Simplicity is often the key to successful soft furnishings for the kitchen. Curtains, with various styles of headings, are always popular, and the choice of fabrics and accessories has never been wider. Seat pads and tablecloths can be added in complementary fabrics to soften the look of the room.

Curtains, blinds and shutters

Fabric window treatments can be used to great effect in the kitchen, adding decorative detail, color and pattern to this utilitarian room. Kitchen curtains do, however, require more frequent laundering than those in other rooms, so make sure your chosen style is easy to clean, simple to remove and not too difficult to re-attach and dress. While many fabrics can be washed at home, be aware that many curtain linings are prone to shrinkage if not dry-cleaned.

Simple Roman blinds are widely used in kitchen settings. They draw upwards, so they are unlikely to become softed by splashes from the kitchen sink, and when closed at night, the full design of the fabric is attractively displayed ¡ª something that is often lost with gathered curtain styles.

Wooden shutters and various non-fabric forms of slatted blind are another practical option. Available in almost every conceivable color, or in natural timber and metal finishes, there is a style available to enhance most decorative schemes.

Poles and pelmets

Chrome poles with stylish clip-headed curtains offer definition for the modern kitchen window, while hand-forged wrought iron brings a simple sense of nostalgia to a country-style selling. If you have wood poles that need a new look, spray paint them, and protect with several coats of matt varnish. Lamberquines – shaped and upholstered solid pelmets – can be used to frame windows attractively. They can be made in a wide range of shapes and styles, and with the addition of a simple blind, they offer effective design detail as well as privacy for your room.

Choosing fabrics

Do not limit yourself to ready-made soft furnishings unless you can find the perfect fabric to enhance your decorative scheme. Curtain makers and most upholsterers will be more than happy to make them up in your preferred fabric. This way, your room will benefit from the perfect size and style of product needed.

Try using patterned fabrics to add extra design detail to your kitchen, floral fabrics bound with geometric stripes and checks, for example, will help to create an interior tailor-made to your personal taste. Some fabrics are pre-treated to increase stain-resistance, so look out for these. Others can be wiped clean, which could be very useful with sticky fingers around. You could buy matching fabric for curtains and tablecloths.