Modern Kitchen Window Treatments for Austin Homeowners

October 08, 2015

For looks and usability, the best choice for kitchen window treatments are faux wood shutters or faux wood blinds.

Why are those two great for kitchens? Faux wood shutters and blinds are the window treatments that can best stand up to the messes and moisture of the kitchen, while still offering great looks and privacy.

See how these window treatments stand up to the heat, and stay in the kitchen in Austin homes.

Faux Wood Shutters Are Your Kitchen Windows’ Best Friend

white shutters in Austin dining room

Anything you could ask for from a kitchen window treatment, Austin’s best faux wood shutters provide. These are a few things you probably want from any kitchen furnishing:

It needs to be waterproof. Steam rising from a skillet, splashes from washing dishes in the sink, or spilled drinks can destroy the appeal of most window treatments. Faux wood shutters are totally moisture-proof, as well as coated with an extra layer of protective finish.
It needs to be easily cleaned. Let’s face it – kitchens get dirty. So when that spoonful of soup flies onto your shutter, all you’ll need is a wipe with a slightly wet cloth to get them back to their original shine.
It should be easy to use. Have to open your window in a hurry to let out steam or smoke? Need to put your freshly baked pie on the window sill to cool? Shutters are simple to operate, and still let you have full use of your window.

The vast majority of window treatments can’t do any of those, let alone all of them. Draperies and shades are easy to stain, any real wood window treatment can easily become warped in a humid room like the kitchen, and metal blinds can be a pain to operate in a pinch.

Not to mention the fact that plantation shutters look absolutely gorgeous in the kitchen. With quartz, hardwood and slate countertops at the height of popularity in Austin, faux wood shutters give your kitchen a look that’s as gorgeous as anything you’ll see in a designer boutique.

That’s why Polywood® plantation shutters are a kitchen window’s perfect match.

Faux Wood Blinds – Vintage Window Treatment For Contemporary Austin Kitchens

Faux wood shutters are our #1 recommendation for Austin kitchens, but they aren’t the only thing that work in the kitchen. In Austin, faux wood blinds are our runner-up for best window treatment for the kitchen.

Faux wood is usually going to be moisture-proof, so they’re already halfway there. Faux wood blinds are also stain-proof, so, a damp cloth will get them looking pristine again after a mess. Remember that blinds are a little more work to clean than shutters due to the size and number of slats. Also keep in mind that certain blind cords could mildew or wither after a long period of exposure to humidity, so be sure to ask about the cord material.

Faux wood blinds are also perfect for windows above the sink. In some Austin kitchens, cabinetry or an appliance might not allow you enough room to open shutters completely. With blinds, you don’t need as much room to fully open your window.

And their looks are absolutely stunning. They might not be as universal as Polywood shutters, but faux wood blinds can pair with other natural elements like a marble countertop or natural wood cabinetry and trim.

FAQs about Kitchen Window Treatments

Is there a reason why you don’t recommend fabric window treatments like drapes or shades for windows in the kitchen?

The majority of fabric window treatments like draperies or shades can easily get stained, so they’re impractical for a busy kitchen. The moisture in your kitchen may result in some funky smells seeping into the fabric.

What’s the best color for kitchen shutters or blinds?

For the kitchen, your best bet is a neutral tone. A solid white or off-white is a great choice, since they’ll match any modern countertops or appliances you might put in down the road. Blacks and browns also work well.

What window treatment should I get if my kitchen window uses a crank to open?

If your kitchen windows use a crank, shutters will still work! Shutter panel cut-outs are easily made, and give you full access to your window.

Are there any kitchen window treatments that are heat-resistant?

Polywood plantation shutters are fire-resistant, and will never scorch even from prolonged exposure to heat, either from the sun or from the oven.

If I’m remodeling my kitchen, when should I put in new window treatments?

Your window treatments, no matter if they’re shades, shutters, or blinds, will usually be the last part of a remodel. However, there’s a benefit to involving your shutter installer early on in your remodel to coordinate timelines, and better match styles and colors.

Get The Kitchen of Your Dreams With Better Window Treatments

Faux wood shutters and faux wood blinds are our top picks for most Austin kitchens, but yours may be better off with a third option. For some personal attention for your windows, get an in-home consultation with one of Sunburst’s window experts. Call us at 512-549-6077 or use the form below.

And for window treatment picks for the other rooms in your home, check out our Total Room Window Guide.

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