Ambitious Kitchen

Taking Your Kitchen Windows From Drab to Fab: A Select Blinds Q&A

June 23, 2022January 26, 2023 / Super Admin

Thinking of sprucing up your kitchen a bit to the next level of style? Consider updating your traditional kitchen curtains or blinds for newer, more modern window treatments that can instantly liven up your kitchen space.

What sort of things should you consider when making a decision?

Q: What is Best to Cover Your Kitchen Windows?

A: You can select from a variety of different types of modern-looking window treatments for your kitchen windows, including cellular shades, Roman shades, sheer shades, dual/zebra shades, solar shades, curtains, or faux wood blinds or shutters.

Have you considered mini aluminum blinds? Aluminum blinds are built to last, with ample light and privacy management potential.

Like other modern window treatments, mini blinds can draw some nice attention to your kitchen windows, and can even tie those windows in to other design features you’ve selected for the room. The classic elements and modern details of mini blinds can offer a much needed balance to your kitchen, and still be budget-friendly. Whatever window treatments you end up selecting, make sure to create a kitchen space you’ll be proud of by enhancing its unique style, colors, and design.

Drab to Fab.

Q: Are Blinds, Shades, or Curtains Better in the Kitchen?

*Open plan kitchen area with kitchen units and amenities around, with a counter/dining top surrounded by barstools in the middle of this bright kitchen space.*

A: Blinds, shades, and also curtains are well-established window treatments for kitchens. You may consider that blinds, particularly mini aluminum blinds, might be a better choice to meet your damp, potentially messy kitchen space’s needs.

Also, blinds don’t “overcrowd” windows the way curtains sometimes can (with curtains’ fuller look and feel), and they’re much easier to keep clean.

For the sake of easier privacy and light management, consider layering curtains over your mini blinds.

Q: What is the Difference Between Blinds and Mini Blinds?

A: You might be familiar with the term “mini blinds,” but what does it really entail? Mini blinds are window blinds with slats that are about half the width of standard blinds.

Q: How Much Light Do I Need In My Kitchen? What About Colors?

A: Natural light can be an integral part of your kitchen space, and definitely brightens things up for your kitchen’s every day use. Regarding color selection, If your kitchen is smaller, consider light, cool colors to make it look larger and brighter. Darker, warmer colors can help larger kitchen spaces feel more cozy.

Keep in mind that modern design (if that’s what you’re going for) is based in the rejection of mainstream appeal to make way for a more minimalist design aesthetic. You might also consider implementing elements of modern abstract art designs that infuse bold colors. Primary/bold colors can also serve as handsome accents in your kitchen space.

Q: What Other Things Should I Consider Regarding My Kitchen Window Treatments?

A: Consider all the dampness, and sometimes spattering that goes on in your kitchen as a natural part of day-to-day use. The ease with which you’ll be able to keep your kitchen window treatments clean, will depend on the material they are made of. Man-made materials like aluminum and faux wood can be wiped down regularly (use water and some soap … go light on the cleaning solutions).

As far as a design theme is concerned, the Farmhouse/Cottage design aesthetic is popular for kitchens, and curtains/drapes, as well as wood blinds or faux wood blinds can lend themselves nicely to this look and feel. Aluminum mini blinds are not only durable and long-lasting, they also lend themselves well to a warm, inviting café look and feel.

Modern design themes tend to favor straight, “clean” lines, using materials like aluminum, stainless steel, chrome, etc. Note that a lack of clutter/adornments will also contribute to a minimalist look and feel.

Q: What Type of Window Treatment is Easiest to Clean?

Aluminum blinds are easy to clean, as are just about any window coverings crafted with man-made materials. A damp cloth (even with a little soap) is all you’ll need to regularly keep them free of dust and kitchen grease. Wood blinds are also a great option, but keep in mind that for damp environments like the kitchen (or bathroom), the moisture can cause warping and cracking of natural materials like wood or bamboo/woven wood.

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Kitchen

If you’re looking for some mini blind recommendations for your kitchen, take a look at these. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer viable design solutions for any budget.

1” Classic Cordless Mini Blinds (Essential Tier)*

These all-aluminum, custom cordless mini blinds resist the kinks and cracks and work without the cords you’ll find in old-school vinyl mini blinds.

*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time home owners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

1” Single Touch Cordless Aluminum Mini Blinds (Signature Tier)*

Versatile, modern looking cordless aluminum minis are amazingly affordable and super simple to use and install. No wand needed. Just tilt and lift with the bottom rail.

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond basic solution that is also affordable.

1” Premier Aluminum Blinds (Premium Tier)*

Replace your outdated vinyl minis with fresh, modern metallic-looking, all-aluminum custom mini blinds. Dust, dent and scratch resistant, they stand up well to everyday use.

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

1” Designer Aluminum Blinds (Luxury Tier)*

Dull plastic minis in your home missing the mark? Put a shine on your windows and doors with these high quality, 1″ aluminum mini blinds in a variety of colors.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Take Control of Designing Your Dream Home

Time for some DIY. For indoor spaces or outdoor spaces, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating.

Select Blinds is here to support you all the way from start to finish with helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier. We’re invested in your success! Make your house ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking the bank. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process.

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (888) 314-1133 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

With custom window treatments easily and smartly installed, you can help turn your kitchen space into a calm, inviting space to enjoy with friends, family, and for every day cooking.

Free samples. Free shipping. Free design consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping and Find Solutions to Get Your Kitchen From Drab to Fab! >>

Kitchen Window Treatment Design Ideas

August 30, 2021 / Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds.com

What to do about your kitchen windows? Different rooms in your home have different needs when it comes to window treatments, but think about all the time you spend in your kitchen, in particular.

Treat Your Kitchen Windows

The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of your home,” where you spend so much time with your family and friends talking, eating meals, telling stories, joking around, celebrating holidays, etc. You rely on your kitchen’s window treatments to not only serve certain functions, but also to look good while doing so. You’ll spend a lot of time seeing your kitchen window coverings, so you want to take extra care that you “treat” those windows just right.

Kitchen Window Treatments: Some Considerations

For starters, you need your kitchen window treatments to be durable and easy to clean – but remember, you also want your kitchen blinds, shutters, or shades to look good and make your kitchen feel welcoming. You can control the amount of light coming into your kitchen, as well as your privacy as needed, all to fit your personal lifestyle.

Faux Wood Kitchen Blinds and Shutters

Faux wood blinds and shutters are definitely durable and built to last, but even better, they are perfect for areas of high moisture and dampness, because they won’t warp, split, or crack over time. Plus they offer the elegant look of real wood blinds. They are also super easy to keep clean. Simply wipe down with a soapy, damp cloth or rag, and then with a dry cloth.

Roller Shades

No matter what your sense of style, there’s a custom roller shade that you’ll love. Highly functional, great at keeping the light out, and with a familiar, classic look. Get creative in the way you express your own individual aesthetic.They are also easy to care for and to clean, especially those rollers made of synthetic materials.

Solar Shades

If blocking out the harsh incoming glare is of concern to you to keep the sun out of your eyes and also to help preserve your interior furniture, you may consider solar shades as an option for your kitchen.

You can select from sheer to opaque and anywhere in-between. Solar shades are usually made from PVC, which means they’re super easy to clean and maintain, and also that they’ll last for several years.

Bamboo / Woven Wood

Another viable option for kitchen window treatments comes in the form of shades made with bamboo or woven woods. Just be careful which window you use them for (keep them away from behind the sink or near the stove), because if they get wet, they will start to gradually come apart. The materials used to make them, like bamboo, grasses, reeds and jutes, help soften the look of your kitchen appliances. Also, they’re known to hold their shape over time, even if you get a lot of sun in your kitchen. Cleaning bamboo is easy, as you can regularly just wipe off dust with a damp rag.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades (sometimes referred to as honeycomb shades) are designed to insulate against outdoor heat and cold by trapping heat inside their single- or double-layer honeycomb “pockets.” This helps conserve energy and reduce your energy bills throughout the year. Cellular shades can also insulate against and soften outdoor noise when your children are playing outside, or you’re entertaining guests.

As far as “cleanability” goes, cellulars are relatively easy to keep clean. Simply dust or vacuum them off regularly. From time to time, you may want to have your shades professionally cleaned, as they are prone to gather various scents and smells over time. Along with Roman shades, cellulars are also not the best choice as a treatment for the window over the kitchen sink, as they do not do well in moist/damp environments.

Need Some Inspiration?

To help you, here are some of Select Blinds’ most popular options for kitchen window treatments:

2” Premier Faux Woods

Classic Sheer Weave Solars

Classic Roman Shades

Classic Fabric Light Filtering Roller Shades

Lifestyle Light Filtering Cellulars

Classic Cordless Woven Woods

Trust your design instincts. Your kitchen windows are going to look AMAZING.

Selecting the Best Kitchen Window Treatments: Over the Sink

May 8, 2021May 21, 2021 / Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds

The kitchen and dining room are the heart of any home. Holidays, laughter, Sunday dinners, cooking, homework, late night chats, etc. That’s why so many of your best family stories start in the kitchen.

Custom window treatments provide a fashionable finishing touch that accents and complements the way you design your own interior spaces. Lots of opportunities to highlight with colors, patterns, and texture. Window coverings provide light control, privacy, and peace of mind.

A kitchen is a unique space, and you may have different considerations for how you decorate the windows, based on where each window is located. Your choice of window treatments offer additional opportunities for touches of softness and style in the middle of bulky, metallic appliances and smooth, hard surfaces.

Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades for the kitchen window — Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades look great in your kitchen sink window,
but be careful about water and moisture in the area.

Maybe you want kitchen window curtains. If you only have one window in your kitchen, you’ll want window coverings that let as much light as possible filter in, while still being able to maintain privacy. You may consider sheer shades. If you have a kitchen window that faces the street, privacy might be a primary concern, with incoming light also being important, but perhaps slightly less so. You may want window coverings that offer a unique view, like Top-down Bottom-up shades. Then there are those windows immediately over the sink. What looks best over them? Time to get cooking. Read on as we serve up a deeper dive into kitchen window ideas and considerations as you find what fits best with your personal style and sense of décor.

Decorative Window Coverings

If you’re thinking about a covering for a kitchen window over the sink, be extra careful that you keep the right kind of materials in mind. You can still go with stylish bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades, but be aware that because this area over the sink often involves water splashing, spills, etc., you might have to be extra careful to avoid water damage. Wood blinds are also at risk for getting wet and possibly warping or discoloring, but you might just love the way they look in that window over your sink. It’s always up to you, just be aware of the risks that are involved if you decide on a material that doesn’t take well to water.

Select Blinds light filtering roller shades for the kitchen window — Select Blinds light filtering roller shades allow just the right amount of light
and view into your kitchen, without compromising your privacy.

Privacy

As mentioned, privacy may be a concern if your kitchen sink window faces the street or a neighbor’s home. Roller shades may be what you’re comfortable with in terms of providing privacy, and perhaps with some light filtering functionality.

Light Control

If your kitchen sink window faces the east or west, you’ll especially want to take account of direct incoming sunlight. Direct UV rays can be harsh on your eyes, your skin, your furniture, and they can definitely crank up the heat in a room. A stylish, but heavy-duty solar shade may be what you want to employ over your sink to protect yourself and your interior while you’re doing dishes after evening summer cookouts. Solars are typically constructed of durable PVC materials, so they’ll look great and maintain that “brand new” look for a long time to come. You can also custom order them with the degree of UV blockage of your choice.

Also, consider aluminum mini blinds for your kitchen sink window. Aluminum shades built to last, with plenty of light and privacy settings.

Select Blinds Solar screens for the kitchen window — Select Blinds Solar screens help block out harsh UV rays,
while keeping your kitchen cool. They look great, too!

Functionality and Longevity

In addition to durable solar shades and aluminum blinds for your kitchen sink window, there is another excellent option for a food-prep, dishwashing area. If you love the look of real wood blinds and shutters, but can’t bear the thought of them getting wet and warped, faux wood blinds and shutters might be just the perfect find.

Not only do they perform amazingly at maintaining light and privacy, they also look great, they’re also super easy to care for, and they’ll last forever. You can clean them with little more than soap and water as needed. Many faux wood slat constructions also feature insulation against heat and cold. The lush look and feel of real wood in your home, and their resilience ensures they’ll never warp, crack, chip, or discolor when exposed to water, food stains, or steam. And much less expensive than real wood. Low-maintenance, and no worry.

Select Blinds Faux Wood Blinds for the kitchen window — Faux wood blinds give any kitchen window a crisp look and feel,
along with privacy and light adjustments.

SelectBlinds’ Staff Recommends:

Here are some of our favorite suggestions for the window above your kitchen sink.

Remember, kitchen window treatments can serve a design/decorative function to go with your kitchen’s décor, but especially for the window over the sink, it should also be durable, provide privacy, and block out harsh UV rays. Choose whatever kind of blinds work best for you, but remember that the most functional ones for that particular window are moisture- and mold-resistant. Happy decorating!

#BlindsWeLove #kitchenblinds

Your Next Renovation Project: A Spring Windows Update!

March 19, 2021May 5, 2021 / Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

After a seemingly long and sometimes dark winter, spring returns to the northern hemisphere on Saturday, March 20, 2021. The earth tilts on its axis, and the North Pole leans back toward the sun once again.

What’s not to love about spring? More hours of daylight and a sense of rejuvenation.

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning and organizing, and also for spring home renovation projects (“reno,” for short)! Time for reorganizing your bookshelves, repainting one or more of your rooms, sprucing up your closets, or refreshing your organization pieces (shelves, baskets, etc.).

Get your list ready!

Spring cleanup and renovation projects — **Ready for Spring cleaning and renovation projects?**

Spring Cleaning and Other Projects

One of the top suggested spring renovation projects involves your window treatments. Color options, textures, and an added dimension of “feeling.”

Energy-efficient honeycomb / cellular shades. Wood or faux wood plantation shutters. Natural bamboo / woven woods. Aluminum mini blinds.

Just the right window coverings can be the perfect finishing touch for any room. They help you manage incoming light and indoor privacy at home. They should also reflect and complement your personal sense of style and indoor décor.

Do Something Inspiring at Home This Spring!

One aspect of any home renovation project everyone takes into consideration is budget. You can find new, sharp-looking, and budget-friendly window treatments that are perfect for your living space. Functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Now that you’ve prioritized the rooms in your home for your “windows refresh” project, would you like some suggestions?

Bedroom / Nursery

Your bedroom is your one refuge that you crave more than anything else, especially after a long day. Maintain your privacy, while filtering in some soft light. How about blacking out the light entirely when you want to sleep in?

Get creative with how you illuminate and decorate this quiet, comfy space. It’s your bedroom, and should showcase your personal taste! For nurseries and homes with children and pets, consider the safety of cordless lift window treatments.

For your bedroom or nursery, we recommend:

Living Room / Family Room

You love the way your new Select Blinds window treatments control the incoming light, while also providing privacy. Now consider window décor possibilities for your main living space. This is the first room of your home that guests typically experience, and you want it to complement the décor in the rest of your home.

For your living / family room, we recommend:

Kitchen / Dining Room

Your kitchen. The hub of your home, where all the best stories begin. You make so many memories here, along with delicious meals, laughter, and holidays. You need your kitchen window treatments to be versatile, good looking, and built to last.

For your kitchen / dining room, we recommend:

Bathroom

Aromatic soaps. Warm water. Your self-care spot, where functionality and beauty meet. Your bathroom windows deserve all the style and personal touch you take pride in all over your home. Open up to what you can do with your private wellness sanctuary!

For your bathroom, we recommend:

Home Office

Your home office. When you’re working from home, productivity and comfort are important. Take this opportunity to make your home work space an extension of your well-designed home!

We recommend:

Spring is worth getting excited about, along with your home renovation projects. Make the rooms in your home truly yours, and spruce them up with your own unique flair.

Budget-friendly. Long lasting. Easy to clean, maintain, and take care of. Start the spring cleaning and home renovation season off right by making Select Blinds your windows update go-to!

Watch our brief video on how window treatments help you control incoming light.

#BlindsWeLove

Inspiring Decorator: Monique Volz

January 22, 2019January 31, 2020 / Larry Walker

Get to know one of our favorite foodies, Monique Volz! Photo by Ambitious Kitchen.

Do what you love. Love what you do. And style your home with an amazing selection of gorgeous antique rugs at the same time. This is the business and life vintage and boho buff Monique Volz has built. We think you’ll be as inspired as we are by her passion for comfort in all forms — food, design, style, wellness, music and more.

Your food blog, Ambitious Kitchen, compiles pages and pages of wonderfully photographed, delicious-looking recipes that are both healthy and hearty. What inspired you to create it?

I created Ambitious Kitchen back in 2011 with the hopes of sharing my healthy comfort foods with the world. It was a place for me to talk about my personal stories and also share my love of food and recipes that I was always making. Fast-forward seven years and you’ll not only find a website with hundreds of unique recipes, but also an ambitious community who craves wellness inspiration. You can find me sharing my favorite cookie recipe along with personal accounts of my wellness journey in order to inspire others to find balance, self-love and a delicious menu to come home to each day. You can also find me on Instagram @ambitiouskitchen.

What is your personal favorite recipe on AK?

It varies, but I really love my Thai Coconut Yellow Curry Chicken and Rice, and my Tahini Brownies.

Stack of Tahini Brownies from Ambitious Kitchen author Monique Volz, photo by Monique Volz

Check out Monique’s Killer Tahini Brownie recipe on Ambitious Kitchen! Photo by AK.

Tell us about the stylish sister to AK, Ambitious Home. How does it co-exist with Ambitious Kitchen?

I started Ambitious Home after searching for rugs that would create a statement in my Chicago apartment. I’ve always loved older, vintage pieces that tell a story. I began rug hunting through wholesalers, dealers, antique shops, estate sales and auctions, and feel in love with learning about vintage rugs and the beautiful, bold colors they brought to my home.

Antique rug and bar cart cover light hardwood floor underneath stair case, photo by Liveside Media

Monique cherishes antique and vintage rugs in her Ambitious Home. Photo by Liveside Media.

After a trip to the Middle East in late 2015, I decided that a [ecomm] rug shop would be my next adventure, and later, my husband joined me to help make the dream a reality. We couldn’t be happier doing what we love!

What is your favorite interior design style?

I’d say my personal interior style is modern bohemian. I love mixing patterns and bold colors, but also love earthy textures and the cozy feeling you get when you’re in a comfortable home.

Boho bedroom design with white and grey furniture, nightstand and bedding photo by Jasmine Pulley

This beautiful bedroom boasts bohemian rhapsody! Photo by Jasmine Pulley.

What projects are you currently focusing on?

We just signed a lease for a space in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago that we hope to turn into a home goods store and open sometime this spring. The idea is to have a mix of vintage home goods (including antique rugs), wellness and beauty, plants, ceramics and art. We love the idea of curating something special for our community and customers.

Whether it’s design, decor, or new dishes, who inspires you?

I love to look for interior design inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram. Two of my favorites are @houseofsixinteriors and @carlaypage. For decor and new dishes, I always love Anthropologie, and Lulu and Georgia Rugs!

Photo by Carley Summers.

The Blinds Spot

Let's talk blinds, shades, & a whole lot more…