Contemporary Kitchen Window Treatments for Boston Homeowners

October 08, 2015

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

Why are those two great for kitchens? Faux wood blinds and shutters are the best at standing up to the messes and humidity of most kitchens, in addition to giving you privacy and fantastic looks.

Take a look at how faux wood blinds and shutters stand up to the heat, and stay in the kitchen in Boston homes.

Faux Wood Shutters – Your Kitchen Windows’ Perfect Match

classic shutters in Boston dining room

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

It should be waterproof. Steam from boiling pots, splashes from washing dishes in the sink, and 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 should be easy to clean. Let’s be real – kitchens get dirty. So if some tomato sauce flies toward your window and onto your shutters, all it takes is a wipe with a slightly wet cloth to get them back to their original shine.
It needs to be easy to use. Need to open up the window in a hurry to let smoke or steam out? Trying to put your freshly baked pie on the window sill to cool? Shutters are easy 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. Fabric window treatments like drapes can easily stain, any real wood window treatment won’t handle the moisture in a humid room like the kitchen, and metal blinds can be a hassle to operate in a pinch.

Boston kitchen sliding glass door shutters

Not to mention the fact that faux wood shutters look absolutely gorgeous in the kitchen. With marble, natural wood and slate countertops all the rage in Boston, plantation shutters give your kitchen a look that’s as gorgeous as any kitchen on HGTV.

That’s why Polywood® plantation shutters are a kitchen window’s best friend.

Faux Wood Blinds – Vintage Window Treatment For Contemporary Boston Kitchens

Plantation shutters are our #1 pick for Boston kitchens, but it’s not the only window treatment that work in the kitchen. In Boston, faux wood blinds are our second pick for best window treatment for the kitchen.

Especially when you're looking for kitchen window blinds over sinks, faux wood is usually going to be water resistant, so they’re already on the right track. 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 bear in mind that certain blind cords could mildew or shrivel after prolonged exposure to moisture, so ask your window treatment provider about the cord material — or better yet, ask for cordless options!

Faux wood blinds are also perfect for windows right above the sink. In some Boston kitchens, your cabinets or appliances might not allow you enough room to open shutters completely. With blinds, a pull of the cord will open up your view.

And their looks ? Gorgeous. They might not be as universal as Polywood shutters, but faux wood blinds can pair with other natural materials such as a granite counter or hardwood cabinetry and trim.

Frequently Asked Questions 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?

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

Do you recommend a certain color for kitchen shutters or blinds?

For the kitchen, we recommend a neutral color. A solid white or near-white is an awesome pick, as they’ll match any new appliances or countertops you may purchase in the future. Blacks, grays and earthtones also work well.

Which window treatment do I need if my kitchen window uses a lever to open?

If your kitchen windows open via lever, you can still put in shutters. 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 heat exposure, whether from the sun or from the range.

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

Your window treatments, no matter if they’re shades, blinds, or shutters, will almost always be one of the last parts of a remodel. However, it might be beneficial to involve your shutter installer early in your project to make the whole thing run smoother.

Get The Kitchen of Your Dreams With Better Window Treatments

Faux wood shutters and faux wood blinds are what we recommend for most Boston kitchens, but each kitchen is unique. For some personal attention for your windows, set up an in-home consultation with one of Sunburst’s window treatment pros. Call us at 781-352-2205 or use the form below.

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

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