Should you replace your kitchen cabinet doors with curtains? Designers decide on whether this vintage kitchen trend is actually practical

Kitchen cabinet curtains have been a huge trend this year, and it's not hard to see why. They can offer a bold splash of pattern and a tactile texture into the room in the home which is often the most hard, angular and plain.

The idea of a kitchen cabinet curtain may make you think of your grandparents' house, and you are not wrong. The trend has circled back around and is making waves in all the most stylish of kitchens.

Tapping into the kitchen trend for Cottagecore – a cute, English countryside style – kitchen curtains are best suited to more traditional, shaker style kitchens. While most commonly used under the sink, they can in fact be used as a replacement to any or all of your lower cabinets.

As with any design decision you make for your kitchen, there are practicalities to keep in mind. So before you tear out your cabinet doors and in favor of your latest favorite print,

We've spoken to interior designers and kitchen experts to share the pros and cons of going soft, and how you can make a kitchen curtain work for your space. So scroll down before you tear out your cabinets and hang a pole, there is much to be considered.

The pros of switching cabinet doors for curtains

Kitchen cabinet curtains bring a soft feel to a scheme

A key reason why you should replace your kitchen cabinet with a curtain, is because they bring a softness and warmth to a scheme, making it feel instantly more homely.

'Adding cabinet curtains complements a casual aesthetic and can make kitchens feel more like inviting, lived-in rooms rather than purely functional, utilitarian spaces,' says Lauren Lothrop Caron, founder of Studio Laloc. 'Kitchens typically feature hard finishes, so curtains are great for bringing a softer feel to the space, creating a homey atmosphere that aligns with the current popular design direction.'

As more and more of us want our kitchens to be more like comfortable living areas rather than simply places to cook, we're spending more time and money on making them feel comfortable, as well as practical.

An increasing desire for swapping cabinets for curtains 'reflects a broader shift towards embracing more relaxed, homey interiors that balance functionality with a cozy, lived-in feel,' says Victoria Fletcher, senior buyer at Garden Trading.

They offer design flexibility

As curtains are generally easy to swap in and out, they offer more design flexibility, allowing for an easy way to chop and change your kitchen's look. If you're someone who tires of a scheme easily or likes to adapt your rooms to the season, this is a great way to do that.

'With so many different fabrics and colors to choose from, you can really have fun mixing and matching your ‘doors,' says Molly Mahon, founder of a British textiles company of the same name. 'They are so easy to change and you can have a set or two that you can interchange when the mood takes you, or when they need a quick wash, bringing an instant refresh to your kitchen.'

And you don't need to stop at just two designs. 'Kitchen cabinet curtains offer endless design possibilities, allowing you to easily change fabrics with the seasons or interior design trends, giving your kitchen a fresh look without a complete overhaul,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe, creative director at Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors.

Cabinet curtains are very cost-effective

If you're keen to spend your money wisely, a curtain can be considerably less expensive than a run of cabinet doors, so the money you save can be put towards other design features, like a granite worktop or statement kitchen tiles.

'Replacing cabinet doors with curtains can often be more budget-friendly than custom cabinetry,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe.

And Victoria agrees, 'Curtains are a cost-effective solution for updating cabinets without the expense of new doors.' Even a high quality, water resistant curtain will be less expensive than the least expensive of doors, so it's a great way to get an expensive look for less.

The cons of switching cabinet doors for curtains

Cabinet curtains provide less protection

While a solid door completely conceals what's behind it, providing a barrier from steam, dust, and smells, a curtain simply doesn't offer the same degree of protection.

'Unlike solid doors that can keep items safe from dust and grease, curtains may offer less protection for what’s behind them,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe.

This is something to consider if you'll be storing delicate items, or pieces which are precious to you, such a wedding gifts or inherited items. Your best pots and pans, trays or jugs are likely to last longer if they're kept behind a solid door.

'Curtains don’t provide the same level of protection as solid doors, so you may need to be more mindful of dust and spills,' Victoria reiterates.

Don't forget to consider other ways to use kitchen curtains too. 'Curtains tend to work best in spaces where practicality isn’t the highest priority, such as the laundry rooms. Here, concealing items like the washer and dryer with fabric can help maintain a clean, organized look,' says Victoria.

They trap dust and allergens

Kitchen curtains do tend to get dirtier than cupboards. With excess material which often sweeps across the floor, they can gather dust and dirt very easily.

'As curtains can attract dust and allergens, they may not be ideal for those with sensitivities,' says Lauren. If you have a condition or allergy that's worsened by dust, it may be best to avoid this design feature.

It's not surprising, then, that kitchen curtains may require more maintenance than a solid door. 'As they collect dust and dirt easily, they are more time-consuming to maintain,' says Lauren Lothrop Caron.

You can keep the maintenance as simple as possible by choosing the right kind of curtain. 'Be sure to choose durable, easy-to-clean fabrics,' says Victoria. There are even hardy, water-resistant designs out there, which can make removing stains quicker and easier.

They are less durable than doors

If you're a keen chef who treats their kitchen like a pro culinary space, there is a chance a kitchen curtain could be a little impractical. If you're in a hurry, a curtain may slow you down as you hunt for your favorite pan, and it could be fiddly to open and close.

'In kitchens where splashes and spills are common, curtains may require more frequent cleaning than solid doors,' says Lauren Gilberthorpe. 'Fabric may not hold up as well as cabinetry over time, particularly in high-use areas where they can get caught or torn.'

The kitchen cabinet door v curtain debate does mostly come down to aesthetics and if you want to create that cozy farmhouse kitchen feel. But there are practicalities to consider too, a kitchen is a hardworking room and bringing lots of fabric into that space might not work if you and your family like to cook and host. A good option if you like the look but are not sure it's the most practical decision for your space is to have a balance. Maybe just replace a few doors with curtains in areas that don't see a lot of wear and tear, like in the pantry.