A bright, well lit kitchen is a pleasure to work in and an attractive place for friends and family to gather. If you are fortunate enough to have many windows in the kitchen, you may wonder what kitchen window treatments provide both privacy and shade from mid-day heat without blocking light. There are many types of ready-made and custom-made window dressings that work well in kitchens.
There are a few points to consider as you make your selection. If you have several windows, you may want coverings that let you modulate light throughout the day. If you have only one window or a small window, try a style that maximises natural light.
The location of the window may also affect your selection. Avoid materials that can catch on fire or show grease and food stains. If windows are over the sink, a treatment that covers the top half of the window will avoid splatters. Also consider how easy the window coverings will be to clean, washable fabric, vinyl blinds and shutters are easy to clean whereas formal curtains with linings or styles with trim may need to be dry cleaned.
To make things a little easier, here at The Kitchen Partners, Bristol, we’ve put together a few ideas for you to consider when planning your custom designed kitchen
Shutters
Shutters add architectural interest to a room. They can cover the entire length of the window or just the bottom half. The louvers modulate incoming light and heat as well as provide privacy. Wooden shutters can be varnished or oiled to bring out the beauty of the wood. However, often they are painted to complement the colours of cabinets or other elements of the room. Painted shutters are easy to clean. Simply wipe them with a damp cloth.
Blinds
Blinds come in a wide range of fabrics, colours and patterns that can blend into your new Kitchen scheme os stand out. They work well over messy work areas because they can be rolled up out of the way when needed. During the heat of the day, pull them down to block sunlight. At night, they protect privacy. The clean lines complement modern design styles but work well with any décor. They modulate light and are available in easy-to-clean materials. Styles such as Roman blinds and curtains are appealing because they’ll introduce softness to a space that’s filled with hard materials.
Café Kitchen Curtains
Café curtains are a classic style for kitchens. Café curtains work with many decorative schemes, including country, casual and industrial. They are often hung in the lower half of a window providing privacy without blocking light. Traditionally they are checked suiting a more traditional style or rustic country kitchen look but they can be made of any pattern and material. For a formal look, try a neutral, solid colour that complements the colours of the room. Dress them up with metal hooks and a matching rod, such as stainless steel, nickel or brass. For a romantic look, try lace or sheers.
Undressed
If your windows are double-glazed, if the view of your garden, both in daytime and lit at night, is fantastic, and if you’re not overlooked, why not leave your kitchen windows undressed? In a period room with lots of decorative detail you can easily get away with this. In a contemporary room with lots of hard surfaces, beware of the echo and consider adding a rug and some soft furnishings to absorb sound.
Whatever your preference, we’re sure we will be able to help you find the right solution for you!
Have a great weekend
Clinton and Fiona