Choosing curtains for your kitchen
- Karen Hume
- Consultant
In short
Curtains look lovely in many rooms, but the kitchen is not one of them: fabric is more flammable near appliances and absorbs grease and cooking smells, so it needs frequent (often dry-clean-only) cleaning. Most blinds are a safer, easier choice. Our top picks are roller blinds (slim, wipeable), Venetian blinds (aluminium or faux wood handle heat and humidity) and shutters (fixed, moisture-friendly in faux wood). Avoid Roman blinds for the same reasons as curtains.
While curtains are a lovely option for many rooms, the kitchen brings some extra concerns that make them a poor choice. Here is why, and what to use on your kitchen windows instead.
Table of contents
Why curtains are a poor choice in kitchens
They are more flammable
Although some curtains come in flame-resistant fabric, many fabrics are flammable, which is an obvious problem near a stove, oven, kettle or toaster. The movement of curtains adds to the risk, as a small breeze can blow them into harm's way.
Fabrics can be hard to clean
Kitchens see plenty of spills and splatters, and because fabric absorbs grease and smells it needs cleaning more often than curtains elsewhere in the home. With many curtain fabrics being dry-clean only, that gets to be a hassle and an expense.
What to use instead
Most blinds are a good option, though it is best to avoid Roman blinds for the same reasons as curtains. Our top picks for kitchen windows are roller blinds, Venetian blinds and shutters.
Roller blinds
Roller blinds suit the kitchen thanks to their slim profile, especially mounted inside the window frame where they sit out of the way of hazards. They are usually made of less flammable materials, the bottom rail keeps them in place, and most wipe clean with a damp cloth or can simply be raised for cleaning.
Venetian blinds
Venetian blinds are a popular kitchen choice, letting in as much breeze or light as you want. In aluminium or faux wood they stand up well to the extra heat and humidity, and their timeless look suits a range of styles.
Shutters
Plantation shutters give a homely yet modern look, and in faux wood they handle damp areas without the damage real timber would suffer. Being fixed in place, there is no risk of a rogue breeze blowing them about, and they give great light control while keeping some privacy.
Overall, we do not recommend curtains in the kitchen because of the extra hazards. There are plenty of safer, more stylish kitchen blind options, and they are easy to keep looking good (see our guide to cleaning your blinds). To see the right choice for every room, request a free in-home consultation and a consultant will demonstrate your options at your place.
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Guides
Choosing the right blinds for your home
Not sure which blinds will suit your home? From blind types and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put curtains in a kitchen?
You can, but they are usually not the best choice. Many curtain fabrics are flammable and move in a breeze, which is a hazard near a stove or appliances, and they absorb grease and cooking smells so they need frequent, often dry-clean-only, cleaning. A blind or shutter is generally safer and easier to keep clean.
What is the best window covering for a kitchen?
Roller blinds, Venetian blinds and shutters are our top picks. Roller blinds have a slim profile and wipe clean; Venetians in aluminium or faux wood handle heat and humidity; shutters are fixed in place, suit wet areas in faux wood, and give great light control with privacy.
Are roller blinds good in a kitchen?
Yes. Their slim profile sits neatly inside the window frame out of the way of hazards, many fabrics are less flammable, the bottom rail keeps them in place, and most wipe clean with a damp cloth or can simply be raised for cleaning.
Which blinds should you avoid in a kitchen?
Roman blinds are best avoided for many of the same reasons as curtains: they use soft fabric that can catch grease and smells and is harder to keep clean in a busy kitchen.
Expert advice at home
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