You’re looking around at your kitchen, and you’re wondering why it’s looking so drab these days. You have beautiful cabinetry, granite countertops and those shining Viking appliances you’ve always wanted. For some reason, your new kitchen just isn’t as eye-popping as you’d like it to be. Then, you notice your kitchen curtains – the old ones… from your old kitchen. The color scheme is off, they’ve faded with age, and let’s face it – cooking greases and smoke have made them a little yellowed. It’s probably a good time, then, to look into some new kitchen curtains.

When you’re shopping for kitchen curtains, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. What is your kitchen design? If you have a warm, country look to your kitchen, you’ll want something with complementary prints or embroidered designs. If you’ve opted for a modern, state-of-the-art kitchen, you’ll want something sleeker in a solid color. As a rule of thumb, lighter colored kitchen curtains are good for smaller kitchens, or ones that have a warm, cheery design, whereas darker curtains work better in kitchens where bright sunlight might be an issue.

No matter what style or color scheme you choose, though, you’ll want to make sure your new kitchen curtains are the right size for your windows. Long, flowing curtains might look great in your living room, but they could pose a hazard in your kitchen. For the same reason, you’ll want to ensure that your kitchen curtains are appropriate lengths especially if they are anywhere near your stove or other appliances. Lighter weight fibers like cotton are preferable, as they’re more breathable and less likely to hold cooking odors.

To care for your kitchen curtains, simply take them outside and shake them out every now and then to eliminate dust and other residues. On a monthly basis, wash them according to manufacturer instruction. If your curtains are a very delicate material, you might opt to hand wash them in a solution of warm water and mild detergent. For stained curtains, soak them first in a solution of hot water and vinegar (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer). You can also opt to have them dry-cleaned.

If you’d like expert advice on selecting just the right curtains to match your kitchen style, please contact Fahy Kitchens & Baths at (315) 735-8181 or fax to (315) 735-2829. Fahy Kitchens is located at 1908 Oriskany Street West in Utica, N.Y. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated.