When John Wanamaker first thought of the phrase "white sale", it referred to one special month that focused on discounts on white bed sheets, pillowcases, and covers. Today, white sales may take place during any time of year and it refers to all kinds of household items, no matter the color and no matter which room for which the items are meant. The same goes for kitchen curtains.

Fortunately, home décor has broadened since 1878. There are many colors available for the home and a kitchen is one place that opens up and becomes much friendlier with some splashes of prints and colors. In fact, if you are looking for a way to brighten up your kitchen with a small budget, curtains for your windows may be the perfect answer.

Until recently, kitchens have been thought of just a place to prepare meals and have not been a focus when it comes to decorating, but the new designs and colors available for kitchen counters, tables, and even flooring encourage a second look at what you put on your walls and windows. Kitchen curtains are not just a practical means of accenting your cooking area. The right choices can also save you money.

Depending on the size of your windows and what it is you are looking to do, you may want your kitchen curtains to be a one bold color, a sophisticated print, floral, or you may even want lacy, see-through curtains that will let the sunshine in all day long. You may be thinking of privacy, but if your windows do not face your front yard and are not easily seen by your neighbors, filmy curtains could be just right for you.

As a small way to accessorize, curtains in a solid color can be very satisfying. If you are looking to make your windows the decorative focus, try picking a theme for your windows. If you like the country look, prints done in fresh fruits or vegetables, such as apples, berries, sweet peppers, or a variety of any will stand out. Are you looking for a more modern look in your curtains? Wine, tea, or coffee themes may be more to your taste and will add a bit of charm to an otherwise sophisticated, but seemingly boring room.

The material from which your curtains are made is important for both function and ease of maintenance. If you are looking for durability and the ability to clean your kitchen curtains easily, lighter fabrics are a good choice. Window coverings made of polyester or cotton will block the light to varying degrees and will also do a better job of filtering the air.

Whichever type of kitchen curtains you choose; the care instructions enclosed in the package or on the package need your due attention. For example, some curtains should not be washed in hot water or dried in a dryer, and it is important to know what your curtains need to prevent shrinkage and fading. Weekly dusting or vacuuming with the special hose attachments on your vacuum cleaner will keep your curtains looking fresh. This will also help them to last longer. If your curtains have a liner on the back of them, it is a good idea to have them dry-cleaned. For convenience and cost-saving, machine washable curtains are the best choices. Always remember to take the hooks, snaps, or rings off of your curtains before you put them in a washer.

If you want to go further than just changing the look of your kitchen curtains, look for curtains that have matching accessories for your kitchen, or use other colors that blend or contrast in a pleasing manner. You will find lots of ideas when you are out shopping or looking for kitchen accessories online. Table cloths, pads for your chairs and stools, towels, dish cloths, pot holders, canisters, and even coffee cups can be a perfect match for your newly dressed-up windows.