Kitchen cabinet curtains are stylish, affordable and give your kitchen a unique finish. With a few easy steps you can turn a boring cabinet into a design statement. The key to an expertly designed kitchen is balance. If you have a small kitchen you can maximize the space by creating a floor length curtain.
First, measure the width and height of your cabinet opening. A rule of thumb is to make your fabric 1.5 to 2 times the cabinet width. In addition, you should include a few extra inches for the seams and casings. To do this, place your fabric on a flat surface and mark the top and bottom with a fabric pen.
Next, fold your fabric over two inches. This is called the double fold hem. You can press the seams to create a crease, or you can use a stapler. Once the hem is complete, lay your curtain on an ironing board with the seams facing up. Use the iron to set the crease.
Finally, cut your fabric. You can cut it before or after cutting the panels. However, you should be prepared to spend some time trimming and pressing your fabric to create a smooth and even finish. Your fabric is usually 44 to 55 inches wide from selvage to selvage.
If you plan to hang your curtain, you will need to attach a tension rod. Tension rods are inexpensive and available at many fabric stores. They expand and contract to fit your cabinet opening. Having a tension rod means that you don’t have to buy additional hardware.
When you are finished, your curtain can be hung from the rod to the bottom of the opening. You can either attach grommets or use tape to hold the fabric in place. Either way, you’ll have a great looking curtain.
There are several other ways to add a finishing touch to your cabinet curtain. You can add grommets to the top of the panel or use tape to fasten the curtain to the cabinet. Another option is to use a hook and loop tape. Both of these options allow for easy removal when you need to replace the fabric.
To create the best gathered effect, you’ll want to cut your curtain panels at least a few inches longer than your cabinet opening. For example, if your cabinet opening is 22 inches, your panels should be 24 inches long. As for the casings, you can sew them or use fusible webbing to permanently bond the fabric to the cabinet.
For a more traditional look, consider a classic shabby chic style. Elizabeth Roberts used maroon curtains on her lower cabinets. She also repurposed a vintage tapestry to create a modern design.
One other easy way to create a decorative cabinet curtain is to simply drape the fabric along the back inside edge of the cabinet. This will instantly freshen up your space.
Make sure you leave enough room for the tension rod to pass through the top and bottom of your curtain. This will ensure that the rod will be hidden when the curtain is closed.