Many questions undoubtedly arise when designing the focal point of your home, but one of the most common is whether or not to have a window over your sink. As someone who has spent hours standing in front of my kitchen sink gazing wistfully out the window (or, yes, noisily at my neighbors), I can tell you that this approach has many advantages.
But beyond providing a great vantage point for taking in the surrounding scenery, there are also practical reasons for having a kitchen window above the sink: “Natural light lets in, making the space brighter and more inviting,” explains Casey Ridley, founder and president of kitchen design and remodeling specialists The Designery. “Windows also improve ventilation, which helps remove cooking odors and excess moisture.”
But it's not always the best place for a window if you have to sacrifice vital storage space or spend extra on waterproofing around the window frame. It all depends on your working space and layout. If you're planning on installing a kitchen window above the sink, consider these points first:
(Image courtesy of White Arrow)
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What is the best kitchen layout with a window above the sink?
The location of your windows can have a big impact on your kitchen's overall layout and the function and flow of the space. Installing a window over your sink is “particularly useful in U- or L-shaped kitchens, where the sink is often the focal point,” says Casey Ridley of The Designery. Even better, you can turn your kitchen into a kitchen window passageway that connects it to the dining room or outdoor space.
But just because you have the space below a window doesn't mean it's the best fit: “In a small galley kitchen or a kitchen with limited wall space, a window may not be as practical due to storage needs,” adds Casey.
You also need to be able to see across the kitchen: “A window over the sink works best in kitchens where the stove is on the other side of the sink to create a functional work triangle,” adds Phoenix-based interior designer Lee Herr of MacKenzie Collier Interiors.
Are there any drawbacks to having a kitchen window over your sink?
As well as limiting your storage and cabinet options, another downside to having a kitchen window over your sink is access to existing plumbing and electrical fixtures. Unless you're building from scratch, moving these connections can be cost prohibitive, so you might end up making the decision yourself.
And, of course, you need to consider how you'll use the space: “Around the sink is a typically moist area, meaning water splashes will frequently reach the window, making it more susceptible to stains and requiring more frequent cleaning,” says Brian Quick, product manager at Anderson Windows & Doors.
As well as increased maintenance, this also impacts the materials and finishes you can use in the space. “It's important to choose a water-resistant window material like Fiberx to prevent moisture damage,” says Brian. “In addition, you may want to install a tiled backsplash around the windows to protect the walls and make them easier to clean.”
put kitchen backsplash around window It ultimately ends up being a more expensive option, so it's definitely a drawback to consider with this layout design.
(Images by Julie Leffell Photography / KA Design Group)
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How do you decorate a kitchen window above the sink?
Deciding to install a window over your sink will not only affect structural finishes like the window frame and countertop, but it will also dictate softer materials, like how the window is decorated.
When it comes to caring for your kitchen window treatments, there are always a few things to bear in mind, but interior designer Lee Her says that the one above the sink needs to be moisture-resistant and easy to move. “Avoid wooden shutters or fabric curtains; opt for vinyl blinds or roller blinds,” she says.
“Roman shades are a good choice because they can be raised and lowered, and can even be automated, reducing the need to bend or lean over the sink,” says Brian Quick of Anderson Windows & Doors. “Faux wood and aluminum blinds are also great because they're durable and easy to clean. Polyvinyl waterproof shutters are stylish and resistant to moisture, so they're another great option.”
(Image courtesy of Ronen Lev)
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How does a kitchen window over a sink affect cabinetry and storage?
Simply put, where there are windows there is no storage space, which is by no means the end of the world, but it does mean that your kitchen cabinets become even more important. do I am working hard.
“You'll have less upper cupboard space around windows, so you may need to consider alternatives like open shelving, tall pantry units and storage inserts to maximise lower cupboard space,” says Casey.
Brian Quick of Anderson Windows & Doors also recommends vertically aligning your sink with the window and centering the sink below the window for symmetry. “This way, you can make sure the window doesn't disrupt the flow of the upper cabinets,” he says. “Consider installing low upper cabinets or open shelving around the window to prevent clashes.”
If this placement isn't possible, you can offset the sink slightly to maintain a balanced look. “Using narrow cabinets on either side of a window is another strategy to maximize storage while lining it up,” adds Brian.
(Image courtesy of Justin Jordan Photo. Design by Bethany Adams Interiors)
So while a sink with a view may seem like an easy choice, it's not necessarily the most practical decision when it comes to kitchen design. It's important to weigh all the factors, such as how it will affect your storage options, whether it will blend in with your work triangle, where your existing service outlets are located, and the additional costs associated with tiling around windows and waterproofing the space.
And if after considering all this, you still think it could work in your space, then you're in luck.
