a small kitchen, it is better to choose:
- curtains in the color of the walls;
- light curtains, tulle;
- curtains inside the window opening;
- the most concise options.
Advice: If you have limited space, it’s best to avoid curtaining the windows – this will greatly increase the visual size of the room.
5. Interior style
The answer to the question of what curtains to choose for a kitchen with a balcony is unthinkable without taking into account the style of the interior.
Styles |
Matching curtains |
|---|---|
| Scandinavian style | For a Scandi interior, plain light or contrasting curtains, options with an unobtrusive pattern (geometric, plant, floral) are suitable, and a complete rejection of curtains will also be appropriate. |
| Modern style, neoclassicism | Roman blinds are suitable for modern and neoclassical settings. The usual version of tulle + curtains (or a shortened format – tulle solo and curtains without tulle) will also fit perfectly into these styles, roller blinds will do (alone or in combination with curtains). |
| Country, Provence, Russian village style | Country, Provence, Russian village style will require characteristic prints. Short curtains, as well as options with puff pleats, lace, accessories will be appropriate here. |
| Oriental style, minimalism, fusion | Japanese – for oriental spaces, as well as minimalist or fusion-inspired spaces. |
| Glamour, Art Deco, Retro, Eclecticism | Curtains-muslin are appropriate in a kitchen with a balcony in the style of art deco, glamor. Also, thread curtains are suitable for an interior in a retro style or with a bias towards eclecticism. |
| Palace style, classic, art deco | In the palace style, curtains with a lambrequin for a kitchen with a balcony will be appropriate, they can also fit into a classic style, in art deco. Also, these styles will require appropriate patterns and accessories (grabs, holders). |
6. Colors of the decor
It is important to choose the color of the curtains on the windows, focusing on the interior palette . At the same time, the logic of such a choice can be different:
- curtains in the color of the walls can become a harmonious and unobtrusive addition to the decor;
- laconic curtains in one of the basic shades of the interior will add coziness, but will not overload the space;
- curtains that combine several shades of furnishings at once will tie the entire palette together;
- Often curtains in a kitchen with a balcony act as a bright accent (the photos below demonstrate the effectiveness of this solution).
Tip: When choosing plain curtains in one of the kitchen palette colors, try choosing textiles a couple of tones darker or lighter, warmer or colder. This will make the atmosphere more lively and voluminous. For example, curtains for a white kitchen with a balcony can be chosen in a light gray or soft beige shade.
7. Patterns and repeating motifs
If the interior is already saturated with patterns, it makes sense to choose plain textiles. If the space clearly lacks patterns, curtains will help to bring them in.
Curtains are also a convenient way to add echoing motifs to the decor. For example, you can choose textiles with large polka dots to pair with a round dining table .
Advice: If, on the contrary, you are carried away by repeating motifs, textiles will help to dilute them. Thus, an interior full of streamlined shapes and smooth lines will be shaded by curtains with a strict geometric motif.
If the balcony is combined with the kitchen
If your balcony ended up being combined with the kitchen as a result of the remodeling, you may need more serious sun protection from your curtains. Otherwise, the recommendations for choosing curtains will be the same: consider the proximity of the cooking area, keep in mind the natural light and the size of the room, focus on the chosen color scheme, the style of the interior, and do not lose sight of the presence of patterns and overlapping motifs.
