Window Treatments for Your Kitchen

People like to gather in the kitchen or breakfast nook area for several reasons.  The proximity to food is probably most important, but also important is the proximity to light.  Studies show that people like to gather around and near natural light.  Sunlight gives people energy and they unconsciously try to be around it.  Most breakfast nooks and kitchens have lots of windows, so it is a natural gathering place.  

To take advantage of the positives of sunlight but minimize the unpleasantness you need window treatments.  You want to choose curtains or shades that maximize the amount of natural light that comes into the room and eliminate glare and harsh direct sunlight in the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Another reason for hanging curtains or installing valences or cornices is to enhance the esthetics of the room.  Most kitchens have many straight lines and a boxy feel because of the shapes of cabinets and appliances.  A soft curtain gathered to the side or a curved valence can add more interesting decorating lines to your most popular space in the house.