Modern Kitchen Window Treatments for Southern California Homeowners

October 08, 2015

With regards to looks and usability, the best kitchen window treatments are faux wood shutters or faux wood blinds.

Why are those two the best options? Faux wood blinds and shutters are the window treatments that can best stand up to the messes and moisture of the kitchen, while still offering great looks and privacy.

Take a look at how shutters and blinds stand up to the heat, and stay in the kitchen in Southern California homes.

Faux Wood Shutters Are Your Kitchen Windows’ Perfect Match

classic shutters in Southern California kitchen

Just about anything you could want out of a window treatment for your kitchen, Southern California’s best faux wood shutters offer. These are a few things you probably want from any furnishing in your kitchen:

It needs to be moisture-proof. Steam rising from a skillet, splashes from washing dishes in the sink, or spilled beverages can destroy the appeal of most window treatments. Faux wood shutters are totally moisture-proof, in addition to their protective coating and finish.
It needs to be easy to clean. It’s a fact – kitchens get dirty. So when that 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 operate. Want to open up the window in a hurry to let out steam or smoke? Trying to put your freshly baked pie on the window sill to cool? Shutters are easy to operate, and give you full access to your window.

Most other window treatments can’t do any of those, let alone all of them. Draperies and shades are easy to stain, any real wood window treatment won’t handle the moisture in a humid room like the kitchen, and metal blinds can be a pain to open or shut in a pinch.

Southern California kitchen sliding door shutters

Not to mention the fact that faux wood shutters look incredible in the kitchen. With marble, hardwood and slate countertops at the height of popularity in Southern California, faux wood shutters give your kitchen a look that can rival anything you’ll see in a designer boutique.

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

Faux Wood Blinds – Classic Window Treatment For Modern Southern California Kitchens

Plantation shutters are our #1 pick for Southern California kitchens, but they aren’t the only thing that work in the kitchen. In Southern California, faux wood blinds are our second pick for best kitchen window covering.

Faux wood is usually going to be moisture-resistant, so we’re headed in the right direction. Faux wood blinds also won’t stain, so, a damp cloth will get them looking pristine again after a mess. Keep in mind 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 rot or shrivel after a long period of exposure to humidity, so ask your window treatment provider about the cord material.

Faux wood blinds are also perfect for windows right above the sink. In some Southern California kitchens, an appliance or extensive cabinetry might block shutters from opening. With blinds, a pull of the cord will open up your view.

And their looks are gorgeous. They might not be as versatile as Polywood shutters, but faux wood blinds can complement other natural materials such as a granite countertop or natural wood 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?

Most fabric window treatments such as draperies or shades can easily get stained, making them impractical for a busy kitchen. The moisture and humidity in your kitchen might also result in mildewing.

What color should I get for kitchen shutters or blinds?

For the kitchen, we recommend a neutral color. A solid white or off-white is an awesome choice, because they’ll complement any new appliances or countertops you might put in down the road. Blacks and browns also work well.

Which window treatment should I get if my kitchen window uses a lever to open?

If your kitchen windows open via lever, shutters will still work! Shutter panel cut-outs are easily made, and give you full access to your window.

Which kitchen window treatments are fire-resistant?

Polywood shutters are fire-resistant, and will never scorch even from prolonged heat exposure, either from the sun or from the oven.

During a kitchen remodel, when should I install new window treatments?

Your window treatments, whether they’re shutters, shades or blinds, will almost always be one of the last parts of a remodel. However, it can be beneficial to involve your window treatment company early on in your remodel 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 what we recommend for most Southern California kitchens, but each kitchen is unique. For some personal attention for your windows, get an in-home consultation with one of Sunburst’s window experts. Call us at 888-611-2474 or use the form below.

And for window treatment recommendations for the other rooms in your home, check out our Total Room Window Guide.

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