Contemporary Kitchen Window Treatments for Seattle Homeowners

October 08, 2015

When it comes to looks and usability, the best window treatments for your kitchen are faux-wood blinds or faux-wood shutters.

What makes them the best options? Faux wood blinds and shutters are the best at standing up to the messes and wetness of the kitchen, while still offering great looks and privacy.

Take a look at how these window treatments can stand the heat, and stay in the kitchen in Seattle homes.

Faux Wood Shutters – A Kitchen Window’s Best Friend

plantation shutters in Seattle kitchen

For all those things you need from a window treatment, Seattle’s best faux wood shutters offer. These are a few things you probably want from any kitchen furnishing:

It needs to be waterproof. Steam from boiling pots of water, splashes from washing dishes in the sink, and spilled drinks can spell disaster most window treatments. Faux wood shutters are totally moisture-proof, and coated with a protective finish to prevent damage.
It should be easy to clean. Let’s face it – kitchens get messy. So if some tomato sauce flies onto your shutter, all you’ll need is a wipe with a damp cloth to make them look brand-new.
It should be easy to use. Want to open your window in a hurry to let out steam or smoke? Trying to set that fresh apple pie on the window sill to cool? Shutters are simple to use, and still let you have full access to your window.

Most other window treatments don’t offer any of those benefits, let alone all of them. Fabric window treatments such as shades are easy to stain, any real wood window treatment won’t last long in a humid room like the kitchen, and metal blinds can be a hassle to operate in a pinch.

Seattle kitchen sliding glass door shutters

Not to mention the fact that faux wood shutters look absolutely gorgeous in the kitchen. With marble, hardwood and limestone countertops all the rage in Seattle, faux wood shutters give your kitchen a look that’s as beautiful as anything you’ll see in a designer boutique.

That’s why Polywood® plantation shutters are your kitchen windows’ best friend.

Faux Wood Blinds – Vintage Window Treatment For Modern Seattle Kitchens

Plantation shutters are our top recommendation for Seattle kitchens, but it’s not the only window treatment that work in the kitchen. In Seattle, faux wood blinds are our second pick for best kitchen window covering.

Especially when you're looking for kitchen window blinds over sinks, faux wood is typically going to be moisture-resistant, so they’re already halfway there. Since faux wood blinds also won’t stain, 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 remember that certain blind cords could mildew or shrivel after prolonged exposure to humidity, so be sure to ask about the cord material — or better yet, ask for cordless options!

Faux wood blinds are a great addition to windows right by the sink. In some Seattle 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 gorgeous. They may not be as complementary as Polywood shutters, but faux wood blinds can easily match other natural materials like a granite counter or hardwood cabinets and trim.

FAQs about Kitchen Window Treatments

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

Many fabric window treatments like draperies or shades tend to stain easily, so they’re impractical for a busy kitchen. The moisture and humidity in your kitchen might also result in mildewing.

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

For the kitchen, we recommend a neutral color. A solid white or near-white is a great pick, as they’ll match any new countertops or appliances you might put in down the road. Earthtones also work well.

Which window treatment should I get if my kitchen window is a casement?

If your kitchen windows are casement windows, you can still put in shutters. We offer shutters with cut-out panels, giving you full access to your window.

Are any of these kitchen window treatments fire-resistant?

Polywood plantation shutters are fire-resistant, and won’t scorch even from prolonged exposure to heat, no matter if it’s from the sun or from the oven.

When should I put in window treatments during a kitchen remodel?

Your window treatments, whether they’re blinds, shades, or shutters, should be one of the last things you do 90% of the time. However, it might be beneficial to involve your shutter installer early in your redesign to coordinate timelines, and better match styles and colors.

Get The Kitchen of Your Dreams With Better Window Treatments

Polywood shutters and faux wood blinds are our top picks for most Seattle kitchens, but each kitchen is unique. If you want some personal attention for your windows, get a free in-home consultation with one of Sunburst’s window experts. Call us at 360-464-2277 or use the form below.

And for window treatment picks for the rest of your home, check out our Total Room Window Guide.

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