The Best Window Coverings for Bathrooms and Kitchens

Bathrooms, ensuites, kitchens and laundries are the toughest rooms in the house for window coverings. Constant steam, splashes and humidity will warp timber, spot fabric and grow mould on the wrong material. The best window coverings for wet areas are the ones that shrug all of that off: waterproof polymer (PVC) plantation shutters, aluminium venetian blinds, and PVC or waterproof roller blinds. Here is what works, what to avoid, and how to pick for each room.

The best options for wet areas

Polymer (PVC) plantation shutters

Waterproof polymer plantation shutters are the standout choice for bathrooms and ensuites. They will not warp, swell, crack or peel in humidity, they wipe clean in seconds, and the louvres let you control privacy and airflow, which actually helps the room dry out. Because they are moulded rather than made from timber, steam simply does not bother them.

Aluminium venetian blinds

Aluminium venetian blinds are a budget-friendly, moisture-proof option for kitchens and laundries. The metal slats do not absorb water, resist rust when powder-coated, and wipe down easily when they catch cooking splashes or grease. They are a practical pick where you want light control without the cost of shutters.

PVC and waterproof roller blinds

Waterproof roller blinds use a PVC or coated fabric that repels moisture and cleans with a damp cloth. They suit laundries and kitchen windows well, and blockout versions add privacy for bathrooms. Avoid standard fabric rollers in a wet room, as they can spot and hold moisture.

What to avoid in a wet area

Two materials cause most of the problems: real timber and untreated fabric.

Timber blinds and timber shutters absorb moisture, so they can warp, swell and discolour. Keep them to dry rooms.
Standard fabric roller blinds, romans and curtains can spot, hold damp and grow mould in a steamy bathroom.

If you love the timber look, choose a timber-look polymer shutter instead. You get the same appearance without the water damage.

Room by room

Bathroom and ensuite: polymer shutters are the best all-rounder for privacy, ventilation and durability. A waterproof blockout roller is a cheaper alternative.
Kitchen: aluminium venetians or a waterproof roller handle grease, steam and splashes near the sink and cooktop.
Laundry: a PVC roller or aluminium venetian is practical, easy to clean and inexpensive.

Keeping them looking new

Whatever you choose, ventilation helps. Run the exhaust fan and tilt or open the covering after a hot shower so moisture clears quickly. A quick wipe now and then keeps polymer and aluminium looking new for years.

Common questions

What are the best blinds for a bathroom?

Waterproof polymer plantation shutters are the best choice for most bathrooms, with waterproof PVC roller blinds a cheaper alternative. Both handle steam and wipe clean easily.

Do blinds get mouldy in wet areas?

Fabric and timber can grow mould in a humid bathroom. Waterproof polymer shutters, aluminium venetians and PVC roller blinds resist mould because they do not absorb moisture.

Are plantation shutters ok for bathrooms?

Yes, as long as they are polymer (PVC) rather than timber. Polymer shutters are fully waterproof, will not warp, and are ideal for bathrooms, ensuites and laundries.

What window coverings are waterproof?

Polymer plantation shutters, aluminium venetian blinds, and PVC or coated roller blinds are all waterproof or water resistant and suited to wet areas.

Fitting out a bathroom, kitchen or laundry? We make and install waterproof shutters and blinds across Sydney and the Macarthur region. Book a free in-home measure and quote and we will help you match the right material to each room.