Hi Tracy, if you're after the best of both you can get shutters on a gliding track (see below) which look really nice but note that this can be quite an expensive option. Alternatively you could vertical blinds or even rollers which can be kept out of the way when you want the window exposed or even hung outside the recess if required. Some food for thought below: Gliding track shutters: https://cheapestblindsuk.com/shutters/ Vertical Blinds https://cheapestblindsuk.com/cheap-vertical-blinds-2/ Roller Blinds https://cheapestblindsuk.com/cheap-roller-blinds/ Hope this helps, Alec 0800 112 3335

For my first roman blind I used a roman blind kit from Dunelm, worked out great. I then used those instructions to go on to make a further 12 (never buy a house with 5 sided bay windows!) and purchased the bits needed from terrysfabrics as mentioned by Catherine Byrne. They are really straightforward. The key is to take your time with your measurements/calculations and with ensuring your edges and rod pockets are straight.

Hi there, As others have said, it much depends how you use your kitchen. Lots of our customers do choose Roman blinds for their kitchens as they like the softness they provide - but you must think about things like splashes from sinks as well as cooking smells. One thing others have suggested is Wooden blinds. Fauxwood blinds are the perfect solution for kitchens - they look like wood, but they won't warp in steamy conditions and are really easy to wipe clean. Good luck with your search, Zoe

Whatever you do, do not have pure silk curtains, unless you are prepared to fit a blind as well. I made the mistake of buying silk curtains from Laura Ashley five years ago and they have started to fray at the edges. I do blame myself as I knew silk was not as durable as synthetic but I fell for them and hoped by having them lined and interlined they would be ok. I was wrong, as they are in a bedroom with great views I really didn't want to fit a blind as well. I am going to have to now and have the curtains repaired, by putting an edge on them in a different colour, they were far too expensive to change for new curtains as the window is very wide and the curtains are floor length, plus, they look good in the room, apart from the fact they are fraying! To start with I might just swop the curtains over, rather than have them altered, but I am certainly having a roller blind fitted, it will have to be plain white and in use when nobody is staying, luckily the bedroom is a guest room.