Kitchen blinds or curtains – which one is right for you?

Window-dressing is usually the last thing on your to-do list when planning your new kitchen.
But not only can the right choice make all the difference between a
functional food-preparation area and a homely space, but they play other
important roles, too. Coloured or patterned fabric injects life into a
kitchen, and can be a continuation of your colour scheme, window
treatments offer privacy, plus they also provide insulation in the
colder months.

Curtains vs blinds
Both blinds and
curtains have a part to play in the modern kitchen - although blinds are
thought to be the more practical choice. They are usually less
expensive, and their streamlined shape suits a busy cooking zone better
than billowing curtains. Blinds also provide privacy, and suit modern
glass extensions, too.
In an open-plan space, a full-length curtain in a complementary fabric
can soften the scheme, and mark out living zones from cooking areas.
Also, heavy curtains will keep warmth in and draughts out - perfect for
the space where you gather for family meals.

Ready-made vs off-the-shelf
Many department stores offer a broad selection of ready-made
curtains and blinds to suit standard windows - but what's considered
‘standard' varies, so you'll need to shop around. For curtains,
ready-made usually means pencil pleats. When it comes to blinds, a wider
range of options is often available, and they are normally much quicker
to make than curtains.
In larger, open-plan rooms with windows of different sizes, buying
custom-fitted blinds is likely to be a better option. While more
expensive than buying off the shelf, made to measure offers a far wider
selection of fabric and styling choices, and a blind measured
specifically to your windows ensures the best possible finish.

Which fabric?
Kitchens are hot and steamy, with grease hanging in the air, and
while good extraction is a given in the modern kitchen, blinds and
curtains are easy casualties. For windows in cooking zones, choose a
fabric that can cope. A number of roller blind fabrics are
polyester-based, making them easily wiped down, and moisture and
shrink-resistant. Standard decorative fabrics won't work in heavy-duty
areas, although they are a good choice for living zones.

Be inspired by these gorgeous window treatments...

Roller blinds A flat, stiffened panel of
fabric, the clean lines of a roller are perfect for contemporary
schemes. They are an excellent option for Velux windows. Blind from Luxaflex

Venetian blinds These are made of slats of wood, metal or
plastic that can be tilted, raised or lowered to adjust the level of
light and privacy. Kitchen by Martin Moore

Vertical blinds Providing an alternative to curtains in
modern schemes, these are a good choice for French windows. Vertical
widths vary and there's a range of fabrics and textures, including
blackout and solar-protection options. Blind from Luxaflex

Eyelet curtains In this simple and modern curtain style,
the pole threads straight through a metal-rimmed eyelet. Combining
curtains and a Roman blind as seen here creates a softer look. Blind and
curtains from Hillary's

Roman blinds Lifting up into a neat stack of folds, this
style has the softest, feminine look of all blinds. Choose heavyweight
fabric for insulation. Blind, The Natural Curtain Company