• BlindsBlinds image by Tasha from Fotolia.com
  
  When choosing blinds for your kitchen, it is important to consider the material of the blind, its style and its function. The material the blind is made of has an impact on the amount of wear and tear the blind can sustain. The style of the blind determines the placement and impact on design. The function of the blind is probably the most important consideration as this can determine how long the blind will last and its inherent ease of use. Options abound for kitchen blind styles; look in most home improvement stores or design centers for a broad selection of kitchen blinds.
  
  

Shutters

• Shutters make a functional yet attractive choice for most kitchens. Shutters can be made from either a composite resin material that mimics the look of real wood, or they can be made from real wood. Shutters that are made of composite materials offer resistance to sun damage, meaning that they will not fade or warp, as well as resistance to staining or discoloration. The color selection with composite shutters is limited; generally white, off-white, and a few faux wood grain effects are your options.
  
  Real wood shutters are available in a vast array of wood grains with varying finishes. These can range from a basic matte finish to a pearlized finish with some shine. Wood shutters do not have the same resistance to sun and weather as composite shutters. They can fade, become dull, and become stained and discolored. Care must be taken not to get the wood shutters wet as moisture can cause warping. Clean your shutters, whether composite or real wood, with a very slightly damp sponge or cloth.
  
  

Slat Blinds

• Slat blinds or Venetian blinds, like shutters, are available in wood or composite styles. Slat blinds are an optimal way to control light in the kitchen, with the ability to close the slats, and can also be raised to allow a full window view. They have a cord mechanism that allows for full function of the blinds. Composite blinds will be impervious to most sun and weather streaming through the windows, while you will have to be careful with wood blinds to prevent damage. Like shutters, slat blinds can be effectively cleaned with a slightly damp sponge or cloth.
  
  

Roman Shades

• Roman shades offer a soft, textured fabric alternative to heavy, thick blinds or shutters. With a cord mechanism, Roman shades can be raised and lowered to control the amount of light in the kitchen. Custom Roman shades can be made in just about any type of material, making it easy to coordinate with your kitchen. They can also be made from natural fibers such as rattan and bamboo. A downside to fabric Roman shades in the kitchen is that they tend to become dirty and dusty. The grease and grime that is often part of cooking and cleaning in a kitchen can settle onto fabric shades. Consider this when choosing a Roman shade for your kitchen. These custom window coverings generally will have to be dry cleaned to be effectively cleaned.