Blinds for Food Preparation Spaces

As more and more time is spent in the modern kitchen, special consideration should be given to what type of window blinds will create the desired atmosphere. After all, studies document that out of the sixteen hours of the average day, the average housewife spends almost five hours in the kitchen, which is a third of the awakened hours. This makes the kitchen the third busiest room in the house behind the bedrooms and the TV/family room.

So, let's look at the good choices for blinds in the kitchen that complement the space and improve the value in that room. The concerns in a kitchen are that these are bright rooms which need to be kept bright during use, and they are rooms which can get wet and dirty quite easily. These concerns are important, and we can find products that comply well with these guidelines.

Windows can enhance kitchen lighting. However, if you have a window which has a highly intense solar effect, then blinds for those windows can help. The blinds for that type of window can filter the sun, and let the rays still enter, without blocking it out completely. Thus, mini blinds can be a great choice. Consider perforated metal mini blinds, which allow the sun to enter in a filtered fashion through the blinds slats. Other materials that can be good for this type of space are fabric screen blinds. These can be light filtering, and there are many washable blinds fabrics from decent suppliers.

Because certain areas of the kitchen are subject to intensive use, wood blinds are not recommended because of the possible warping effect whenever exposed to water and high humidity. Whenever fabric blinds are used, low priced non-washable fabrics should not be used. Only washable fabrics that repel debris and dirt are recommended in kitchen blinds. Keeping in mind that no fabrics can be washed thoroughly, fabric blinds should not be machine washed or scrubbed aggressively.

The majority of fabrics used in kitchen blinds can be manually and gently washed in cool water and mild soap. Rinsing well is important and hang to dry. In the case of vertical blinds, rehang the louvers onto the track and place a towel under the fabric louvers while dripping dry. There are some interesting, attractive fabrics which are made specifically for blinds, which use a special treatment to make them washable. Look for these, but always assume that you cannot wash these in a machine, that will cost you your entire investment.

What of PVC blinds? Well, I am glad you asked. PVC is okay to use, in that it is not susceptible to water, and can help to moderate the light, however, remember that PVC is only safe is it is not heated up. If your kitchen is not well ventilated, or the blind is close to the windows, it is not recommended to use PVC blinds. This is not a chemistry lesson, but you should understand that the 'C' in PVC stands for chloride. If your blinds are exposed to too much heat, then the slats can cause a release of unhealthy and dangerous chemicals. Also, PVC blinds can absorb colors from smoke, and can be the hardest types of blinds to clean.

PVC blinds do come in several styles, including flat, curved and expanded foam. The expanded foam is widely promoted as a safe blind for the kitchens. Consider their locations before you make that investment. PVC can be dangerous if heated beyond normal conditions.

The modern kitchen is always equipped with state of the art appliances, beautiful counter tops and unique flooring which demand window blinds that not only are practical but that are also an asset to the decor. Always make sure the blinds fabrics selected are washable and safe. Proper installation is critical to achieving the desired appearance and trouble-free operation for many years. Select the right blinds, maintain them well, and you will see a lovely look to your food preparation areas.

Judith Persit