Window Coverings for Your Kitchen

With so many options to choose from, selecting window treatments can be a challenge. Different rooms call for different styles of window coverings - it's not a one size fits all approach.

Here at Somfy, we pride ourselves on making your life simpler, including helping you choose the right window coverings for your home. With that in mind, we've created a ten-part series to help you choose the best window coverings to suit each room of your home.

Part Three: Kitchen

Our kitchens are the heart of our homes. We cook, eat, entertain and socialise in our kitchens so choosing window coverings for this room is an important decision.

While kitchen window treatments should complement the design of your kitchen, it is important to take into account the functions of your kitchen which leave treatments exposed to heat, splatters and safety hazards.

Ultimately, you need to ensure that your window coverings can handle the heat of the kitchen. Here are our tips for selecting the best type of window covering for your kitchen:

Heat and Light

Before leaving window treatments out of your kitchen plans altogether, it is important to keep in mind that they are essential in protecting you from heat and glare while also maintaining your privacy.

With so much activity occurring in the kitchen, this room needs to be well-lit while you're cooking but you also need to be able to keep the sun and glare out of your eyes. Window treatments such as venetian blinds are perfect for precisely controlling the amount of light or blocking it out completely, just remember to ask for moisture resistant materials.

Heat is also a major factor to consider - the kitchen is hot enough without adding the sun's heat into the mix. Choosing a sheer treatment that allows light in but cuts the heat and glare is the ideal solution for this situation.

Maintenance

Kitchens are messy enough without having to worry about maintaining your blinds. Window coverings in the kitchen need to be waterproof, easy to clean and won't hold on to smells.

Your main consideration when selecting window coverings for the kitchen should be ease of cleaning and maintenance, as this is where they are most likely to come in contact with foodstuffs. They also need to be moisture resistant as they are exposed to steam and humidity.

The positioning of your windows is also an important factor to consider as treatments near the sink are prone to splashing and windows over the stove mean the window treatments you select might be a fire hazard.

Steer clear of heavy curtains which will soak up odours and require frequent washing, or light gauzy materials which are highly prone to stains.

Roller blinds which are moisture-resistant and feature a smooth finish are the easiest to clean and maintain, and they won't hold on to smells either!

Functionality

Today's kitchens are all about going hands-free. From fridges that open using sensors to recipes that are read aloud to you, they all aim to make life simpler. So installing blinds which require you to open/close with soiled or wet hands would be an ergonomic mistake.

With Somfy motorisation, you can say goodbye to cords and chains! By installing sun and temperature sensors, your blinds will automatically lower or raise depending on a threshold set by you. Alternatively, our home automation solution Connexoon Window RTS allows you to set schedules and timers for your blinds to open and close at a time that suits you, so you can enjoy the sunlight without spreading mess everywhere.

Recommendations

You need to find a solution that keeps the kitchen as cool as possible, can be washed or wiped down easily and is easy to use.

Roller blinds are a practical choice providing excellent light control and privacy, being water resistant and easy to clean while still complementing the design of your kitchen!

If you're interested in Somfy-motorised window coverings for your kitchen, or would like to know more about our home automation solution, Connexoon, speak to your local Somfy Expert retailer today!

More:

Part 1: Window Coverings for Your Bathroom

Part 2: Window Coverings for Your Home Theatre