Not Every Blind Belongs in a Wet Room
We see a lot of kitchens and bathrooms where the wrong blinds have been fitted, and it shows. Warped wooden slats above a sink. Fabric roller blinds with black mould creeping up from the bottom. Roman blinds that have gone limp from years of steam. These rooms throw everything at your window coverings — moisture, heat, grease, condensation — and if the material can’t handle it, the blind won’t last.
The good news is that the right blind in a kitchen or bathroom will look great and last for years. You just need to know what to choose and, just as importantly, what to avoid.
What to Avoid
Let’s get this out of the way first:
- Real wood blinds — We love them in living rooms and bedrooms, but moisture is their enemy. Constant steam and condensation will cause real wood to warp, crack, and eventually split. It doesn’t matter how good the finish is
- Untreated fabric blinds — Standard roller or Roman blind fabrics will absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for mould. If you can’t wipe it clean, it doesn’t belong in a bathroom
- Anything with fabric tapes or cords that dangle near water — They’ll get damp, they’ll stain, and they’ll look tired very quickly
What Works: Our Top Recommendations
Aluminium Venetian Blinds
These are our go-to recommendation for kitchens. Aluminium doesn’t rust, doesn’t warp, and wipes clean in seconds — a damp cloth is all you need. They’re available in a wide range of colours and finishes, from classic white and silver to bold colours that can pick out a feature in your kitchen. The slat control is excellent too, so you can let in as much or as little light as you like while you’re cooking.
We fit a lot of these above kitchen sinks and next to hobs, and they hold up beautifully.
Faux Wood Blinds
If you want the look of real wood but you’re fitting in a bathroom, faux wood is the answer. Modern PVC alternatives genuinely look convincing — good enough that most visitors won’t notice the difference. They’re completely moisture-proof, they won’t warp or discolour, and they wipe clean easily.
We particularly recommend these for bathrooms where you want a warm, natural feel. A faux wood blind in a light oak or white finish can give a bathroom that calm, spa-like quality without any of the practical headaches of real wood.
PVC and Moisture-Resistant Roller Blinds
A roller blind in a waterproof PVC fabric is a practical, affordable option for both kitchens and bathrooms. They’re available in a decent range of colours and patterns, they pull up neatly out of the way when you don’t need them, and they’re straightforward to keep clean.
For bathrooms, we’d suggest a translucent or dimout fabric that gives you privacy during the day without making the room feel dark. For a kitchen window, you might prefer something you can pull right up to let the light flood in while you’re washing up.
Perfect Fit Blinds
If your kitchen or bathroom has uPVC windows — and most newer ones do — Perfect Fit blinds are worth considering. They clip into the frame, so they’re tucked neatly out of the way of splashes and steam. The aluminium Venetian version is particularly practical for kitchens: moisture-proof, easy to wipe, and the close fit means less grease and grime getting behind the blind.
They’re also brilliant for tilt-and-turn windows, which are common in modern bathrooms. The blind moves with the window, so you can ventilate the room without the blind flapping about.
Room-by-Room Tips
Kitchens
- Next to the hob: Keep blinds well clear of open flames and hot surfaces. We always recommend a hard-wearing material like aluminium here
- Above the sink: Expect splashes. Aluminium Venetians or PVC rollers are your best bet — anything you can wipe down quickly
- Patio or bi-fold doors: If your kitchen opens onto the garden, consider Perfect Fit or vertical blinds in a moisture-resistant fabric. They handle the constant opening and closing without getting in the way
- Grease build-up: It happens in every kitchen. A monthly wipe with warm soapy water keeps aluminium and faux wood blinds looking fresh
Bathrooms
- Privacy first: If your bathroom is overlooked, you need a blind that works when it’s down. Frosted or dimout roller fabrics, or closed Venetian slats, both do the job well
- Ventilation matters: Open the window after a bath or shower. The less moisture that lingers, the longer any blind will last — even the waterproof ones
- Shower windows: If the blind is directly in the splash zone, PVC roller or aluminium Venetian is really your only sensible option. Anything else will struggle
Keeping Them Looking Good
Kitchen and bathroom blinds need a bit more attention than blinds elsewhere in the house, but it doesn’t have to be a chore:
- Dust or wipe weekly — A quick pass with a dry or slightly damp cloth prevents build-up
- Deep clean monthly — Warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid works well on aluminium and faux wood. Rinse and dry
- Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals — They can damage finishes and coatings over time
- Check for mould regularly — Especially around the bottom of bathroom blinds and in the headrail. Catch it early and it’s easy to deal with
- Keep the room ventilated — Good airflow is the single best thing you can do for the longevity of any blind in a wet room
Let Us Help You Choose
We’ve been fitting blinds in kitchens and bathrooms across Suffolk for years, so we know what works and what ends up being replaced in eighteen months. If you’re not sure which option is right for your home, get in touch and we’ll come and have a look. We’ll bring samples, take measurements, and give you honest advice — no pressure, no jargon, just practical recommendations from people who do this every day.