Neither Traditional Blinds Nor Curtains: A Better Way To Cover Kitchen Windows

When you want to give your kitchen a different look without paying for a full-blown remodel, deploying some of the best kitchen window treatments can do the trick for a lower price. Curtains give the kitchen a cozy feel that's difficult for other treatments to match. Blinds are popular, too, offering precise light control.

However, if you're having trouble coming up with options that are outside the traditional blinds and curtains, professional interior designers can help. In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Lori Miller, president of LGC Interior Design in the New York City area, suggested using window film or shelving for a distinctive look.

Miller said using a decorative type of window film can enhance the look of any modern home. Window film is a thin sheet of laminate that affixes to the interior of the glass. It's an affordable option that controls the amount of sunlight entering the home, and you also can add privacy to your home with window film products. Alternatively, Miller said, using shelving in front of a kitchen window delivers an artsy and chic feel. The items on the shelves provide some privacy and block some sunlight. Plants, knick-knacks, and cookbooks are all great choices for these shelves.

For people who dislike the look of blinds or curtains because they can create a cluttered look around the kitchen window, films are a great alternative. "In many instances, window films can be the perfect covering with multiple options," designer Lori Miller said in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "It provides a clean look ... and can offer both privacy or UV blocking."

Miller shared that window film is a popular choice for many different styles of homes and kitchens. Rather than covering decorative wood casing or trim on the interior of the window with curtains and the associated hardware, film lets the trim remain clearly visible. "Window films are great for modern homes," Miller said. "This [also] works great for Victorian architecture and those beautiful brownstones we see."

One of the advantages of window film is that it can add decorative elements to the glass without you having to replace it. "You can be creative and do stained glass," Miller added. One downside to window film is that it may yellow over time or become discolored. Modern premium films yellow far less often than older products did, but it's still a possibility, especially with inexpensive designs. Additionally, Miller said it's important to follow the right installation steps because many films cannot be reapplied if you make an error.

If you've never considered installing kitchen shelves in front of a window, you should. "You can place plants [on the shelves] for sunlight or alternative collections such as antique glass items," design expert Lori Miller said in an exclusive interview with House Digest. "This will create privacy without covering the window." 

It's a great way to improve the functionality of your kitchen, too. If you don't have a lot of storage space, you can place items that you frequently use within easy reach with shelving over the window. Miller explained you can also use it as a design feature, creating a focal point for the kitchen. "Using shelving can be for any decor, depending on how it's styled," she said, "but for me, it's boho chic and a bit artsy."

It's important to pay attention to the location of the shelves. You have to watch the positioning of the screws to avoid damaging the window itself or the trim, which could void the warranty. Shelf positioning is important, too, Miller added. For example, using lower-aligned shelves will maximize sunlight going through the upper portion of the window, allowing plants on the shelves to thrive. This type of design may require the help of design professionals. Miller warned that it "can look messy if not done right."