Choosing the right window furnishings

Choosing the right window furnishings in a kitchen renovation involves more than selecting a sizzling style. They're subjected to moisture, heat, steam, smoke and splatters, so it's important to consider materials that are hard wearing and easily cleaned. Privacy, light control, kitchen layout, budget and lifestyle are other important factors.

Interior designer Fay Cooper, of Cooper Robinson Interiors, favours shutters or timber venetian blinds in the kitchen. "Timber shutters or venetians, usually in cedar or basswood, are stylish and durable window furnishings," she says. "They can be painted with a hardened two-pak finish to match your decor, stained with a wooden finish or colour-matched to a window frame. Metal venetians are another good option for the price conscious, and all can be easily dusted or wiped clean."

Window shutters

Shutters involve adjustable slats within a frame, and the top and bottom sections can often be divided in two for light control and privacy. "Shutters are streamlined and easy to clean window furnishings," she explains. "The style of shutter is dictated by the window design, with framework taken into account."

If privacy is a high priority, shutters, timber or metal venetians or UV sunscreen blinds teamed with a block-out rollerblind (with a dual bracket system) are good solutions. Stiffened sheer rollerblinds offer an alternative to UV blinds, but they are more difficult to clean. A benefit of using roman blinds in an open-plan kitchen is that a blind over a sink can be co-ordinated with a curtain or blind in the living area.

Cafe curtains

Cafe curtains are definitely 'out' in terms of window furnishings that are considered stylish and functional. "We don't suggest curtains over a sink area," Fay says. "They get splashed and cooking residue settles on fabrics." 

Bases

Curtains aside, most furnishing styles are fairly streamlined and adaptable to period or contemporary kitchens. The different bases available for rollerblinds make them versatile window furnishings. For example, those with a narrow metal base-rail can be matched to stainless steel appliances or other blinds. Chains make operation easy, but care needs to be taken with cleaning. In terms of colour, Fay says white or neutrals are popular. "There are some excellent neutral colours, including white, latte, chocolate and charcoal, for rollerblinds."

Price

When considering window furnishings, it's not worth skimping on price. "To an unsuspecting buyer, some blinds may look similar, but the mechanism and finish on cheap furnishings is inferior," Fay warns. "Loose fittings, rough edges, off-centred operating bars and squeaky shutters are some of the things that can go wrong. It's best to go to a reputable company, ask the relevant questions and view their working samples before making any decisions on window furnishings."