Most breakfast nooks are an extension of the kitchen. Usually the breakfast nook will have three walled sides with the fourth being open to the kitchen. Often, the three walls are covered in windows because lots of natural light is preferable in this room. However, having so many windows could lead to blinding glare and direct sunlight during some hours of the day. Most people will want to put some kind of curtain on the windows.
If you are interested in a more traditional look, you will most likely install sheer curtains. Sheers are usually made of any open weave sheer fabric such as cotton, nylon or silk. The sheer curtains will allow the sunlight to enter the room under softer conditions while eliminating uncomfortable glare or direct sunlight.
Once the sun has risen to a point where it is not in your direct eye line, then you will want to fashion some kind of side pull to tastefully pull your curtains aside and enjoy the daylight. Most people use a small piece of fabric than will tie around the gathered curtain and then attach to the wall with an eyehook or snap. If you do not want to gather the curtains, then you can also let them hang loose at the edge of the window.
Honeycomb or cellular shades offer another option for keeping out the glaring sunlight in the morning and evening hours. This style of shade is made from a lightweight non-woven polyester fabric and allows light to filter through so you can still enjoy the benefits of natural light. Even more important to some is the insulating ability of these shades. They will help keep cool or hot air from leaving your house.
In addition to their light filtering and insulating abilities, cellular shades also provide a more streamlined look to your breakfast nook than curtains. If you do not want to be able to see your window treatments when they are not in use, honeycomb shades fold into a very small space when they are pulled up.
The honeycomb shades or the hardware from either type of window treatment can be hidden from view by a valence or cornice. These decorating touches can add character to any breakfast nook with a touch of color or by adding curved lines to what you can assume will be a very boxy look from your kitchen that is full of square cabinets and appliances.
Whatever choice you make when it comes to your breakfast nook curtains, their presence will add to the appeal and value of your home. If you are looking to sell one day, including the window treatments in the price of the home can make a prospective buyer feel like they are getting more for their money as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing part of the decorating is already done.
Most decorating touches in your home serve only an aesthetic purpose, but breakfast nook curtains also are quite useful. That is why it is important to do the job right. If you choose to install the curtains yourself, make sure that you measure carefully because it is very easy to make mistakes. Because of this, I would hire somebody to measure, order and install the window treatments for you so that if there is an error, it will be fixed on their dime.
