Kitchens are notoriously wet and busy spaces. They’re where we whip up an afternoon snack, create tasty breakfasts for our loved ones and cook bangers and mash when we want some comfort food. Kitchens need durable tools and fixtures that can stand up to wear and tear and regular usage.
That means you need to select window blinds that can handle tough environments. Here, we’ll show you which types of blinds perform best in kitchens. You’ll also find kitchen blind ideas for styling so you can create the cooking space of your dreams.
Kitchen Blind Ideas: What To Avoid
While all blind styles are stunning visually, some perform better than others in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms where they may get wet or soiled. Water can damage some blind styles, including real wooden blinds. That’s because the wood has tiny pores that absorb water when they get wet. The water causes the wood to expand and when it dries again the wood shrinks. This can cause the blind slat to bend and warp, causing permanent damage.
In addition, some roller blinds and roman blinds - which are made of fabric - can develop mould and stains when they get wet or splashed with things like cooking oil. Easily stained fabrics such as silk can be a bad idea in areas like kitchens.
Best Blind Styles for Kitchens
So you know a few blinds styles that aren’t great in kitchen spaces, but what about ones that work well? Here, we’ll show you the best kitchen blind ideas so you can pick one that will last for years to come.
Venetian Blinds
If you love the look of real wooden blinds, but don’t want to worry about them getting damaged in the kitchen, look for venetian blinds made of faux wood, PVC or aluminium. Faux wood venetian blinds offer the look and feel of real wood blinds, but they are waterproof or moisture resistant. That means they can be used above kitchen sinks without a second thought. Aluminium venetian blinds are another great choice as they won’t rust or warp if they get wet.
Best of all, waterproof faux wood blinds and aluminium blinds are easy to clean. If you splash pasta sauce on them or they get soiled in cooking oil when you’re frying vegetables, you can simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth. In fact, some venetian blinds can be removed from the headrail and hosed off or rinsed in the tub if you really make a mess in the kitchen.
Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds are a great way to add texture and depth to a space. Roller blinds feature a slim profile that’s great for minimalist kitchen designs while roman shades feature elegant pleats for a sophisticated look. If you have your heart set on fabric blinds for your kitchen, look for wipe-clean and waterproof styles. These are often made of nylon or polyester and some feature a special waterproof coating that causes water to bead right off without damaging the fabric.
Shutter Blinds
Also known as plantation shutters, shutter blinds are a style of window treatment that features horizontal blind slats that are built into a frame. The blinds don’t move up and down like traditional horizontal blinds. Instead, they open inward into the room. In addition, you can tilt the individual slats to increase light control and privacy.
This style of window blinds is particularly popular in kitchens. It adds a formal air and a farmhouse feel that is upscale. Best of all, with these blinds, it’s easy to open and close your kitchen windows - helping you air out the room when you’re heating up a fish stew or if you simply want to let a gentle breeze blow through to cool the room down.
Vertical Blinds
If your open plan kitchen features a french door or bifold door, vertical blinds are a great way to add a window dressing without inhibiting the use of the patio door. You can easily move from inside your kitchen to an outdoor dining space without having to fiddle with blinds. These blinds open from left to right, rather than up and down. Some styles of this blind can be mounted directly to the door frame - known as Perfect Fit blinds - so that you can open and close the door without having to adjust the blinds.
Kitchen Blind Ideas To Show Off Your Style
Using blinds in the kitchen is a great way to tie in other decorative elements and make the space more functional. Different colours and prints can set the stage for eye-catching statement pieces or your blinds can act as a backdrop to other style elements. Here are some kitchen blind ideas when it comes to styling.
Use Colour
Kitchen blinds come in a huge range of colours from vibrant reds to muted whites. Choose a bold-hued blind to draw attention to your bay windows and kitchen windows or opt for a muted neutral to create a soft backdrop. You can match your blinds to other colours in the room - like the blue pillows on your sofa or the orange hues in a decorative art piece - for a cohesive look. Alternatively, you can mix it up with contrasting colours to create a colour block look.
In addition to hues, colour tones can also help set the mood in your home. Colours with warm tones - like browns, reds and yellows - can add a cosy atmosphere that is earthy and natural. Hues with cool tones - like blue, purple and green - add a sophisticated air that is also calming and soothing. Even neutrals like grey and white blinds can have coloured undertones, helping you to create the perfect design aesthetic in your kitchen.
Patterns, Prints and Pleats
Looking for a way to be bold and make a statement in your kitchen? Patterns and prints can help you get the job done, regardless of your interior design style. Famous styles like the iconic linear stem from Orla Kiely add a hint of nature while geometric prints are right at home in modern kitchens with cool vibes.
In addition to patterns, pleated or honeycomb blinds can add a stunning visual to your kitchen. They add depth and dimension, creating a textured space that can seem larger than it is. Best of all, pleated blinds have insulating properties. That means your kitchen will maintain an ambient temperature better than if you had no blinds at all.
The pleats and honeycomb design trap air, creating an insulating barrier. This can help you trap warm air inside in the winter and keep it out in the summertime. Over the long-term, this can help you save on energy and heating costs while enjoying your cosy kitchen. Blinds can be paired with a pelmet - a wooden cornice board that can increase insulation properties by preventing air leakage around the headrail.
Set the Scene
Choosing a blind style allows you to set the stage for your home decor. By choosing muted blinds, you can let a stunning selection of hanging copper pots command the attention. Muted blinds can also help draw attention to any fancy countertops or brightly coloured appliances.
Alternatively, you can choose a bold colour or bright pattern to breathe life into a plain white or simple kitchen. The colour instantly draws the eye, creating a visual effect that easily livens up an old kitchen design.
Control Light and Privacy
With blinds, you can control how much artificial and natural light filters in and increase your privacy. Voile blinds allow you to enjoy picturesque views while still keeping people outside from seeing the entire layout of your home. On the other hand, a blackout blind is a great choice if you want a dark, peaceful environment to whip up your favourite dishes.