Choosing the right window furnishings in a kitchen renovation involves more than selecting a sizzling style. If you’re choosing between curtains and blinds for the kitchen, you might just find the blinds have it, hands down.

Billowy curtains may look pretty, but if your window is located anywhere near a stove or heat source, these kind of window treatments can become downright dangerous. If you really do prefer the look of curtains over window blinds in the kitchen, save them for windows that are out of reach of your work spaces and any potential hazards.

Unlike curtains, blinds such as Holland roller blinds are simple to clean, conveniently drawn up, and easily adjustable with a chain or automated system. Timber blinds, shutters or venetians are another stylish and durable option. Kitchen window blinds can be painted with a two-pak finish to match your decor, stained with a wood finish or colour-matched to a window frame. Timber blinds can be bought readymade or custom designed for your kitchen.

Don’t fall into the trap of choosing curtains and blinds that are tricky to use, especially in the working areas of the kitchen. A common ergonomic mistake is to install a blind that’s difficult to adjust with soiled hands or splashes from wet areas.

While window blinds and furnishings should complement your kitchen’s design, remember that a kitchen is a wet area with many functions and your window furnishings will be subjected to heat, steam, smoke and splatters. Curtain fabric and some timber blinds are less suitable in these conditions than blinds, which are hard wearing and easily cleaned.

The most popular window furnishings for kitchens are easily maintained products that can be drawn away from the sink, avoiding splashes. Roller blinds are excellent, as they can be adjusted using an easily controlled chain or automated system and are simple to clean. Curtains are less popular for a reason – splashes and cooking residue settles on the fabric, making them look dirty and worn.

To an unsuspecting buyer, all blinds may look similar, but the mechanism and finish on cheap furnishings is usually inferior, resulting in loose fittings, rough edges, off-centred operating bars and squeaky shutters. It’s best to go through a reputable company, ask questions and view their working samples before making a decision.

To find the perfect kitchen curtains and blinds – including timber blinds, roller blinds and venetian blinds, browse online retailers before hitting the stores: