Invigorate Your Kitchen with Brilliant Window Ideas Over the Sink
Tired of staring at a boring wall while washing dishes? Transform that unused space over your kitchen sink into a design feature that enlivens your entire kitchen.
Placing windows above the sink ushers in natural light, provides views, and visually expands smaller kitchens. With plenty of stylish window treatment options, you can customize the look and functionality of your kitchen sink windows.
Why Choose a Window Over Your Kitchen Sink?
Here are some of the benefits of incorporating a window over your kitchen sink:
- Allows natural light to flood the space, making washing dishes less dreary.
- Offers views of the outdoors, creating ambiance.
- Opens up and expands smaller, enclosed kitchen spaces.
- Ties in seamlessly with pendant lights or overhead lighting.
Unlike a solid wall, windows prevent the sink area from feeling too closed off from the rest of the kitchen. Your eye naturally gravitates towards the light and scenery that a window over the sink provides.
Design Considerations for Sink Windows
If renovating your kitchen, there are several window design factors to consider over the sink:
Size and Placement
Do you want a full wall of windows above the sink or a single window pane? Floor to ceiling windows make a dramatic statement, allowing ample light. Opt for placing the window directly over the sink basin or extending the entire width of the counters and backsplash.
Materials
Glass comes in endless options like frosted, stained, textured and can be combined in different panes. Window frames also vary from wood, vinyl, fiberglass to metal in numerous colors and finishes. Get creative mixing materials that complement your kitchen design.
Features
Determine if you prefer fixed or operable windows that open over the sink. Double hung, awning, and casement styles allow different venting capacities. Also decide between interior versus exterior window mounting based on your climate and preferences.
Popular Window Treatment Options Over the Kitchen Sink
Once you have the perfect window in place over your kitchen sink, it’s time to dress it up with the right window coverings and treatments. This transforms the windows into an alluring focal point full of style.
Window Coverings
For covering sink windows, top choices include:
- Cafe Curtains: Offer a light, airy feel with their sheer fabric and decorative valance.
- Roman Shades: Made of fabrics like linen or jute; raise and lower smoothly.
- Roller Blinds: Sleek and simple with crisp, clean lines.
- Bamboo Shades: Natural look, provide privacy and light filtering.
- Valances: Fabric draped over blinds/shades, purely decorative.
Window Dressings
For a touch of elegance over your kitchen sink windows, utilize these dressings:
- Tiered Curtains: Soften the window with ruffled tiers.
- Swag Valances: Dramatic swags of luxurious fabrics.
- Tieback Curtains: Gathered with clips or sashes in the middle.
- Priscilla Curtains: Elegant, dignified style with a valance header.
- Layered Panels: Interesting dimension from varied panels.
Specialty Window Films
Enhance functionality and aesthetics with these window film options:
- Frosted: Provides privacy while diffusing light.
- Stained Glass: Colorful, faux stained glass pattern film.
- Patterned: Whimsical prints like florals or geometrics.
- Privacy Film: Opaque vinyl film prevents seeing in/out.
Design Tips and Inspiration for Windows Over Kitchen Sinks
Take your kitchen sink window from boring to brilliant with these inspiring ideas:
Infuse Natural Light
Maximize sunlight entering the kitchen by opting for large window panes over the sink. Skylights or solar tubes also amplify overhead illumination. To filter in light while maintaining privacy, use sheer curtains or an open weave bamboo shade.
Add Style and Interest
Paint or wallpaper the window frame in an accent color that pops against neutral cabinetry. Display colored glass bottles on the sill to pick up kitchen hues. For ambiance, hang glittering pendant lights or elegant sconces on either side of the window.
Increase Privacy and Functionality
Without proper window treatments, passersby can easily see into the kitchen. Solve this by installing blinds or shades for discretion. Choose frosted or textured glass to obscure the view out while still allowing light flow. Apply specialized window films or tints to reduce visibility.
Maintain and Decorate Windows
Keep your kitchen sink windows spotless by using a squeegee after washing dishes. Mix up white vinegar and water for a homemade glass cleaner. Freshen up the look seasonally by changing window valances, panels, and dressings. Add some greenery and color by displaying herbs or plants on the sill.
Enhance Task Lighting Over the Kitchen Sink
Proper lighting takes your kitchen functionality up a notch. Supplement overhead and natural light over the sink with these options:
- Under cabinet lighting beams down right where you need it most.
- Sleek pendant lights centered over the sink offer both illumination and style.
- Sconces or track lighting mounted on side walls target the sink area.
With abundant light, any kitchen task from food prep to cleaning becomes easier and more enjoyable.
FAQs About Kitchen Sink Windows
What factors impact the cost of adding a window over my sink?
The size of the window, glass and frame types chosen, if electrical work is needed, removal of existing walls, and labor will all affect the final cost. Professional installation of a new large kitchen window can run $2,000 or more.
How can I reduce glare from my sink window?
Glare-reducing window film, light filtering shades/blinds, and sheer curtains are great options. East or west facing windows get the most direct sun. You can also add a small awning or reposition neighboring trees/plants for shade.
What are the best curtains for kitchen windows over the sink?
Look for washable natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp. Cafe style curtains work well to protect from splatters. Draw curtains fully when washing dishes, then open after to enjoy the light and view.
Use a soft microfiber cloth, squeegee, or sponge with a non-streaking cleaner or vinegar solution. Wipe down sills and windows regularly to avoid grease buildup. Go for chrome, vinyl or laminate blinds which are easy to wipe clean.
With the right window design and treatments, you can invigorate your kitchen and make washing dishes feel almost peaceful. Fill the space above your sink with natural light, beautiful views and your unique style sensibility.