5 Reasons to Choose Shutters for Your Kitchen Windows
With such a busy and versatile space, you need kitchen elements to match. Window shutters are one of the most versatile window treatment options available on the market. From faux wood to real rattan, there’s always material and color to match your style. We listed 5 reasons to choose shutters for your kitchen windows.
Offers the Ultimate Flexibility
Shutters can help better control light, ventilation and views. Not all kitchens can be oriented to the east or in the southeast direction; the deemed best spots for this busy space, as you get the morning sun while avoiding glare during the afternoons. That is why shutters for the kitchen windows is the best option if you want flexibility, as you can control three elements, namely, light, ventilation, and vista.
Facing a window while washing the dishes is a treat, but not all the time you want to view the outdoors, and vice versa. A shutter can control how much you want to view, which in turn gives you privacy when needed. Ventilation is another element that usually changes with the seasons. Light, meanwhile such as glare during lunch or the afternoon, can be disruptive, and by having shutters, you can block or redirect light.
Protects Surfaces from Fading from UV Exposure
You can screen off UVA and UVB rays with certain shutters. While UV rays are known to neutralize bacteria, constant exposure to UV rays can also damage material surfaces. While many countertop suppliers, typically those that have marble and granite products, will tell you that quartzite and other synthetic materials will fade easily with constant exposure to the sun, However, the truth is that any surface not meant to be used outdoors is likely to discolor and deteriorate with consistent UV exposure.
Look for window shutters that are made from materials that are UV protected so their paint or surface won’t fade easily. The thick material itself makes the shutters a practical option when you want longevity in the material coloring.
Easier to Remove Accumulated Dirt and Debris
What makes the shutters versatile is also the reason why homeowners think twice about getting the louvered window treatment. The number of slats that need to be cleaned individually may take a while compared to having your curtains or shades sent to the laundry. However, when it comes to removing grease and other food residues, the impervious material of your shutters is easier to clean, as dirt and debris won’t seep through the slats easily.
Wiping off the surface removes grease instantly using a cleaning hack with tongs wrapped in microfiber on each tong. Run through the tongs with the clip just enough to pass through the slat and remove any dust or hardened debris. You can add cleaning agents to the microfiber to remove stubborn dirt.
A Safer Option Compared to Fabrics- Fire-Rated and Hygienic
Pollen and other dust particles can get caught easily through a curtain. People with sensitivity to dust as well as mites and other types of allergens can suffer sneezing, wheezing, or even asthma attacks. While fabric can filter in dust, unmaintained curtains can also harbor bacteria as food and other debris from the kitchen serve as their nourishment over time. With a window shutter, you can clean regularly, even daily, to remove dirt without the need to replace and take down your window treatment.
Another safety factor of shutters is that they won’t easily get caught in a fire, as there are fire-rated shutters that won’t easily burn. Aside from catching fire from the end of the kitchen’s curtain, there’s also the possibility of the curtain falling from its fastened rod.
A Wide Range of Materials to Choose From – Durability and Variety
When opting for window shutters in your kitchen, water-resistant material is a practical choice, as you can easily clean the slats with chemical-based detergents to remove dirt. Water-resistant material also means you won’t worry about water or any type of liquid warping off your window slats. Another quality to look for in your shutters is that they are fire-rated, so it may be hard to get on fire, or that they do catch on fire after a few hours, giving you time to evacuate or put off the fire.
There are a myriad of window shutter designs. For instance, if you’re worried about not enjoying a full view of the outdoors when you need to, you’ll find plantation shutters are a great option, as you can fold the panels vertically and push them away on the side. With the shutters out of the way, you can have a full view of the outside. Faux wood, vinyl, aluminum, MDF, and PVC are common materials for your window shutters, covering a wide price range.
