By: Natalie Elmhurst
Updated: 2/6/2025
If you’re like most people, your kitchen is one of your house's most heavily used rooms. Far from just being a place to prepare meals, kitchens are a gathering place to chat, a place for casual meals, and a central hub for managing family life. It’s no wonder people spend so much time and attention on setting up their kitchens just right.
Kitchens also tend to have many windows designed to maximize natural light. As such, you’ll want to make sure your window treatments are up to the task. Unlike other windows, the best blinds and shades for kitchen windows need to withstand the unique challenges of the location.
In this article, we’ll discuss what to consider when shopping for the best kitchen window treatments and provide 6 of the top options. Whether you're looking for a fresh look or installing kitchen window treatments for the first time, this is your guide.
The best shades for kitchen windows will depend on the window's surroundings. For example, the best covering for a window near a sink may differ from that for a window near a dining nook.
Some factors to keep in mind when shopping for kitchen window treatments are:
Most kitchens have windows near a sink or counter where food is prepared. Since window treatments in these areas must withstand splashing soapy water and spilled sauces, you’ll need to consider their durability and ease of cleaning.
Faux wood blinds and vinyl roller shades are great choices because they are easy to clean and will not be impacted by water.
The best blinds for kitchen windows near a heat source, such as an oven or range, must be fire-resistant. Avoid fabric materials in most instances, as these window treatments present more risk.
Faux wood blinds are the best blinds for kitchen windows where fire resistance is paramount. Stoneside’s faux wood blinds go the extra mile with an NFPA 701 fire-retardant rating suitable for commercial settings.
Kitchen windows have different requirements when it comes to letting in light. Not only do they tend to be more numerous and open, but most people don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of privacy to keep the kitchen well-lit.
Solar shades and roller shades are excellent choices for letting in lots of light. Wood blinds and roman shades are also great for more versatility in light management.
The best shades and blinds for your kitchen windows will depend on your needs and aesthetic preferences. Let’s dive in:
Faux wood blinds are one of the best blinds for kitchen windows, thanks to their robust materials and wood-like appearance. No matter where you place them in the kitchen, they have numerous benefits that help them excel in various environments.
Whether you hang them in front of your sink or a kitchen dining nook, faux wood blinds are a top choice for kitchen windows.
Roller shades are among the most versatile window treatments available. Made from a single piece of fabric or vinyl that rolls up on itself, roller shades disappear when raised to let in light. They come in a range of opacities, from sheer to blackout, to let you control light just how you see fit.
With hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find a style that perfectly matches your kitchen’s look.
Kitchens are places where family members gather, plan their day, and shoot the breeze. They are often the most frequented spaces in the house, so you’ll want the space to be as cozy as possible. Roman shades are perfect for inviting in a warm vibe.
Roman shades are made from fabric and have a near-limitless number of color and pattern possibilities. You can even customize the way they fold up on themselves when raised.
Since they’re made from fabric, you’ll want to keep them away from heat sources and areas where they’d likely get dirty from splashing liquid.
Have you ever noticed that many kitchens tend to be light-colored, featuring white walls, cabinets, and countertops? There are various reasons for this, but the main one is that most people like their kitchens to be inviting with lots of light.
Thanks to their unique, modern design, solar shades are among the best shades for kitchen windows. They preserve your window’s view while letting in pleasantly diffused light. Depending on the level of “openness” you select, you can let in varying views and light. Although they let in more light than other window coverings, solar shades still block UV rays to protect your home furnishings.
Cellular shades are one of the most stylish window treatments for modern kitchens. What sets them apart, however, is their revolutionary design aimed at improving your home’s insulation.
Cellular shades utilize pleated fabric to create a honeycomb-shaped series of pockets, making them unparalleled at keeping your home warm during winter and cool during summer. There are even options for operation, from top-down/bottom-up to horizontal configurations.
Are you eco-conscious? Do you strive to bring as much of the natural world indoors? Woven wood shades may be just the window treatment you’ve been searching for. Crafted from natural materials such as reed and bamboo, woven wood shades have a decidedly outdoorsy look that brings a sense of calm to your kitchen.
Woven wood shades are available in nearly a hundred different patterns and colors. They fold up on themselves when raised in a similar manner to roman shades, yet they have a very different appearance. Customers love them for the way they filter light and their down-to-earth vibe.
From durable faux wood blinds to airy woven wood shades, these are the best blinds and shades for kitchen windows. Be sure to consider how your kitchen layout will affect your window treatment needs, especially for windows near splash zones or heat sources. Regardless of which window covering you select, you can rely on Stoneside to provide the best custom window treatments. Schedule a free design consultation today!