The Best Type Of Blinds For Kitchen Windows (Hint: It's Not Vinyl)

The right blinds can easily transform a kitchen space by creating adjustable light control, additional privacy, and a finishing touch that complements your countertops and cabinets. If you're wondering what kind of window treatments are going to work for your cook space, the best choice you can make for blinds isn't traditional vinyl. In an exclusive interview with Hunker, interior design expert Craig Gritzen, founder and principal designer at Los Angeles-based Curated Style Collective, explained that faux wood is the way to go when it comes to kitchen blinds.

"My favorite type of blinds for kitchen windows are simple wide-slat faux wood blinds in either a warm wood tone or color finish that works with the design direction. I prefer blinds that quietly blend into the design so the other elements of a kitchen, like the countertops or cabinets for example, become the focal point," Gritzen said. Besides offering the perfect finishing touch with their warm wood tones, the composites used to construct the faux wood blinds are far more resistant to the high humidity kitchens often experience during cooking.

In terms of design, Gritzen noted that it's best to avoid faux wood blinds that appear to have an exaggerated grain. "The best ones to select are the ones that are not trying to convince you they are real wood," he said. The faux wood is also resistant to fading, cracking, and warping, which is all too common with natural wood when exposed to a high-moisture environment.

One thing most people view as a downside to owning blinds is that they can be a hassle to clean. This is especially true in a kitchen, where airborne grease from cooking can easily collect on surfaces, making them grimy and unpleasant. According to Craig Gritzen, faux wood blinds are very easy to wash and to keep clean because they are non-porous and won't absorb moisture or grime. This also makes them an excellent option for over-sink windows.

Gritzen also has some tips for keeping your faux wood kitchen blinds clean: "I recommend people use extractor hoods to help minimize the amount of cooking residues that deposit on the surfaces of the kitchen." He also mentioned that other composite materials, such as high-quality vinyl, are good options for easy cleaning.

However, faux wood blinds aren't the only options Gritzen likes for kitchen design. "Vinyl roller shades are one of my favorite alternatives because they almost disappear when you raise the treatment, which floods the room with natural light. If privacy isn't an issue, I think we could be more comfortable with leaving the window uncovered, especially if the window is more shaded or frames a beautiful view," he said. Café curtains and Roman shades are also excellent no-drill kitchen window coverings that can maintain the airiness of a space, though you'll need to wash them regularly as they can be a magnet for grease.