Get the Kitchen Window Blinds You Need Now
Finding the right window blinds for your kitchen can make all the difference in creating a beautiful, functional space. With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to pick out the perfect blinds. Should you go for a sleek modern look with vinyl roller shades? Or create a cozy cottage vibe with breezy roman shades? What about placement near sinks or appliances - which materials can withstand heat, grease and moisture?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. This complete guide to kitchen window blinds breaks down exactly how to select the best shades based on your needs and style. Read on for tips on measuring your windows properly, top recommended brands, safety considerations, and more. With this advice, you'll get the kitchen blinds you need to match your cooking space.
Types of Blinds for Kitchen Windows
Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll want blinds that directly fit your window dimensions while complementing the overall aesthetic. Consider the key types of kitchen window shades below to decide which option checks all your boxes.
Roller Blinds
A popular choice, roller blinds consist of a sheet of vinyl, fabric or solar fabric that rolls up and down to control light and privacy. Within the roller blind category, you'll find:
- Vinyl roller shades - Waterproof and easy to wipe clean, these function well in humid, accident-prone areas like near a sink.
- Fabric roller shades - Offering room-darkening and insulating features, these shades come in countless colors/patterns.
- Solar roller shades - With built-in solar panels, these shades prevent heat gain while still allowing exterior views.
Pros: sleek modern styling, variety of opacities/fabrics, cordless options available.
Cons: less control over light gaps compared to slatted blinds.
Venetian Blinds
Featuring horizontal slats made of aluminum, vinyl, faux wood or wood, Venetian blinds angle to precision-control sunlight. Within this category there are:
- Aluminum blinds - Extremely durable yet lightweight for easy raising.
- Faux wood blinds - Replicate the look of real wood with water/heat resistance.
Pros: finer control over light gaps, room-darkening capability, matches wood aesthetics.
Cons: slats prone to dust buildup, cords pose safety issues.
Roman Shades
Characterized by graceful, cascading folds when lifted, soft roman shades diffuse light beautifully. Options here include:
- Cotton - Breathable and helps insulate.
- Linen - More textured with visible weaving.
- Blackout roman shades - Layered fabric prevents all light entering.
Pros: soft, elegant folds, variety of fabrics/patterns/textures.
Cons: less effective at room darkening, gather dust.
Considerations for Placement
Where you mount kitchen window blinds impacts which materials work best. Prioritize safety, cleaning ease and durability with these placement tips.
Above the Sink
Constant splashing means window treatments near kitchen sinks need water resistance. Vinyl, faux wood or washable fabric roman shades cleanly endure regular moisture. Go cordless too - dangling cords risk contamination from food-covered hands.
Near Appliances
For windows by ovens, stoves or other appliances, heat resistance prevents blinds from warping. Flame-retardant materials like vinyl, aluminum or certain tightly-woven fabrics are sensible choices here. Eliminate cords that could catch fire or snag on handles.
Getting the Right Fit
An accurate, custom fit avoids light seeping in on sides/top. Follow our precision measuring tips for a flawless install.
Take Precise Measurements
Determine if you want inside or outside mounts based on depth needs, then carefully measure to 1/8". For outside mount blinds that fit within window frames:
- Width - Wall-to-wall opening exact width.
- Height - Top to bottom of frame exact height.
For inside mount shades embedded in frames:
- Width - Side to side exact interior width.
- Height - Top to bottom exact interior height.
Account for obstructions like handles too!
Order Samples First
Free fabric swatches directly reveal if colors/patterns coordinate. Visually confirm textures suit your decorative theme. Then for size, order affordable sample blinds sized to your windows.
Installing test shades verifies room darkening, functionality and fit before purchasing. This saves ordering full blinds that ultimately don't work.
Additional Recommendations
Child Safety Features
Eliminate cords or make them completely inaccessible to avoid any choking hazards or strangulation risks with young kids. For total safety, choose cordless blinds operated by wands instead.
Flame Resistant Materials
Upgrading from regular to flame resistant window materials adheres to strict fire safety codes. This protection prevents kitchen blinds from igniting or spreading fires.
Certain tightly woven, fire-retardant fabrics work well. Or specify aluminum/vinyl blinds treated to reduce flammability during order customization.
Top Brands & Retailers
Quality and selection vary widely across kitchen blind retailers. We suggest these top-ratedbrands aligned with style and budget.
Faux Wood Blinds
- Top Pick: Blinds.com
- Budget Pick: SelectBlinds
Blackout Fabric Shades
- Top Pick: Blinds Galore
- Budget Pick: Blinds Chalet
Motorized Blinds
- Top Pick: Blinds.com
- Budget Pick: Blindster
Scope out promos too - retailers frequently offer percentage discounts or free upgrades.
Installing kitchen window blinds demands careful prep, from measurements to safety considerations. But opening your new shades for the first time makes it all worthwhile.
Follow our guidance to determine the right blinds to match your cooking space. Consult with window treatment specialists too if needing personalized recommendations. With the perfect shades framed beautifully above your sink or appliances, it's incredible how much more welcoming your kitchen feels.
Now discover our top blind picks and request free samples to experience them firsthand. Soon you'll have stylish, functional blinds expertly sized and mounted - upgrading both aesthetics and functionality.