My bamboo/rattan love runs almost as deep as my tortoise mania, for the same reasons. The variations evoke nature so, to me, they always work and work with everything.

Almost all of my windows are naked, though.

Oh i love that fabric with the monkeys and palms. You will need to move back to FL to use it!

PS I'm not sure bamboo blinds would look ok as there will be wood mullions (sic?) already there.

I think bamboo blinds are often/usually used on muntined windows as they are traditional.

What about leopard

https://www.thibautdesign.com/AFcatalog/product/details/product/african_leopard_af72977/material/printed-fabrics/colorway/aqua_205/

Cute - i get it! - but i think the color isn't muddy enough. Also those types of patterns always disappoint me because they often read as solids unless you are right on top of them. I guess maybe an inside joke for the person doing dishes!

I'm liking the bamboo/rattan blind idea as well as the canvas with a decorative border. Both classics that would work well in your new kitchen!

Maybe just some blue dish towels! This is so pretty.

https://www.anthropologie.com/anthroliving/shop/paisley-floral-dish-towel?color=040&size=One%20Size&inventoryCountry=US&countryCode=US&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign=US%20-%20Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Home%20-%20Terrain&utm_content=US%20-%20Smart%20Shopping%20-%20Terrain&utm_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&creative=595026980772&device=c&matchtype=&network=u&utm_kxconfid=vx6rd81ts&gclid=CjwKCAjw_MqgBhAGEiwAnYOAelLiVtqRIzAcqog3-AzujqwQqNtRDwODPV7aSxKGnD4hrptEV5Ub0hoCeHMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&type=STANDARD&quantity=1

I would not use a valance at your kitchen window. They are undeniably dated, even the pretty ones.

Bamboo blinds are very appropriate for your kitchen and windows, or a (non-working) roman shade like the one Mtn posted in cream with a border, or in blue with a light border perhaps? I would not use another print, but would go with a solid or stripe or just the texture of a wood blind. The tiger print would look very busy on a shade.

I just ordered this to cover a floor pillow. You could have all animals all the time.

I do agree that the cheetahs and the storks are rather similar in style and maybe scale. But the stork colors are just beautiful and would make a pretty shade. A darkish bamboo or woven wood shade is a smart option. Best wishes choosing.

I actually feel that whether or not window treatments are dated or not depend on the age and style of the house. I feel like the kitchen is kind of old-school traditional, which is not a bad thing to me, and could handle a window treatment. If it was white shaker and quartz, not so much.

So those of you who are saying that any type of valance is dated, what do you do for a small window that needs a bit of a punch and is a good spot to bring some colour or whimsy into your space? Most of the windows in our home are uncovered - we are on very private property so no need for privacy but the valances I have in the kitchen, laundry room and master bath are there to bring colour or pattern into the space.

I think a cafe curtain or Roman shade would be perfect in there.

That is a gorgeous fabric you chose. Maybe wait until everything else is complete and then decide on what you would like to do with your window. It is so hard to make so many decisions all at once. The window can wait and that way you can see and feel how the new kitchen is and then decide on what, if anything is needed. I am so excited for you! I am always following your progress. I am living vicariously through you.

So those of you who are saying that any type of valance is dated, what do you do for a small window that needs a bit of a punch and is a good spot to bring some colour or whimsy into your space?

Here is my opinion. At some point... maybe the 80s, not really sure. it became very much in fashion to use valances. They were largely decorative. Some were fixed, some were just too short to provide much function. This look ran it course and, like most trends, was overdone, and now it just does not look new or fresh.

I think people use less WT generally today. But when they do, it either is functional or looks functional, and it not frou frou. So wooden blinds, bamboo shades, roman shades, or just something very simple.

Another no vote for a second animal introduction, and while I like Pal's leopard fabric, it starts to become too theme-y.

What about a natural woven cordless shade? You could even do nonoperable. So many choices in texture and color. I did lined natural inset in our great room (actually the entire house). A natural material will add interest. Add color elsewhere, if desired.

you all have given me a lot to think about. Right now the plan is to do nothing until the painting is complete. I am leaning towards the bamboo blinds (we have them in three bathrooms now) but I also have to make sure it won't block my view of the birdfeeder outside that window. I hate the look of scrunched up blinds. They look constipated.

Thanks for gently pointing me in other directions.

@Sueb20 where are those last two striped fabrics from?

Oh Annie, that’s adorable. Here is the window in question. Still needs another coat of paint where it opens.

Jojo, it looks great! Any chance you can pull out a bit and let us see just how big that window is?

I am so happy you kept the beadboard and just painted!

That is gorgeous Jojo! I see how you might want something for that window. However it is quite small and you have such a lovely view. would you do an outside mount?

Wow, it’s looking beautiful!

Jojo, the window and its trim are so beautiful I'd be loath to put anything above or over it.

We have the same toaster. I love mine.

If you wanted to/can do an inside mount shade, it'd probably work fine in that the only part of the view it would block is the underside of the deck...

Like Annie suggested, but in a soft neutral color. So as not to stand out but just add some texture and interest to the window. I think something like this would lovely!

On that window I don't think I would put a valance. Not because they are dated but because I think it would throw the proportions of the window off.

Pal, I hear what you are saying, however I think Jojo wants something to soften the area and give a bit of interest and texture to all of the wood surrounding it.

You can not go wrong either way!

Edit to add... just my opinion.

I was pro before seeing this particular window. I know someone who had a window treatment that was literally like a handkerchief, completely flat and semi sheer when closed on those really small (3/8") solid brass rods on their kitchen windows. There may have been little brass rings or it maybe have even been small cloth loops, but it was really minimal and nice. But it was needed for window coverage sometimes and pushed aside at others.

Type of hardware.

https://www.rejuvenation.com/products/outside-mount-set/?catalogId=71&sku=9391700&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Hardware%20%3E%20All%20Cabinet%20Hardware&cm_ite=9391700_14334675725&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInoT03Z7k_QIVncmUCR0jvAirEAQYBCABEgIHePD_BwE

I just propped the mullion in. Does this change anyone’s opinion of leaving it plain? ( oh, and Mtn, the painted bead board is my favorite part. The painter did an amazing job of making them look both new and vintage at the same time.)

Jojo, that make a massive difference! Would you paint it the color of the cabs or leave it as it is. Will it block your lovely view?

Muntins

Absolutely love that window and would only add a simple woven shade for privacy when needed. Your kitchen looks fantastic!

Love the muntins in wood, and would not cover a single inch of that window

Meant to ask --- for your soffit plate display, can your carpenter make a groove all the way around for you to lean the plates, so they don't have to be hung and can be used?

Mtn, the grove is already there for the plates. 32’ of it! We’re doing the math and realize it’s something like 6” between each plate.

And no, not painting the grids. I deliberately removed them so they wouldn’t get painted. Maybe they echo the leopards enough?

Yes, and in a way, they also echo the brass. It is perfection IMHO

Brushed gold, mtn . sheesh.

I woukd not cover a square centimeter of that window. Square or nearly square windows are harder to dress and often better left alone. The proportions of your window and the wood muntins are perfect as is.

Another vote for the muntins. We saved you a few bucks. Now you can buy another plate.

Unless it looks onto a very busy street/walkway I always prefer an unadorned kitchen window. I think it keeps an open airy look to any kitchen. The muttons do look pretty, but I find my kitchen window given the sink and splashing needs the most wiping down...and the mutton would be a non stop more work.

With the muntins, no other covering.

Dissenter here (surprise!) … still voting cafe curtains. I don’t like the black hole look at night.

I don't like the black hole at night thing either, but maybe this could be alleviated by a light out in the landscape somewhere.

I am in the minority because I like window coverings in general. And I will never live in an area where privacy is not an issue.

Pal, we have loads of landscape lights out back. The window overlooks a large patio and then a tree-lined backyard. It’s very private.
Here is why I didn’t paint the muntin . I wanted to tie in the work part of the kitchen with the chairs and my new (to me) hutch.

I love how it all ties together!

Now that I see the window — my vote is no curtain or shade.

Tina, I have no idea, I just grabbed pics online.

Why would you not paint the muntins?

I'm guessing the muntins are not painted in the rest of your home. I like the contrast and like showing that they aren't plastic. All of my windows in CT are true divided light. In Maine, the windows were all new when we bought it, and they have (whispering) ... white plastic muntins. 😔

Just for fun I did some mock ups....outside mount and inside mount. I think to look right, the treatment would have to be very light and soft, but then it would contrast with the muntins. If you got fabric that included the color in the muntins, it would make them heavier. So I'm in the 'let it be' camp.

Thanks annie for the mock up. I’m now firmly in the ”no treatment” camp