A window of opportunity: Kitchen blinds or curtains?

When it comes to choosing the right window coverings for your kitchen there are plenty of factors to take into account. How many windows do you have to cover?
What size are they? What is the general look and feel of your kitchen decor and layout?

The blinds vs. curtains debate has been a long-standing war, and in many cases, your preferences will change with time, fashions and your needs.

Below is an outline of the pros and cons of blinds and curtains respectively.
Before you decide on which option is best for your kitchen, consider these points.

Benefits of kitchen blinds

There is no doubt that blinds are the most fashionable option as kitchen window coverings right now.

Vertical blinds are almost passe these days, as most tend to opt for the horizontal variety, usually in a timber or alabaster white to create the essence of space and earthliness.

As a general rule, rooms with lower ceilings benefit from the use of blinds more than rooms with much higher ceilings.

The benefits of using blinds in the kitchen include:

• Hygiene - as a general rule blinds can be kept more hygienically clean than curtains as they can be wiped down and dusted regularly and easily.
• Functionality - curtains may blow into food while it is being prepared depending on your kitchen layout and the location of your windows, so this makes blinds a better choice in some kitchens
• Decor - blinds often suit rooms which are decorated with a "less fussy" appeal, as most kitchens generally are. Blinds give a streamlined and orderly look. Long curtains and drapes are often best left for rooms that have more furniture and dressings

Drawing conclusions: Opting for kitchen curtains

The best thing about curtains is the access they give you to natural light.
The kitchen is probably the room in which you need the most natural light to spill through during the day.

But if you are still debating about whether to install blinds or curtains in your kitchen, have a look at some of the possible benefits of curtains, as listed below.

• Themes - curtains are usually made from fabric that matches the general theme of your room. So if your kitchen has a gingham country theme, some chequered curtains can be just the right addition to the decor, and may complete the general "feel"
• Price - as a rule curtains are usually cheaper to buy than blinds, and this cost saving can be further extended if the curtains are made at home using a simple pattern.

In a nutshell, blinds are usually used for privacy and the minimalist approach to window dressings, whereas curtains are usually associated with aesthetics and the general theme and decor of a room. Before you make your final decision on whether it will be best to use blinds or curtains in your kitchen, travel to a few showrooms and consider a few different approaches. After all, you might end up choosing to use both!