Curtains VS Blinds For Kitchen Windows – Which To Choose?

Kitchens are typically one of the busiest rooms in a home or apartment. And when it comes to window coverage and privacy, it's worth taking the time to decide what type of dressing will work best for your specific kitchen space. So which is better for kitchen windows, blinds or curtains? We've done a bit of research on this topic, and in this post, we will compare the two.

When deciding which treatment is best, it's best to consider the size and space of your window area beforehand. Overall, blinds tend to be a better option for kitchen windows than curtains. Not only are blinds less likely to overcrowd the window (making them the safer option), but they're easier to clean and have more options in terms of privacy and access to natural sunlight. Also, curtains may take up too much space and a kitchen window and require more effort to keep clean than blinds.

Due to safety reasons, windows located near stoves, above countertops, or other areas used for food preparation may be better suited for blinds. Continue reading to learn about more consideration when it comes to kitchen blinds.

What type of blinds is best for the kitchen?

You have quite a few options when it comes to blinds for your kitchen. Let's look at the most popular ones.

Vertical Blinds

While you may not think of the birth of coal vertical blinds as being ideal for window treatments, they can actually be a great option, especially if you have wide kitchen windows. These fines are relatively easy to clean, as you need a cloth and perhaps a bit of all-purpose cleaner if you get any food or crime on them.

You'll also be happy to know that they come in a wide range of textures and colors. You can also get them customized to fit regular window sizes.

Mini blinds

Mini blinds are probably one of the most popular window treatments that you'll find and kitchen windows. Why? Because they are inexpensive, easy to put up, and easy to clean. So if you're on a budget or are looking for something that simple and durable, a high-quality mini blind may be your best bet.

Another great thing about mini blinds is that they can be adjusted to suit your preferred privacy preference or increase the amount of natural light in your kitchen.

Find these blinds on Amazon.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are pleated, honeycomb-shaped window shades that run horizontally. They work great for kitchen windows as they can help regulate room temperatures through installation and provide privacy or natural sunlight when needed.

You can get the shades customized to be more energy-efficient or come with cordless controllers for pet and child safety.

Check out these shades on Amazon.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are window shades that fold into themselves, similar to Venetian blinds, but with one long continuous fabric appear when the shade is raised, it can allow full access to natural lighting. And when it's lowered, it may still allow natural light to shine through depending on its fabric type and color.

So if you want the best of both worlds when it comes to privacy and light access, Roman shades may be a good choice.

Read more about these Roman shades on Amazon.

How To Choose Blinds For Your Kitchen Sink Windows

It's also worth mentioning a few things to consider before heading to the store to purchase your kitchen window blinds.

Safety

It's important to ensure that the cord on them does not hang low enough to fall into the sink or counter area (or on the stovetop). Not only can this be a safety hazard for small children, but it can accidentally get caught in the garbage disposal. So to say, it's best to check to determine if the blinds have a cord keeper to avoid issues.

Easy Cleaning

You'll also want to ensure that the set of blinds you choose for the kitchen is fairly easy to clean. Remember, if the blinds are located in front of a food prep area or a stove, they will likely receive splatters from grease, food, or liquids--and of course, you don't want to spend more time cleaning them than you have to.

Durability

Humidity and is also worth considering, as it can cause kitchen blinds to warp, bend, and twist, leaving you with misshapen blinds that need to be replaced. For this reason, some treatments such as solar shades, vinyl blinds, and shutters blinds may be the best option if you're worried about exposure to heat and humidity.

Light Control and Privacy

If your kitchen window faces west or south, blinds that block sunlight and glare may be the best option to go with. And this case, cellular shades and roller shades offer great options, especially if you're also worried about privacy.

Roman or cellular shades (particularly ones with lighter tones) can offer you the best privacy options if you're worried about peering eyes from neighbors or random people walking down the street. Not only can they provide privacy, but they don't force you to compromise access to natural daylight.

Are blinds as good as curtains?

Most people would argue that they are and that they offer more benefits than curtains in many cases. But let's take a look at how they compare.

Blinds are typically less expensive

When it comes to price, you'll find that, overall, blinds are less expensive than curtains. They also require less material to make. On average, you can purchase a set of blinds for about $15-20. They're also easier to install. Blinds typically come in a kit with hardware components and can be installed in about 15 to 30 minutes.

Curtains are usually on the pricier side, ranging from $45 to over $200 per window.

Blinds offer more light control options

Blinds also offer more light control options than curtains. For example, you can raise them, lower them, or adjust the slats to change how light enters a room. So, if you have a window located on the side of the home that receives a lot of daytime sun, you can adjust the blinds to reduce the natural sunlight while not blocking it completely.

Curtains don't offer this option without blocking the overall amount of light that enters the room.

Blinds offer easy cleaning

The smooth, hard, and slick surface of blinds makes them much easier to clean. To clean them, all you need is a bit of diluted vinegar and a sponge or everyday all-purpose cleaner, and you're good to go.

On the other hand, curtains are made of fabric, which can be dusted, but they'll need to be thrown in the washing machine or hand washed for a more thorough cleaning.

Curtains offer better insulation and soundproofing

Not all is lost when it comes to curtains. Overall, you'll find that they are way better when providing thermal insulation to a room. On top of this, they can also be used to provide soundproofing benefits as well. Some curtains may offer this naturally, while others are encapsulated with a thermal liner to make them more insulating.

Find thermal curtains on Amazon.

Curtains offer more privacy

If you're looking for complete privacy, curtains will typically be a better pick. Curtains will cover the windows completely, blocking out all sunlight and removing the visibility of a room. So if you are a day-sleeper or someone who cherishes your privacy, curtains are definitely the way to go.

Is it OK to have blinds without curtains?

Yes. Some scenarios may be more ideal for blinds than curtains. Examples include locations in the home where you prefer to have natural light, rooms with more modern decor, or rooms with oddly-shaped windows.

How do I choose kitchen window curtains?

The first thing you want to think about is the shape and size of your window and its location. Safety and cleaning ability are also important when it comes to installing curtains in kitchen windows. After making these considerations, consider the color and the style of curtain that will work best for your kitchen.

What type of decor do you have in the room? Is it modern? More traditional? Also, consider what types of tones and patterns will work best to compliment the room.

How can I add privacy to my kitchen window?

You have a few options when it comes to adding privacy to your kitchen window. The least expensive options include installing window shades, blinds, curtains, or shutters to the window. You can also install glass treatments such as mirrored or frosted glass to prevent visibility into your kitchen.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope this post has helped illustrate the various options available but choosing the best blinds for your kitchen. And as you can see, there are quite a few things to consider before deciding whether the blinds or curtains will work best for your kitchen window.