Suggestions for blinds/window coverings in Kitchen/Family room

15 years ago

We'd like to replace our tired old mini-blinds that are currently in the windows for something that might be a bit more decorative, yet functional. The only time of year that we really need them are May-September, when the afternoon sun pours into the room. I like the look of wooden matchstick shade, but are they difficult to use and how are they to keep clean? I'm wondering if they would really keep much sun out as well.

We don't need anything for privacy, as we are on acreage and no one can see in these rooms unless they are in our back yard.

Any suggestions?

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Comments (7)

deborahnj
15 years ago
Patty are you able to post pictures? It may be easier to post suggestions if we can see the space.
User
15 years ago
My unlined bamboo shades do not keep out much sun. The sun coming through them can still blind you. I think they probably block a little of the heat coming through the window though.
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Haha, no kitchen nudity and I have been living with it just like this since moving here in late January. Right behind that open fence is our neighbor - this is our side yard. That wouldn't be so bad, but they run a horse boarding operation so there are actually alot of people from about 10am-8pm wandering around just the other side of that semi-open fence. Longer term, a beautifully dense evergreen hedge is going up against that fence, but for now I want a bit of privacy since sometimes, I want to be able to dance and sing along with the radio while I am cooking dinner without an actual audience, the imaginary one in my head is enough. :) I really don't like ruffly curtains and valances. I do like a more structured cornice, so would consider something like that over a blind or shade of some kind. I started out thinking wooden blinds but just hit me it would almost look like that heavy look of lots of wood cabinets. I thought about curtains, or open cell/pleated type shades or blinds, but this is a kitchen and I want something that can handle the occasional water splash. I just can't get my mind around putting in cafe type curtains either... so i keep coming back to the wood or bamboo option. Thanks for the tip on the photobucket. Other boards I frequent you post the img tag, not the html. I can't figure out how to edit posts in this forum so I couldn;t go back and fix it!
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pattyk_64
Original Author
15 years ago
Here's a pic of my kitchen in progress

The kitchen cabs used to be the same color as the fireplace built-in. The plan is to redo this in the winter, we need to get outside once the kitchen is done. Right now we're thinking we'll paint the bookcases black and do the fireplace in stacked rock with some kind of wood mantle. There is also a small bay where the table is between the kitchen and family room area.

Oh, and we are definitely painting over the stencilling!!!
mom2reese
15 years ago
I really like plantation shutters for functionality. They're easy to dust and block light really well. On the flip side, they let in a lot of light when open, especially if you get wider ones (ours are 4").

They're not especially decorative, but I don't think you want to compete too much with your GORGEOUS built-ins!

We have them both stained an unstained.

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
buddyrose
15 years ago
bamboo blinds let a lot of light in so if you want to block light sometimes I wouldn't get them. I love shutters and 2 inch blinds because u can have options with them re: how much light, privacy etc. u want.
pattyk_64
Original Author
15 years ago
Those shutters are gorgeous mom2reese!!!
The only issue I have with that type is that when it's not summer I don't really want anything obstructing the view of the backyard. I really do love how they look though.
I'm starting to think 2" blinds might be the way to go, but DH isn't too keen on them unfortunately. I'll have to think on this a bit more I guess.
mom2reese
15 years ago
I really like 2" wood blinds, too. We have them in the upper bedrooms that face the back of the house (to save money), and they look great.

I do love the look of bamboo and woven wood shades. You can get them with a blackout liner so they don't let in as much light. I had considered them but didn't get them because the "all or nothing" aspect(you can only raise or lower). It doesn't sound like that's an issue for you, though, since privacy is not an issue.

Suggestions for blinds/window coverings in Kitchen/Family room

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