Short answer
Cotton, cotton-polyester blends and polyester are the most practical kitchen curtain fabrics because they are generally easy to wash and hold up to steam and splatters. Lightweight linen is a good choice for a soft, airy look if you accept some wrinkling. Choose short styles such as café or tier curtains over sinks and near stoves, and avoid heavy, dry-clean-only fabrics.
What a kitchen curtain has to survive
Kitchens are tough on fabric. Cooking produces steam, grease and odors, and windows are often near sinks, cooktops and busy work areas. Good kitchen curtain fabric should be:
- Washable, ideally in a home machine, since you will want to wash it more often than curtains in other rooms
- Lightweight, so it dries quickly and does not trap smells
- Resistant to wrinkles and fading, where possible
- Easy to keep away from heat and water, which is about both fabric and style
Best fabrics for kitchen curtains
Cotton and cotton blends
Cotton is breathable, soft and usually easy to wash. It comes in classic kitchen prints such as gingham, checks and ticking stripes. Cotton can shrink and wrinkle, so prewash fabric before sewing and consider a cotton-polyester blend for less ironing.
Polyester and easy-care blends
Polyester resists wrinkles, dries quickly and usually handles humidity and sun well. It is a practical option for kitchens that need frequent laundering. It is less breathable than natural fibers, and thin polyester can look shiny, so check a sample.
Linen and lightweight woven fabrics
Lightweight linen filters light softly and has a relaxed, natural appearance. It will wrinkle, and some linens need gentler washing, so check the label. Linen-cotton or linen-look blends can be easier to maintain.
Performance and outdoor fabrics
Stain-resistant performance fabrics, including some outdoor-grade materials, are designed to repel moisture and spills. They can suit kitchens with a lot of splatter, although they may feel stiffer than ordinary fabric.
Sheer voile and lace
Voile and lace let in plenty of light and are often used for café-style curtains. They are best where privacy needs are modest. See our guides to the best fabric for sheer curtains and sheer fabric types.
Fabrics to avoid
- Silk and other delicate fabrics that need professional cleaning
- Heavy velvet or thick lined drapes that collect grease and are hard to launder
- Very loose or fluffy weaves that trap smells and dust
- Any fabric hung close to a flame or hot surface (see the safety note below)
Types of kitchen curtains
- Café curtains cover the lower or middle part of the window and leave the top open for light.
- Tier curtains are two stacked sets of short panels, often used for windows over sinks.
- Valances are short decorative toppers, often paired with blinds.
- Full-length panels can work in kitchens with a dining area, but wash them more often.
- Roman or roller shades in washable fabric are alternatives if you prefer a flat, tidy look.
Window position and safety
Keep curtain fabric well away from open flames, gas burners and other heat sources. Over a stove, many people choose a blind or a very short, fire-conscious arrangement instead of fabric. Over a sink, choose a short curtain that will not touch splashing water. If you are unsure about a fabric’s flammability, check the manufacturer’s information or consider a non-fabric alternative near the cooktop.
Prewashing and care
Wash cotton and linen fabrics before you cut and sew them, because they may shrink. Wash finished kitchen curtains regularly following the care label, and avoid high heat if the fabric is a blend that may shrink or distort. Ironing or steaming while slightly damp can help with creasing; our ironing tips by fabric type cover heat settings.
How much fabric you need
Measure the width of the rod or track and multiply it by the fullness you want. A common guideline is about one and a half to two times the width for gathered curtains, with less fullness for flat styles. Add allowance for hems and a rod pocket or heading, and measure the drop from the rod to where you want the curtain to end. Adding extra length on cotton for shrinkage is sensible if you have not prewashed.
Light or dark colors and patterns?
Light colors and small prints are forgiving and brighten a kitchen, while very pale solids may show splatters sooner. Darker colors can hide marks but may fade in strong sun. Match them to the cabinets and walls rather than to a particular sofa; the same lighter-or-darker question that comes up for living rooms is covered in our guide to the best fabric for curtains.
Where to buy kitchen curtain fabric
Fabric stores, home décor suppliers and online fabric shops all sell curtain-weight cotton, blends and sheers. Ready-made curtains are another option. Order swatches when possible and look at them against your cabinets and walls.
FAQ
What is the best curtain for a kitchen window above the sink? A short café or tier curtain in washable cotton or a cotton-polyester blend.
Can I machine wash kitchen curtains? Many cotton, blend and polyester curtains can be, but always follow the care label.
Is linen a good kitchen curtain fabric? It can be, if you like the relaxed look and accept wrinkling, and if you keep it away from splashes and heat.