Having grown up in a climate where it was always warm outside, a passageway window in the kitchen has always seemed like a great idea. Passageways blur the boundaries between rooms that previously seemed separate, improving the flow and functionality of your home.
“In a year-round outdoor state like California, a pass-through window in the kitchen seamlessly connects the indoors and outdoors,” explains interior designer Raili Clasen of RailiCA Design. “Connecting two spaces with a pass-through creates a whole new room outdoors.”
But it doesn't always work. In fact, Sydney-based architect Georgina Wilson, founder and principal of Georgina Wilson Associates, doesn't think kitchen windows are worth it. “They're used less than you'd think and you end up sacrificing other important functions,” she says. So we've done the deep research to help you decide whether this kitchen window idea could actually work in your home. Here's what you need to know.
What is a Kitchen Pass-Through Window?
As the name suggests, the kitchen pass-through window is pass This can mean moving items from the kitchen to adjacent rooms such as the living room or dining room, but more recently, it's also happening to outdoor kitchens and outdoor entertainment areas.
Also known as a serving window, serving hatch or concession window, this design feature was originally popular in midcentury homes but has fallen out of fashion as more open-concept lifestyles have become more popular.
(Image courtesy of Sean Litchfield. Design by Crystal Sinclair Designs)
But you still see them on interiors from time to time; Crystal Sinclair, interior designer and founder of the full-service firm Crystal Sinclair Designs, incorporated them into a recent project (see above) in Morningside Heights, New York City.
“The clients were very particular about having a passageway,” she says of the bi-fold windows that connect the kitchen to the adjacent dining room. “It was a challenge to portray it without it feeling too blocky. We wanted something a little more subtle than usual, but I think we found a good balance.”
What styles of kitchen passage windows are available?
The market is full of different styles of kitchen pass-through windows. “We love both the flip-up café style and the accordion style, which allows the entire opening to be a pass-through space,” says Raili Clasen of RailiCA Design.
There are bi-fold options, as well as folding, pocket and sliding windows. “Folding pass-through windows fold up and stack like an accordion to create a wide, unobstructed opening — perfect for large pass-through areas,” says Brian Quick, product manager at Anderson Windows & Doors.
“Andersen also offers lift-slide pass-through windows, which feature custom hardware that lifts the panel and moves the window smoothly along the flush track for nearly effortless operation,” he adds.
According to Georgina Wilson, the easiest and neatest entryway system is a sliding door. “As they're closed most of the time, they need to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your home,” she adds.
(Image courtesy of Karyn Millet. Design by RailiCA Design)
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What window treatments work well for kitchen pass-through windows?
“That's the problem: No one does it!” says Georgina, who tends to advise her clients not to install kitchen window treatments at all because they tend to collect dust and you don't want them near food.
If your windows face an outdoor area, you can also install outdoor shades such as awnings or pergolas. Otherwise, the type of window treatments that will work best will depend on the style of window you choose.
“Retractable blinds or shades are great for passage windows because they can be easily opened and closed to control light and provide privacy,” says Brian, “but in some cases, leaving the window untreated can enhance an open, seamless connection between spaces, especially if the window faces a private outdoor area.”
(Images courtesy of Sadolin and Sandtex)
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Is your kitchen passage window outdated?
While not necessarily outdated, the purpose of a window into a kitchen has certainly evolved, so it's definitely worth considering how appropriate it is for your particular floor plan and kitchen layout.
“I think it only works well if it's not installed on the main entryway to the outside,” explains architect Georgina Wilson, “The only time I've seen it work well is when it's installed on a wall as a passageway to the side of the house.”
Lifestyle etc.Editor Hugh Metcalfe of The Wall Street Journal has a different take: “In my small kitchen, choosing large patio doors to the outdoor space wasn't an option, as it would have meant losing a lot of cabinet and countertop space,” he says. “Opting for bi-fold pass-through windows allowed me to stay connected to the garden and made it much easier to be social when friends came over.”
“Sure, a kitchen-to-dining room access window may have become outdated with the move to open-plan living, but an indoor-to-outdoor access window can make a world of difference to your layout,” he adds.
(Image courtesy of Karyn Millet. Design by RailiCA Design)
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So, are kitchen passage windows worth it?
As with anything to do with your home, it's all up to you, but if you need help making a decision, we recommend taking a good look at the specific layout of your kitchen and considering what a pass-through window would add to the space and what you might have to compromise or give up in order to install one.
Would a door be a better fit for wall space or perhaps a cabinet? Would an outdoor area be more functional, allowing for easier distribution of food and drink? Where do you live? What's the climate like? How often would you realistically like to have your windows open? How much would it cost and what does your budget allow?
