Choosing The Right Kitchen Window Treatments

Picking the best kitchen window treatments takes a little more effort than other rooms of the house.  Certain environmental factors must be considered in the kitchen such as steam, fumes, smoke and even fire hazards.  Having low hanging drapes with frills are not only a fire hazard, but are also very difficult to clean.  If you should happen to get a little food splatter on your kitchen window treatments, would you be able to toss them in the washing machine?  Designing your kitchen with window treatments that can withstand a fast paced family enviroment does not have to be restricting.  In fact, there are a seemingly infinite amount of options available to you when it comes time to choose your kitchen window treatments.

The Cheapest Kitchen Window Treatments

If you are looking for a cheap and easy way to achieve privacy and light control in your kitchen then Venetian kitchen blinds are your best option.  Made with either plastic or metal slats, kitchen blinds are made to fit directly inside your window frame and install in minutes.  The only problem with these kitchen window treatments is the fact that they look a little less than spectacular from a style and design point of view.  Their simplicity makes them very easy to install and operate, but there is a lack of quality and craftsmanship in their appearance.  This look can be enhanced by adding a kitchen valance to cover up the hardware and retracting mechanism, but the thin, flimsy slats still appear less than elegant.

The Best Kitchen Window Treatments

The best kitchen window treatments are those that are custom made for your window openings by a dedicated and professional craftsman.  Window treatments such as plantation shutters are not only easier to clean and safer than kitchen blinds, they are one of the most charming kitchen window treatments you can buy.  Offering perfect control of ventilation and light blocking plantation shutters operate with a simple louver handle.  There are no strings, gears, or ties.  Simply move the louvers to the desired position and enjoy the fresh breeze and natural sunlight.
Maintaining plantation shutters is as easy as wiping with a damp cloth, and the expected lifespan is several decades before requiring new parts or finish.

Kitchen Window Treatment Tips

Choosing a kitchen window treatment is difficult enough without trying to keep up with the latest design styles.  However, you want to be sure to choose kitchen window treatments that will be stylish for years to come especially when it’s time to resell your home.  Below are a few tips to keep for kitchen decor timeless.

• Less Is More – The more elaborate your window treatments, the more likely they are to go out of style.  Products like plantation shutters are timeless because they are as simple and elegant today as they were 100 years ago.
• Block Direct Light – Direct sunlight is particularly aggravating in the kitchen where you stand for hours in the heat.  Choose a window treatment that allows you to adjust the slats or louvers according to the time of day.
• Allow Natural Light – Light control is important, but blocking all natural sunlight makes a room sterile and dreary.  Be sure to choose kitchen window treatments that allow you to bathe the room in natural light, while blocking the direct rays.