Why curtains in the kitchen might not be a good idea (and what to use instead)

Curtains are more flammable

Although some curtains are available in a flame-resistant material, many fabrics are flammable, presenting an obvious problem when it comes to kitchens. Anything near a stove, oven, kettle, toaster or any other appliance should be carefully considered. The added movement of curtains also makes them more hazardous in these areas as a small breeze could blow them into harm's way.

Fabrics can be hard to clean

Kitchens are a common place for spills and splatters and since fabrics can absorb smells and grease, they will need to be cleaned more often than other curtains in your home. And with many curtain fabrics being dry clean only, that can be a hassle, not to mention expensive.

So what should you use instead of curtains in the kitchen?

You may be wondering, if not curtains, what should I use for the windows in my kitchen? Well, most blinds will be a good option, although you'll want to avoid Roman blinds for many of the same reasons as curtains. Our top picks for kitchen windows are roller blinds, Venetian blinds, and shutters - here's why.

Roller blinds in the kitchen

Roller blinds are a great option in the kitchen because of their slim profile. They're especially good in a kitchen if you can mount them inside the window frame, this will keep them tucked out of the way of any hazards. They're also usually made of less flammable materials and the bottom rail helps to keep the blind in place when lowered. Not to mention, you can simply raise the blind when you want to keep it clean. However, many of our roller blind fabrics are also very easy to keep clean by simply wiping down with a damp cloth.

Venetian blinds in the kitchen

Venetians are a very popular option in kitchens as they can allow as much breeze or light in as you want. They are usually made of aluminum or faux wood, both of which can stand up well to the extra heat and humidity of a kitchen and their timeless look suits a range of styles.

Shutters in the kitchen

Shutters can create a homely but modern look in a kitchen, and like Venetians, they are available in a range of materials including faux wood making them ideal for wet areas as they will not suffer the same damage as wood if they get damp. Since they are fixed in place, there is no risk of them being blown into a dangerous situation by a rogue breeze, making them perfect for a kitchen. They also allow great light control while maintaining some privacy.

Overall, we don't recommend using curtains in your kitchen due to the extra hazards present. There are plenty of blind options that present much safer and more stylish choices for kitchen windows that your style consultant can demonstrate for you at your in-home consultation. They'll also be able to answer any questions you may have about curtains or blinds throughout your home and help you choose the best options for each room.