The Best Blinds for Kitchens

Kitchens are one of the toughest environments for a window treatment — steam, grease, splashes, and frequent temperature changes all take a toll. Here’s what actually holds up.

Roller blinds

The most popular choice for kitchens, and for good reason: a coated, wipeable fabric sits flat against the window with nowhere for grease or steam to settle into folds, and a quick wipe-down keeps it looking clean. Choose a PVC-coated or specially treated kitchen-suitable fabric rather than an uncoated fabric, which will absorb odours and stains over time.

Faux wood or aluminium Venetian blinds

Both materials shrug off humidity far better than real wood or fabric, and the slats wipe clean easily. Aluminium is the more water-resistant of the two and suits a spot right by a sink or hob; faux wood gives a warmer look at a very similar level of practicality.

Shutters

Waterproof ABS or engineered wood shutters are an excellent, low-maintenance option for kitchens, particularly over a sink or in a kitchen-diner where you want a more architectural finish than a blind. Real wood shutters are best avoided directly above a hob or sink where steam and splashes are frequent.

What to avoid near the hob or sink

• Real wood Venetian blinds, which can warp or discolour with repeated steam exposure.
• Unlined or uncoated fabric roller blinds, which absorb grease and cooking odours over time.
• Long curtains hanging close to a hob, for both practicality and fire safety — if you want curtains in a kitchen, keep them well clear of the cooking area or choose a shorter length.

Roman blinds in a kitchen?

They can work well away from direct steam and splashes — over a kitchen table or a window with some distance from the hob and sink — bringing a softer look than a roller blind. Right above a working sink or hob, we’d steer you towards a wipeable roller blind, faux wood or aluminium Venetian, or shutters instead. See our Venetian blinds buying guide for how the materials compare.